Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach (Distance)

Department

Job Posting Title

Job Description

Fort Hays State University Athletics invites applications for a Full-Time Assistant Coach specializing in Distance Running within the Cross Country and Track & Field programs. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position reporting directly to the Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field.

This position will serve as the Distance Coach and will assume primary responsibility for developing and directing all aspects of the distance program, long distance (5,000m–10,000m), steeplechase, and cross country, for both the Men's and Women's programs. This role demands a coach who is passionate about student-athlete development, excels in building recruiting pipelines, and upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and competitive excellence consistent with NCAA Division II and MIAA conference expectations.

More generally, this position is responsible for assisting with the organization, development, and administration of all functions related to coaching a competitive Division II Cross Country and Track & Field program.   Fundamental duties include, but are not limited to, coaching, recruiting student-athletes, commitment to the academic and athletic success of student-athletes, student-athlete development, assisting or directing camps and clinics, and overall program operations.  This position collaborates with intercollegiate athletics staff members, sports medicine and performance staff, academic support staff, compliance staff, and institutional partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary coach for all distance athletes across men's and women's cross country and track & field programs
• Design, plan, and implement periodized training programs for cross country (fall) and track & field (indoor/outdoor) seasons
• Lead practice sessions, meet-day warm-ups, race strategies, and post-competition reviews
• Monitor student-athlete workloads, fitness progression, and injury prevention in collaboration with sports medicine and sports performance staff
• Develop and execute race and competition strategies for individual student-athletes and team scoring scenarios
• Manage distance student-athlete schedules for dual-season training, overseeing cross-training and recovery protocols
• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes at the high school and transfer (portal) levels to meet program talent needs
• Build and maintain relationships with high school coaches, club coaches, and prep programs both nationally and internationally
• Conduct on-campus visits, official/unofficial visit weekends, and off-campus evaluations in accordance with NCAA DII compliance
• Manage a recruiting database and maintain consistent communication with prospects through all permissible channels
• Evaluate transfer portal candidates and manage the eligibility clearance process in coordination with the compliance office
• Monitor and support student-athletes’ academic progress and eligibility in collaboration with the FHSU academic support staff
• Mentor student-athletes in areas of personal growth, leadership, and transition planning beyond athletics
• Foster a positive, competitive, and supportive team culture consistent with the values of FHSU Athletics
• In collaboration with sports medicine, sports performance, and University resources, support student-athlete development as it relates to sports nutrition, mental performance strategies, and overall wellness
• Responsible for compliance with NCAA, MIAA, and institutional rules and regulations, ensuring program compliance. 
• Aid in the organization and supervision of all aspects of the Cross Country and Track & Field program.  
• Enhances the student-athlete experience through team expectations, personal development, and opportunities, such as but not limited to community service, team building, leadership development, etc.

• Assists in directing camps and clinics.        
• Responsible for providing support with scheduling of practices, team and recruiting travel arrangements, and student-athlete meetings.
• Attends and participates in scheduled compliance seminars and complies with all Athletic Department efforts to monitor compliance with NCAA regulations.
• Active member of the FHSU Athletic Department and University, while representing the university and Cross Country and Track & Field program in a professional manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Relevant, successful competitive or coaching experience, preferably at the collegiate level.  Proven ability to teach specific strategies and techniques, and develop successful competitive strategies. Strong communication skills (written and oral), a high level of organization, and attention to detail are required. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in a related field.  Relevant, successful competitive or coaching experience is required. 
 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Those associated with coaching a competitive collegiate cross country team.
 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
General office conditions.  General athletic event environments, both indoor and outdoor.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents:  Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.