Assistant Track and Field Coach

About Alvernia University

Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country. 

Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for developing the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage. 

Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education. 

Job Summary:

The Assistant Track & Field Coach is responsible for providing ethical leadership in assisting with all aspects of an NCAA Track & Field program, including, but not limited to, recruitment and retention of academically and athletically qualified student-athletes and preparing student-athletes for success through practice planning, strategy development, and skill instruction. Preference will be given to candidates with jumps, throws, and/or multi-event experience, but anyone interested in the position is encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions:

1. Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics. As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.

2. With the head coach, responsible for the design, implementation, and execution of a comprehensive recruiting strategy and plan that will identify, recruit, and retain academically and athletically qualified student-athletes in accordance with all university admissions standards and procedures; meet or exceed annual established recruiting goals.

3. With the head coach, responsible for the design, implementation, and execution of day-to-day practice coaching, meet-day coaching, and strength & conditioning for the applicable event group(s).

4. Attract, organize, and manage indoor track & field meets, including coordination with Event Management, setup, meet management, and breakdown.

5. Ensure commitment to the academic success of the student-athletes, including monitoring academic progress and attendance and involving appropriate academic support resources when necessary.

6. Foster a positive environment where student-athletes can learn, grow, and reach their potential; serve as a mentor, advisor, positive role model, and exemplar of good character and integrity; monitor discipline and conduct of student-athletes to foster personal growth and ensure adherence to community standards and appropriate codes of conduct/expectations.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. With the head coach, maintain appropriate records and paperwork and ensure program (head coach, assistant coaches, student-athletes, etc.) compliance with all university, Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), and NCAA policies, rules, and regulations.

2. Design and implement a formal communication plan that includes regular meetings with student-athletes. Seek volunteer service opportunities for student-athletes to aid in reaching personal, program, and departmental goals.

3. Assist the Head Track & Field Coach with planning, preparing, and implementing collegiate and high school competitions.

4. With the head coach, responsible for budget/purchasing planning to ensure a balanced budget annually.

Qualifications/Education:

1. Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University.

2. Bachelor’s degree and successful experience as a student-athlete and/or coach is required. College coaching experience is preferred.

3. A demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletic administration. Commitment to be a good colleague and team player.

4. Demonstrated problem-solving, strong leadership, communication, organizational, and team-building skills/capabilities; ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks/projects in a fast-paced environment.

5. Commitment to fostering a positive student-athlete experience where the safety, health, and well-being of student-athletes is paramount.

Physical Requirements:

1. Attendance is required in order to perform the duties of this job.

2. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

3. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

4. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

5. Frequent travel is required.