Head Track and Field Coach

Location: Dayton, Ohio | Type: Full-time

About the role

The Head Track and Field Coach provides leadership and organization for all aspects of a competitive Division I track & field program. This position oversees the Head Coach for Cross Country and is responsible for instructing, training, and coaching student-athletes in the skills required for Division I competition. The role includes academic, social, and personal development of student-athletes, ensuring compliance with NCAA and institutional requirements, and prioritizing safety and health. The Head Track and Field Coach recruits quality student-athletes, engages in strategic leadership (team composition, competition strategies, peak performance), and performs additional duties such as compliance education, budget management, equipment procurement, and fundraising. This position complies with NCAA, Atlantic 10 Conference, and University rules and regulations.

This is a full-time, 12-month position with full benefits, requiring some travel and frequent evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of a Division I track & field program, including oversight of the Head Cross Country Coach.
• Instruct, train, and coach student-athletes in sport-specific skills and techniques for Division I competition.
• Support student-athletes in academic, social, and personal development, ensuring compliance with institutional and NCAA requirements.
• Recruit quality student-athletes from diverse backgrounds.
• Develop and implement competition strategies, team composition, and peak performance plans.
• Manage program budget, equipment procurement, and fundraising initiatives.
• Provide compliance education and ensure adherence to NCAA, conference, and university policies.
• Travel as required for recruiting, competitions, and program-related events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience as a successful track and field or cross country coach.
• Proven ability in recruiting, developing, and retaining quality student-athletes.
• Expertise in one or more track and field event areas.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license with a low-risk driving record and ability to be insured by the university.
• Strong commitment to adhering to institutional, conference, and NCAA policies, rules, and regulations.
• Dedication to student-athlete safety and welfare.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated ability to coach sprints, jumps, hurdles, and multis.
• Experience as a track/running coach at the collegiate level.
• Advanced training in one or more event areas.
• Supervisor experience.
• Effective interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Experience recruiting exceptionally competitive student-athletes.
• 1 or more years of coaching experience at the Division I level.