A. General Summary of Position:

This is a full-time (12-month appointment) benefits eligible position. The Associate Cross Country/ Distance Coach’s responsibilities will include the management of all facets of the UMass Boston Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field programs in collaboration with the Head Coach. This position oversees cross country, distance, and middle-distance athletes. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to administration, budget management, alumni stewardship, recruiting, scheduling of competitions, meet management, including hiring officials, team travel, weekly practice sessions, academic monitoring, advising of students, community service events, and compliance with NCAA and conference rules and regulations. Additional responsibilities may include department-wide duties as assigned.

The Associate Cross Country/ Distance Coach is responsible for compliance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), conference and University of Massachusetts Boston rules and regulations. The Associate Head Coach maybe be required, upon a successful Registry of Motor Vehicles background check, to drive passenger vans for team travel. Participation is required in University and UMass Boston Athletic Department sponsored events such as the Open House and other fundraising events.

B. Examples of Duties:

• Daily operations include creating a positive diverse and inclusive environment for the student-athlete to excel in the academic and athletic environments following the NCAA Division III philosophy.
• Create and develop an evolving positive, diverse and inclusive team environment that develops and allows for student-athletes to meet their full potential on the athletic field, in the academic setting, and on-campus which provides character building and life skills (career development, leadership skills, time management, work ethic) in and out of season.
• Maintain and increase knowledge of sport specific training and coaching techniques and strategies for preparation of intercollegiate competition at a competitive level both within the conference and nationally.
• Adhere to departmental procedures relative to purchasing and travel expenditures.
• Assist with the coordination of team travel and logistics, including vehicles, lodging, and meals.
• Responsible for practice and meet preparation to prepare and develop strategies and skill development.
• Ensure that all practices are conducted in a professional manner according to UMass Boston and NCAA time requirements.
• Work with the sports medicine and sport performance staff to support the physical and mental needs of the student- athletes.
• Responsible for creating a competitive NCAA approved schedule that falls within the financial boundaries of the athletic department.
• Coordinate the scheduling of facilities for practices.
• Provide an opportunity for annual evaluations with student-athletes.
• Assist the Head Coach with the hiring and overseeing of assistant coaches.
• Provide team statistics and other relevant materials to Assistant AD for Sport Communication.
• Ensure proper safety precautions regarding student-athletes’ training and health are followed at all times including UMass Boston Risk Management procedures.
• Demonstrates adherence to UMass Boston Risk Management procedures, as well as timely and effective communication with Sports Medicine to ensure the health and safety of the student-athletes.
• In conjunction with the Head Coach, define budget needs including equipment, team travel, uniforms and personnel.
• In collaboration with the Head Coach, as well as other members of the athletic
• department, assist with fundraising responsibilities including building and maintaining relationships with Alumni through newsletters, phone-a-thons, and departmental Alumni activities.
• Responsible for managing the social media team accounts in accordance with university and department policies.
• Maintain and have thorough knowledge of NCAA, conference, and institutional rules and regulations.
• Head coach is required to take and successfully pass the NCAA Division III Rules Test, annually pass CPR/AED certification and Mental Health First Aide.
• Report any alleged violations of NCAA, conference, or institutional rules and regulations.
• Responsible for understanding and managing team and resources in accordance with Title IX.
• Participate in collaborative activities across the campus and within the Department of Athletics and Recreation through service on committees and mentoring colleagues.

Recruiting/Enrollment Responsibilities:

• Recruit academically qualified student-athletes and maintain an appropriate number of student-athletes on the team.
• Develop and implement recruiting strategies to bring in qualified student-athletes.
• Travel to regional, national, and as necessary and financially able international events to recruit prospective student-athletes.
• Retain and monitor student-athletes who are academically prepared for the academic demands required of students at UMass Boston.
• Schedule, coordinate, and supervise official and unofficial visits of prospective student-athletes.
•  Develop, manage and maintain an updated recruiting database through the department identified system.
• Coordinate with Enrollment Management for special events.

Academic Responsibilities:

• Daily operations include creating a positive diverse and inclusive environment for the student-athlete to excel in the academic and athletic environments following the NCAA Division III philosophy.
• Help with ensuring NCAA progress towards degree requirements and working with student-athletes on achieving academic success and eventual graduation from UMass Boston. This includes monitoring student-athlete academic progress and performance as well as assisting with academic plans for individual student-athletes as necessary.
• Meet regularly with the athletics academic advisor regarding team academics.
• Embrace and model the NCAA Division III philosophy emphasizing balance of academics, athletics, and campus involvement.
• Build and foster relationships with faculty as a part of campus community and Athletics Faculty Advisors/Relations programming.
• Work with the athletics academic advisor to ensure an academic schedule that balances the intercollegiate requirements around practice and competition.
• Ensure student-athletes notify faculty of all competition schedule changes.

Alumni and Community Outreach/Development Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Deputy Athletic Director for Strategic Advancement to build a well-coordinated fundraising and alumnae engagement plan.
• In coordination and alignment with department’s strategy for advancement, develop fundraising programs to augment operations budget.
• Develop/maintain alumnae communication plan.
• Annually organize outside community centered activities for team members and staff.
• Develop relationships with outside resources to provide team community service opportunities.

Student-Athlete Development:

• Coordinate with sports medicine staff and sport performance team on return to play from injuries.
• Work with strength and conditioning coach on injury prevention activities and performance programming for student-athletes.
• Provide conflict management support.
• Provide mentorship to student-athletes around identifying their voice and taking responsibility for their actions.
• Monitor behavior that could be detrimental to an individual and the team.
• Provide education to team on topics such as drug abuse, domestic violence, hazing, social media, etc.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Competent fulfillment of other administration duties as assigned.
• Attend all staff and division-wide meetings.
• Attend all conference required meetings for your team(s).
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Athletics & Recreation and/or Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Administration and Operations and/or designated sport administrator.

Secondary Assignment:

• The position includes a secondary assignment assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Athletics & Recreation based on the candidate's credentials and expertise. Possible assignments could include game day management, event programming, marketing, etc.

C. Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and college coaching experience required.
• Understanding of and ability to reach and work well with diverse communities and constituents.
• Must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record and the ability to drive vans to and from contests and practices. Driver's license must remain valid throughout the duration of employment in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree.
• Preferred collegiate cross country and distance coaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and coach student-athletes at the scholastic or collegiate level.
• Previous Collegiate playing experience, along with an understanding of the NCAA and the Little East Conference (LEC) Conference bylaws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge and experience in managing fundraising activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Planning, Designing, and Implementing Distance workouts in an urban setting.
• Knowledge of and the understanding and ability to apply and instruct sport-specific skills, techniques, and strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit qualified student-athletes at the collegiate level successfully.
• Ability to identify and accomplish professional development opportunities for self.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.