Director, Cross Country, Track & Field Coach

The Director serves as a leader within the Athletic Department, collaborating with campus partners, coaching staff, and student-athletes to ensure a high-quality and mission-aligned athletics experience. This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Administration

Provide visionary leadership, strategic planning, and overall direction for all cross country and track & field programs, ensuring alignment with departmental and institutional goals.

Oversee all program operations including scheduling, travel coordination, competition management, equipment oversight, and budget administration.

Maintain consistent communication with the Director of Athletics and departmental leadership regarding program performance, strategic initiatives, and operational needs. Assist with additional administrative duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics. Coaching, Training & Student-Athlete Development

Design, organize, and implement comprehensive training, practice, and competition plans that promote athletic performance, health, and long-term student-athlete development.

Build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and high-performance team culture that prioritizes student-athlete growth, leadership development, academic success, and community engagement.

Monitor and support the academic progress, eligibility, and overall well-being of student-athletes in collaboration with the Office of Success and Career Development.

Partner with athletic training staff and team physicians to ensure comprehensive care and risk management for student-athletes.

Recruiting & Program Growth

Lead all recruiting efforts, identifying and attracting student-athletes who align with the mission and values of Otterbein University and its athletics program.

Represent the program and University in a professional manner through engagement with alumni, community partners, and fundraising initiatives that support program growth and sustainability.

Competition & Event Management

Serve as Meet Director/Manager for hosting track & field competitions and assist with cross country meets, ensuring efficient execution and compliance with NCAA and conference standards.

Must be able to travel extensively and operate University vehicles, including passenger vans, when required.

Supervision & Collaboration

Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of assistant coaches, the head cross country coach, and student employees, promoting professional growth and accountability.

Collaborate closely with the head cross country coach to ensure program alignment, shared philosophy, and seamless coordination across cross country and track & field seasons.

Compliance & Institutional Standards

Promote and ensure compliance with all University, NCAA, and Ohio Athletic Conference rules, policies, and procedures, including student conduct, equity and inclusion standards, and student-athlete welfare policies.

Must be knowledgeable of Otterbein University policies including, but not limited to: Hazing, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Violence, Discrimination and Intimidation, and FERPA.

Exercise sound, independent judgment in managing complex and competing priorities in a fast-paced intercollegiate athletics environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide direct supervisory responsibility, leadership, mentorship, and evaluation for the Head Cross Country Coach, assistant coaches, and all program support staff, including student employees, ensuring accountability, collaboration, and ongoing professional development across the entire cross country and track & field program structure.