Head Coach Cross-Country - Men and Women at Westcliff University

Description

What if your next job wasn’t just a role, but a place where you truly felt valued, inspired, and empowered? Imagine working for a company that’s dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering others, while fostering a family-like atmosphere that genuinely respects and appreciates every team member. We offer:  

• Strong, guiding values that drive everything we do
• Outstanding benefits to support your well-being
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day

Does that sound like a place where you’d thrive? 

If so, keep reading, because this is exactly what Westcliff University is all about. Here’s a glimpse of what makes our culture amazing: At Westcliff, we strive to be the best in all we do, celebrating and supporting each team member as we grow and succeed together. As a global leader in innovative education, we’re known for our transformative, tech-driven programs and our unwavering commitment to excellence, social responsibility, and diversity.

Our tagline – Educate. Inspire. Empower. – perfectly sums up our mission: to create opportunities for students and employees to achieve success through hard work and empowerment. 

By joining the Westcliff team, you’ll have the chance to leave your personal mark on a growing institution, helping us shape the future of education while being part of a supportive and innovative community. Ready to feel inspired and appreciated while making a real difference? 

Apply now, and let’s grow and succeed together! 

Requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• CPR/AED Certification
• Minimum of 2 years of experience coaching collegiate Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, or equivalent elite-level experience (competition or management)
• Knowledge of NAIA rules, regulations, and procedures
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Experience managing staff and student-athletes
• Experience developing and managing an operational budget

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Core Competencies:

• Designing and implementing practice plans and competitive strategies
• Athlete preparation and conditioning
• Understanding and applying NAIA regulations
• Talent evaluation and recruitment
• Budget planning and management
• Mentoring student-athletes to foster leadership, academic success, and sportsmanship

Advanced Competencies:

• Fundraising and promotional activities
• Knowledge of health, exercise science, and physical education principles
• Prioritizing in-season and off-season responsibilities
• Delegating and supervising coaching staff effectively

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Develop Student-Athletes

• Foster personal, athletic, and academic growth in all student-athletes
• Promote sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and leadership development
• Ensure academic success through class attendance monitoring, academic planning, and coordination with faculty and staff

Recruitment

• Identify, evaluate, and recruit qualified student-athletes for both varsity and developmental squads
• Represent Westcliff University at recruiting events and within the community
• Ensure compliance with NAIA and institutional recruiting standards

Game Strategy and Team Management

• Develop and execute competitive strategies in collaboration with assistant coaches
• Make in-game adjustments and oversee athlete assignments

Program Administration

• Manage program budgets, including equipment, travel, and operations
• Submit timely and accurate financial reports
• Participate in departmental meetings and initiatives as requested

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist athletes as needed
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise Assistant Coaches, Volunteer Coaches, Graduate Assistants, and student-athletes

Performance Evaluation Criteria

Performance will be evaluated in five primary areas:

1. Academic Success – Student-athlete retention, GPA, and compliance with academic standards
2. Competitive Success – Program performance, athlete preparation, and conditioning
3. Regulatory Compliance – Adherence to university, NAIA, and Cal Pac policies
4. Fiscal Responsibility – Budget management and fiscal transparency
5. Recruiting Effectiveness – Recruitment outcomes and adherence to recruiting guidelines

Additional Information

• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required for travel to practices and competitions.  This includes the ability to drive University vehicles and transport assistant coaches and students.
• Westcliff University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin in any aspect of employment, education, or participation in university programs.