The Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach supports the educational mission of Aurora University by providing leadership, organization, and administration of all aspects of the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, scheduling varsity and junior varsity competitions, developing and managing the program’s operating budget, coordinating team travel, and overseeing day-to-day program operations.

Essential Job Functions: Manages and administers all aspects of the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs. This includes, but is not limited to, recruiting and teaching/coaching student- athletes, scheduling varsity and junior varsity contests as necessary, developing and managing operating budget, and making team travel arrangements.

Supervises assigned Assistant Coach(es) to ensure compliance to applicable rules, policies and procedures; provides orientation, training and guidance as needed; conducts performance evaluations.

Understands and follows NCAA and conference rules and regulations. Follows NCAA rules as outlined in Bylaw 13 in the NCAA Division III Manual. Reports any alleged violations of conference, or institutional rules and regulations.

Teaching/Coaching Keeps informed of contemporary trends, tactics, techniques and strategies in coaching, which includes developing a philosophy of what to teach and how to implement. Provides coaching and direction to assistant coaches, as well as praise and constructive feedback.

Plans, implements and evaluates practice sessions. Communicates expectations, praise and corrective feedback in a clear and constructive manner.

Develops effective game plans. Prepares team physically, mentally and emotionally for competition; maintains and meets high expectations for team athletic success.

Instructs student-athletes on high expectations for academic achievement; monitors the academic progress of student-athletes.

Instructs student-athletes on high expectations for student-athlete social responsibility and works to develop well-rounded student-athletes.

Instructs student-athletes on a standard of proper student-athlete conduct, both in and out of the athletic arena and works with the Vice President for Athletics to sanction those who do not meet the set standard.

Instructs student-athletes on a standard of proper safety. Monitors condition of equipment and facilities, and reports items in need of repair/maintenance to Instructs student-athletes on a standard of proper student-athlete conduct, both in and out of the athletic arena and works with the Vice President for Athletics to sanction those who do not meet the set standard.

Recruitment of Student-Athletes

Recruits and retains quality student-athletes and works with the Vice President for Athletics and the Office of Admission to satisfy target squad size numbers and freshmen/transfer recruitment goals.

Assists student-athletes and their parents in understanding the educational programs and opportunities at Aurora University as well as the opportunities in the athletic program. Answers questions to aid in the understanding of NCAA Division III rules related to recruitment.

Oversees selection, purchase and maintenance of team equipment, to include uniforms, athletic equipment and supplies.

Prepares and end of season report and assistant coach(es) evaluations by the date designated by the Vice President for Athletics. Schedules and completes an end of the year review meeting with the Vice President for Athletics.

Maintains records and statistics of team and individual performances. Utilizes the support of the Sports Information Director in collecting the necessary information for archives.

Maintains self-control and poise; provides an example of sportsmanlike conduct for team members, officials, opponents and spectators.

Develops and maintains a positive relationship with alumni and interested segments of the university and community.

Attends athletic department meetings and university community meetings and functions.

Supports the Head Track and Field Coach by carrying out assigned responsibilities

Handles confidential information with tact and discretion.

Drives university or rental vehicles as needed for away contests.

Performs special and/or additional duties as required by the Vice President for Athletics.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of four or more years of relevant experience

Skills:

• Organizational skills and understanding of compliance standards and regulations
• Experience supervising staff
• Excellent verbal and written skills required
• A valid driver's license and driving record which meets institutional requirements is required.
• Ability to interact verbally in person, over telephone and via written and electronic
• Ability to move about campus and other locations
• Evening and weekend availability is required
• Flexibility with an evolving work environment important

About Aurora University

Aurora University is a great place to work: a welcoming environment where new ideas flourish, with competitive salary and benefits packages. We seek people passionately involved in the educational process who will help us realize our mission. We accept resumes and CV's for open positions only. Please state the position you are applying for when submitting your information. Application instructions are listed at the bottom of each job posting.

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