Head Coach Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country - 999922
- Staff, full-time (32+ hours per week)
Title: Head Coach Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country - 999922
Position Number: 999922
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
Drake University's Athletics Department competes in the Missouri Valley Conference at the NCAA Division I level. Bulldog student-athletes thrive in the classroom and their respective field of play. Drake Athletics sport programs are considered Des Moines’ Hometown Team.
The department culture is predicated on a common value statement known as The Bulldog Way, written by coaches, staff, and student-athletes. This intentional commitment to a championship culture is led by integrity, excellence, wanting the best for and best from one another, and aspiring to greatness provides a foundation for student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff to study, work, and play.
Job Summary:
Drake University is hiring for the Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country. The position is responsible for overseeing all duties associated with running a competitive Division I track & field (indoor and outdoor) and cross country program.
The rich tradition of Drake Track & Field lays the path for a future rich with championships at the individual and team level. The next head coach needs to be visionary for the future of the program while building on a long-standing foundation of greatness.
We expect the utmost integrity across all aspects of the program. The head coach would be expected to sustain an atmosphere of academic and athletic excellence in compliance with NCAA, Missouri Valley Conference, and Drake rules.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Knowledge of applicable NCAA Rules and regulations.
• 8-10 years of successful track & field and/or cross country coaching experience at the collegiate level.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and computer skills
• Demonstrate success in recruitment of student-athletes
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to build rapport and students, faculty and staff.
• Skills to help student-athletes improve through training / coaching.
• Ability to develop and sustain relationships with prospective student athletes, parents, and coaches.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree preferred.
Head coaching experience is preferred.
Job Duties:
All job duties described below require understanding and compliance within the rules of the NCAA, Missouri Valley Conference, and Drake University.
- 51% - Lead the development and execution of effective practice and competition plans, including pre-and post-season conditioning programs for men’s and women’s track & field and men’s and women’s cross country. Provide feedback, including explanations and demonstrations to student athletes related to athletic technique and skill development and to achieve proficiency. - (Essential)
- 25% - Lead the recruiting and retention efforts of talented student athletes who represent the standards of the Drake men's and women's track and field program and men's and women's cross country program. - (Essential)
- 10% - Manage and oversee administrative duties including but not limited to: NCAA and Drake compliance processes, coordination of team travel plans, equipment and apparel, competitive scheduling, and business and finance paperwork. - (Essential)
- 10% - Contribute to a positive academic, athletic, and social environment for student athletes within the men's and women's track program and men's and women's cross country program, creating a culture of excellence. - (Essential)
- 4% - Communicate effectively and timely with coaching staff, athletes, parents, and administration about issues that pertain to the program. - (Essential)
- 0% - Performs other duties as assigned. - (Essential)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants will be asked to complete the online application through Drake's job board and provide: a resume/cv, a cover, and contact information for three references.
Have Questions?
Question about the application process, working at Drake, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources. You can best reach us at jobs@drake.edu.
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of work authorization.
Salary and Benefits:
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2025. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Drake:
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. In fact, the celebration of diversity and inclusion are embedded in our Core Values. Learn more about our DEI commitment and efforts here.
We welcome applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you are a member of a socially or historically underrepresented or marginalized group or you have actively demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you are a member of one of the equity groups identified by applicable law, we encourage you to self-identify, where requested in our online application system.
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
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