Assistant Coach, Cross Country (On-site)

About the role

The University of California, Merced is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under general direction, the Cross Country Assistant Coach oversees specific aspects of a small to mid-size sports program and may provide guidance to other personnel. Under the direction of the Head Coach, the incumbent will assist with managing the team along with shared responsibility in the areas of recruiting, retention, coaching, game and practice management, monitoring student-athlete academic progress and eligibility. Responsible for maintaining knowledge of and compliance with NCAA, conference, and athletic department rules and regulations related to student-athlete eligibility within the scope of assigned duties.

This is a part-time 40% FTE position with a 1-year contract duration. The position is fully on-site. The salary the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $20,000. Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 2, 2026; the posting may close any time after the review date.

Responsibilities

• Under guidance of the Head Coach, develops technical aspects of player coaching.
• Assist the Head Coach with the management of games and practices. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, conducting drills, monitoring practices, overseeing strength and conditioning sessions, managing statistics and video exchange program.
• Analyzes performance and instructs participants in program strategies and techniques to prepare them for competition.
• Assist in the identification, evaluation, and recruitment of future student-athletes within the rules of the NCAA, conference and campus.
• Maintain accurate records related to recruit contacts, evaluations, and visits.
• Observes players while they perform to determine need for individual or team improvement.
• Participates in the evaluation of student athletes' performance.
• Represents and promotes professional conduct, university good will and high standards at all events and games.
• Ensures adherence to all governing rules, university, department, conference, NCAA policies and procedures, including student-athlete benefits.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related area from an accredited institution (required).

Experience: 1 year of related experience, or equivalent experience/training with a college-level program (required).

Licenses and Certifications:

• May need to maintain NCAA certified recruiter status (required).
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification (required).
• Valid driver's license (required).

Skills

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with athletic participants (required).
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making; be an effective problem solver and effectively communicate verbally and in writing (required).
• Specialized knowledge of the team sport or activity, as well as basic technical expertise in coaching principles (required).
• Current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the affiliated athletic conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the campus adheres, and all times carry and all violations of these rules and standards (required).

Pay

The salary the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $20,000. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Part-time 40% FTE, fully on-site, 1-year contract duration. Initial applicant review begins on or around November 2, 2026.