Head Cross Country Coach - PT

Position Summary:

The Head Coach of Mount Mary University's NAIA Cross Country program is an integral member of the Athletic Department at Mount Mary University and requires an enthusiastic, pro-active, high-energy individual who is determined to see that the program's roster goals are met and the student-athletes experience is positive. This individual must be committed to the NAIA values through "Character-driven Athletics" where MMU athletics staff embody and teach integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership on and off the field, in addition to the MMU Athletic Department pillars to "Recruit, Retain, and Develop".

The Head Coach works primarily with the athletics staff and coaches, student-athletes, faculty and other administrative offices to ensure that each Mount Mary University student-athlete and prospective student-athlete receives a quality experience. This opportunity requires the availability to work a variable schedule. Hours will be determined by mutual agreement with the Director of Athletics and work to best accommodate the needs of the Cross Country program along with athletics department. Traditional Season and Non-traditional Season hours will vary, with hours in between seasons likely being more consistent.

The NAIA experience provides our student-athletes an integrated environment that focuses on academic success while offering competitive athletics and the support of meaningful non-athletics opportunities to enhance their overall educational experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Recruitment - coordinate recruiting efforts to meet discussed benchmarks to ensure the Cross Country program is playing and practicing at or above the ideal number of student-athletes. Provide monthly recruiting updates to the Director of Athletics and/or Athletics senior leadership team along with Admissions team
  • Manage annual Cross Country athletic scholarship budget and athletic scholarship offers
  • Schedule recruiting visits and coordinate visits with Visitors Services
  • Review Slate consistently and update varsity coded list on a regular basis
  • Utilize Front Rush as main athletic recruiting data base and communication resource
  • Prepare and conduct all practice and competition plans
  • Prepare travel arrangements for team away competitions
  • Responsible for putting a practice and competition schedule together that meets NAIA requirements and minimize the amount of class time missed for competitions
  • Follow budget guidelines set forth by the Director of Athletics and reconcile credit card statements on a monthly basis
    • Coordinate fundraising efforts when needed

• • Manage and update programs apparel/equipment inventory list on an annual basis
    • Responsible for acquiring all issued apparel/equipment from softball student-athletes and coaching staff after season has been completed
  • Attend staff, admissions, athletic conference, and/or institution meetings /events when required

• Knowledge of, and adherence to, MMU Athletics Department Coaches and Student-Athletes Handbooks, NAIA and Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference rules / regulations regarding recruiting, eligibility, competition, compliance, etc.
• Responsible for team management, academic monitoring, fundraising, and team building event planning
• Promote and encourage a positive learning experience for student-athletes and a commitment to develop the whole person and nurturing bold, brilliant women
• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate assistant coaching staff including 1 student manager
• Assist as needed with management of other home athletics events
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Athletics senior leadership team

Skills and Experience:

• Coaching experience - 2-5 years required. Head Coaching experience preferred
• Collegiate-level coaching experience preferred, at the NAIA level is desired
• Experience within a collegiate athletic environment required
• Collegiate varsity playing experience preferred
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, ability to work independently, and possess a high level of confidentiality
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work with diverse groups, facilitate group process, and foster collaborative decision making
• Exceptional ability to multitask, prioritize projects, and extraordinary attention to detail
• Computer skills are required, along with the expectation to learn additional computer software programs, such as Front Rush, Slate, Jenzabar, and a variety of recruiting web sites
• Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision and exceptional ability to multitask and prioritize project
• Strong problem-solving skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred - in field of Sport Management/Administration desired
• Applicant must pass background check and motor vehicle records authorization
• To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to accomplish primary duties adequately. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required
• The individual will become familiar with athletic department program's recruiting software and digital tools along with admissions software; i.e. Slate and Jenzabar
• The Head Coach will identify, evaluate, contact, and build relationships with prospective student-athletes. This will be accomplished through attending high school and Junior College competitions, attending showcase events and club / travel tournaments, reaching out to HS and Travel coaches, reviewing competition / skills footage, and other activities as determined by the Head Coach and/or the Athletics senior leadership team
• Candidate needs to feel confident talking on a phone and creating coherent, professional correspondences (emails, letters, text messages, etc.)
• Strong communication and customer service skills

Physical Demands:

• Ability to Lift/Carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift
• Must sit, walk or stand for long periods of time
• Some repetitive motion may be required

Working Conditions:

• Work schedule can vary, especially during peak sports seasons
• Evening and weekend hours as needed
• Travel required
• Driving required
• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year
• Complete work required within a limited space
• Complete work required within a limited time
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions
• The Coach will be primarily located at the Milwaukee, WI - MMU campus, with flexibility for some remote work

Mount Mary University encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is vitally committed to all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates and all will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other groups protected by law. Mount Mary seeks to hire and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its mission, vision, and values.