Assistant Coach, Track & Field

Provide coaching and administrative assistance to the Head Coach. Oversee one or more specified areas of a Track & Field program or a component of the team, and assist the Head Coach with all aspects of recruitment and training of athletes.

About the Institution

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society’s greatest challenges. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One—the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

Responsibilities

• Organize, prepare, and conduct individual and team practices, training, and competition.
• Coordinate one or more specified areas of the Track & Field discipline and/or a component of the team.
• Assess individual abilities during practices and competitions, and devise strategies for capitalizing on strengths and improving weaknesses.
• Support the academic success of student-athletes through activities such as running study halls, maintaining grade books, enforcing class attendance, and directing students to appropriate resources.
• Provide guidance on life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, time management, handling adversity, failure, and success.
• Increase the knowledge and skill level of student-athletes in Track & Field.
• Organize and execute a successful recruiting program in consultation with the Head Coach, through cooperative efforts with the Office of Admissions and the Department of Athletics.
• Organize fundraising events such as alumni golf outings or tournaments, and provide administrative support for other fundraising activities like mail campaigns.
• Participate in off-season events such as camps, community coaching, and other activities to promote fundraising and recruiting.
• Assist the Head Coach in managing the people, facilities, and resources needed to operate the team, including:
  • Planning for team travel.
  • Preparing and submitting purchasing and travel requests.
  • Scheduling games, meets, and matches.
  • Managing home contests.
  • Ensuring NCAA and conference rule compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One (1) year of experience specific to Track & Field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license for occasional recruiting, team travel, and other Athletics-related responsibilities.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of all aspects of Track & Field.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and guidelines governing the recruitment and retention of student-athletes.
• Familiarity with athletic recruitment methods and techniques.
• Ability to guide student-athletes in area of specialty.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain appropriate contacts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to identify athletic skill levels of potential student-athletes.

Schedule

• Primarily business hours.
• Regular evening and weekend hours required during the competitive season to support practices, competitions, recruiting activities, team travel, and other Athletics events.
• This is a full-time, 10-month appointment (August through May) with scheduled furlough periods.

Travel

• Occasional overnight travel (10% or less) may be required for team competition, recruiting, conferences, professional development, and other Athletics-related activities.
• Incidental driving may occur for recruiting, team travel, or other Athletics-related activities.

Pay

Expected hiring range: $16 per hour, 40 hours per week for a 10-month (August through May) appointment.

Benefits

• Institute-owned housing may be available based on operational needs and institutional approval. The value of housing may be treated as taxable income in accordance with IRS requirements.
• Housing benefit eligible, with potential continuation during furlough periods for returning employees, subject to operational needs and IRS tax requirements.
• Comprehensive and affordable benefits package, including health and retirement benefits, generous paid time off, and tuition remission.
• Opportunities for career growth.