Director of Cross Country & Track and Field

The Director of Cross Country and Track & Field lead and oversees all aspects of the NCAA Division II women's and men's programs. This role provides comprehensive leadership in coaching, recruiting, student‑athlete development, and program administration, while fostering academic success and personal growth consistent with Newman University’s Catholic mission and values.

What You’ll Do

• Direct the daily operation of a competitive NCAA Division II Cross Country and Track & Field program
• Plan, conduct, and evaluate practices, event‑specific training, and competition strategies
• Recruit and retain qualified student‑athletes in alignment with NCAA, MIAA, and institutional standards
• Mentor student‑athletes in academic progress, leadership development, and holistic well‑being
• Teach 1 credit hour course(s) per semester within the Department of Athletics
• Monitor academic eligibility, progress‑toward‑degree, and support student‑athlete success
• Collaborate with Athletic Performance staff to design and monitor strength and conditioning programs
• Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, MIAA, and university rules, submitting all required documentation on time
• Coordinate with Admissions, Compliance, and campus partners to support student‑athlete onboarding
• Schedule practices, competitions, and team travel with approval from the Athletics Director
• Participate in fundraising, community engagement, promotional events, and booster club activities
• Plan and conduct camps, clinics, and other permissible events under NCAA Bylaw 13.9
• Manage program budget effectively and responsibly
• Serve as a positive role model who exemplifies Newman University’s mission, values, and commitment to inclusive excellence
• Complete all required trainings (Title IX, FERPA, etc.) and support departmental initiatives
• Contribute to the overall success of the athletics department and perform additional duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Successful coaching experience in Cross Country and/or Track & Field (college head coaching experience preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain NCAA‑caliber student‑athletes
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills
• Working knowledge of training methods, event‑specific instruction, and sport strategy
• Thorough understanding of NCAA Division II rules preferred; must pass the annual NCAA recruiting test (Bylaw 11.6)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor‑vehicle check
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as needed
• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups and foster an inclusive team culture
• Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification per NCAA requirements
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Physical Requirements

• Combination of office responsibilities and outdoor training/competition environments
• Ability to demonstrate sport‑related skills and engage in physical training activities
• Exposure to varied weather and field conditions
• Position requires stamina and durability

Benefits Overview

Newman University offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting your wellness and work‑life balance, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition waiver for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents after one year
• Additional benefits to support personal and professional growth

Why Newman?

Joining Newman University means becoming part of a mission‑driven community grounded in Catholic values and the tradition of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. You will help empower student‑athletes to excel academically, compete with integrity, and become leaders who transform society—on campus and far beyond.

Your leadership directly shapes program success, student‑athlete development, and the future of Newman Athletics.

Expectations

Employees are expected to exhibit a high degree of personal integrity in support of the University’s mission and NCAA standards.

As a member of the NCAA, individuals employed by or associated with a member institution to administer, conduct, or coach intercollegiate athletics shall act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that intercollegiate athletics as a whole, their institutions, and they as individuals represent the honor and dignity of fair play and the high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports. (See Bylaw 10 for specific ethical‑conduct standards that apply to all institutional staff members and student‑athletes.)

Institutional staff members found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as outlined in NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension of pay or termination of employment for significant or repeated violations, whether such violations occurred at the certifying institution or during the individual’s previous employment at another member institution. It is the responsibility of the head coach to promote an atmosphere of compliance within the program and to monitor the activities of assistant coaches and other administrators within the program who report directly or indirectly to the head coach (Bylaw 11.1.2).

Founded in 1933, Newman University is a liberal arts institution grounded in Catholic values and traditions yet is respectful of all faiths. At Newman you'll find people, programs, organizations and activities designed to educate the mind and inspire the spirit. Our low instructor-to-student ratio and collaborative faculty contribute to a positive learning environment. We are a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, US Region. We invite you to join us in our work of empowering our graduates to transform society!

Newman University participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm that new employees are authorized to work in the U.S. US Immigration law protects legally authorized workers from discrimination based on their citizenship status and national origin.

Newman University is committed to hiring faculty and staff members that reflect the diversity of our region and to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees, according to all applicable equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies and agencies. In keeping this commitment, it is the policy of Newman University to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, local human rights commission activity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a qualified protected veteran.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Newman University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 942-4291, ext. 2202 or email [email protected] in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.

Founded in 1933, Newman University is a liberal arts institution grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all faiths. At Newman you'll find people, programs, organizations and activities designed to educate the mind and inspire the spirit. Our low instructor-to-student ratio and collaborative faculty contribute to a positive learning environment. We are a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, US Region. We invite you to join us in our work of empowering our graduates to transform society!

Newman University participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm that new employees are authorized to work in the U.S. US Immigration law protects legally-authorized workers from discrimination based on their citizenship status and national origin.

Newman University is committed to hiring faculty and staff members that reflect the diversity of our region and to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees, according to all applicable equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies and agencies. In keeping this commitment, it is the policy of Newman University to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, local human rights commission activity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a qualified protected veteran.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Newman University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 942-4291, ext. 2202 or email hr@newmanu.edu in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.