Position Overview:
This position is classified as a 10-month full-time at-will employment appointment with administrative (30%) and coaching (teaching) (70%) responsibilities. This position is eligible to accrue sick leave at a rate of 10 hours each month but will not accrue vacation leave.
Under the supervision of the Head Coach for Track & Field/Cross Country, the Assistant Coach provides support and assistance to the intercollegiate Track & Field/Cross Country program including, but not limited to the following aspects: preparation of training/practice sessions, recruiting activities, meet preparation, team travel arrangements & logistics, and professional communication amongst the coaching staff, student-athletes, athletic trainers, administrators, and university constituents. Strong preference for this position will be given to those with expertise to coach distance running and cross country.
Position Essential Functions:
- Promote the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletics program; to include adhering to and enforcing all Departmental policies and procedures, as well as rules and regulations of the University, and the NCAA.
- Provide daily instruction to student-athletes to increase their knowledge and understanding of the sport.
- Assist with development and administration of all phases of the program including recruitment, training, practice, competition, scheduling, paperwork, and adherence to NCAA regulations.
- In cooperation with the Head Coach, the Assistant Coach will develop and maintain a system to identify potential recruits and to work closely with high schools and travel to recruit quality student-athletes to the University of Central Oklahoma.
- Work in conjunction with the Head Coach and appropriate University personnel to encourage the development of psychological, social, and mental skills necessary for the student-athlete to be successful in the classroom, on the track and field, and in future endeavors.
- Work with the Head Coach in developing individual athletes, training/meet plans, and individual workout and practice needs for various student-athletes.
- Educate individuals or groups in rules, strategies, techniques, and principles relevant to their particular sport.
- Assist with scheduling for practices and competition, interfacing with administrators and representatives from other schools/facilities.
- Monitor the conditioning and training of student-athletes. Working closely with Strength Coach and Athletic Training staff.
- Assist with travel to and from meets including, but not limited to, driving to meets and traveling with team on busses/vans.
- Assist the Head Coach by informing team leaders and individual team members of their responsibilities, duties, roles, etc.
- Cooperate with the University of Central Oklahoma’s athletic personnel for efficient utilization of shared facilities.
- Assist with organizing and hosting both cross country and track and field events.
- Assist with fundraising opportunities and budget preparations.
Experience Required:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience coaching at high school or college level with a commitment to Division II philosophy. Preference for minimum of two years in collegiate coaching and/or experience as a student-athlete or the equivalent combination of education and experience. NCAA experience preferred.
Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and be able to operate a typical motor vehicle.
Knowledge/Skills/Ability:
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of NCAA DII Track & Field rules/guidelines and the ability to teach/coach critical meet preparation skills, as well as create and administer a comprehensive training plan.
- Adheres to departmental policies and procedures, as well as rules and regulations of the University, the MIAA Conference and the NCAA.
- Ensure compliance of the program with University and NCAA.
- Knowledge and experience of the Division II philosophy.
- Demonstrated skills in developing and motivating students both academically and athletically.
- Understanding of teacher/coach model in a NCAA Division II athletics program.
- Ability to objectively evaluate physical skills in the areas of physical potential and mental capability for intercollegiate athletics.
- Proficiency in computer use and relevant Microsoft applications. Experience with recruiting and compliance software (ARMS, Jump Forward, etc.).
- Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills both orally and in writing.
- Ability to effectively communicate both within and outside the University including, but not limited to, student- athletes, parents, recruits, coaches, athletic training staff, and athletic department staff.
- Ability to provide effective leadership to student athletes to encourage both successful academic development and competitive performance.
- Ability to work within the team-oriented philosophy in the athletics department.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule.
- Travel is a requirement of this position.
- Must have current training certification in First Aid, CPR and AED or have scheduled date for re-certification.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
