Assistant Coach - Cross Country/Track & Field (81676) at Iona University in New Rochelle, NY

Job description

Iona University is seeking a motivated, knowledgeable, and student-athlete-focused Assistant Coach for its Cross Country/Track & Field programs. The Assistant Coach will assist the Head Coach with all aspects of program administration, recruiting, training, competition preparation, and student-athlete development. The successful candidate will contribute to a competitive, positive, and inclusive team environment while supporting the academic, athletic, personal, and professional growth of student-athletes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Coaching and Student-Athlete Development Assist the Head Coach in planning, organizing, and conducting practices, workouts, and training sessions for cross country and track & field student-athletes. Provide technical instruction and coaching consistent with the program’s training philosophy and competitive objectives. Support the development of individualized training plans, performance goals, and competition strategies. Evaluate student-athlete performance and provide constructive feedback to promote continued improvement. Assist with team travel, meet preparation, competition management, and post-competition evaluations. Promote sportsmanship, accountability, leadership, teamwork, and a positive team culture. Recruiting and Retention Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who align with the academic and athletic standards of Iona University. Establish and maintain relationships with high school coaches, club coaches, prospective student-athletes, and their families. Assist with recruiting communications, campus visits, official and unofficial visits, and recruiting events. Maintain accurate recruiting records and assist with roster management and student-athlete retention initiatives. Support prospective student-athletes throughout the admissions and enrollment process in coordination with appropriate university offices. Academic and Student-Athlete Support Monitor student-athlete academic progress and encourage academic accountability. Collaborate with academic support staff, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning personnel, and other university departments to support student-athlete well-being and performance. Promote compliance with university policies and expectations for student-athlete conduct. Serve as a positive mentor and role model for student-athletes. Program Administration and Operations Assist with the day-to-day operations and administration of the Cross Country/Track & Field programs. Support team scheduling, equipment management, practice planning, travel arrangements, and meet logistics. Assist with budget management and purchasing in accordance with departmental procedures, as assigned. Participate in team meetings, departmental meetings, recruiting activities, camps, clinics, and other Athletics initiatives as assigned. Contribute to program evaluation, performance tracking, and long-term planning. Transport student-athletes and team personnel to practices, competitions, team events, and other approved activities using university vehicles, as assigned. Rules Compliance and Institutional Responsibilities Maintain knowledge of and comply with all applicable NCAA, conference, and Iona University rules, regulations, and policies. Complete required rules education and institutional training. Promote a culture of integrity and report potential compliance concerns through appropriate channels. Support the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Iona University and the Athletics Department. Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Coach or Director of Athletics. Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Collegiate coaching experience or relevant experience in cross country and/or track & field. Strong knowledge of training principles, competitive preparation, and student-athlete development. Excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Ability t