Fresno Pacific University is seeking a passionate and dynamic Head Coach for the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams. This leadership role offers the exciting opportunity to shape and oversee both programs, guiding athletes to achieve their highest potential both academically and athletically. The Head Coach will be responsible for managing all aspects of the teams, including leading and mentoring assistant coaches, recruiting top-tier student-athletes, monitoring academic progress, and fostering a positive, competitive environment. Additionally, the Head Coach will play a key role in budget management, fundraising efforts, and ensuring the continued success and growth of the programs. Join a supportive and collaborative athletic department at an institution that values student-athlete success, personal development, and a commitment to excellence.
Essential Functions
Provide oversight of the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country program, including oversight of assistant coaches, and team captains.
Function as the head assistant coach for the Men’s and Women’s track and field program.
Monitor the academic success of the student-athletes in the cross country and track and field program and work cooperatively with FPU faculty to support student athletes’ path to graduation.
In conjunction with the track and field head coach, coach and schedule meets, practices, and conditioning.
Responsible for the content and organization of the cross country program including, but not limited to, fundamentals and techniques, strategies, and knowledge of all aspects of the sport.
Engage in professional development for self and staff with the goal of keeping with the current trends and developments; as well as the implementation in order to perform duties more effectively.
Attend professional opportunities including, but not limited to, PacWest and NCAA meetings.
Actively recruit academically and athletically talented student-athletes in accordance with the philosophy of FPU and in strict adherence to University, NCAA, and PacWest regulations.
Provide input and work cooperatively with the Director of Athletics and/or their designee in budgeting for and requisitioning all goods and services needed and used in the cross country program including, but not limited to, supplies, equipment, apparel, team travel, recruiting, etc.
Ensure Men’s and Women’s Cross country programs each operate within the University allotted budget for operating expenses and scholarships. Any expenses in excess of the team budgets must be covered by revenue generated dollars.
Fully participate in department fundraising activities, fundraising events, university campaigns, and special project campaigns, including closely working with the Director of Athletics and Assistant Athletics Director for External Relations.
Position Summary
Fresno Pacific University is seeking a passionate and dynamic Head Coach for the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams. This leadership role offers the exciting opportunity to shape and oversee both programs, guiding athletes to achieve their highest potential both academically and athletically. The Head Coach will be responsible for managing all aspects of the teams, including leading and mentoring assistant coaches, recruiting top-tier student-athletes, monitoring academic progress, and fostering a positive, competitive environment. Additionally, the Head Coach will play a key role in budget management, fundraising efforts, and ensuring the continued success and growth of the programs. Join a supportive and collaborative athletic department at an institution that values student-athlete success, personal development, and a commitment to excellence.
Essential Functions
Provide oversight of the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country program, including oversight of assistant coaches, and team captains.
Function as the head assistant coach for the Men’s and Women’s track and field program.
Monitor the academic success of the student-athletes in the cross country and track and field program and work cooperatively with FPU faculty to support student athletes’ path to graduation.
In conjunction with the track and field head coach, coach and schedule meets, practices, and conditioning.
Responsible for the content and organization of the cross country program including, but not limited to, fundamentals and techniques, strategies, and knowledge of all aspects of the sport.
Engage in professional development for self and staff with the goal of keeping with the current trends and developments; as well as the implementation in order to perform duties more effectively.
Attend professional opportunities including, but not limited to, PacWest and NCAA meetings.
Actively recruit academically and athletically talented student-athletes in accordance with the philosophy of FPU and in strict adherence to University, NCAA, and PacWest regulations.
Provide input and work cooperatively with the Director of Athletics and/or their designee in budgeting for and requisitioning all goods and services needed and used in the cross country program including, but not limited to, supplies, equipment, apparel, team travel, recruiting, etc.
Ensure Men’s and Women’s Cross country programs each operate within the University allotted budget for operating expenses and scholarships. Any expenses in excess of the team budgets must be covered by revenue generated dollars.
Fully participate in department fundraising activities, fundraising events, university campaigns, and special project campaigns, including closely working with the Director of Athletics and Assistant Athletics Director for External Relations.
Responsible to have the men’s and women’s cross country teams finish in the top half of the PacWest Conference Championship, position teams to be competitive in the West Region, and to be competitive in the NCAA postseason.
Assist in maintaining the athletic facilities and ensuring the appearance of the facilities is representative of the FPU image.
In cooperation with Director of Athletics and/or their designee, purchase equipment within the means of the budget.
Maintain and store equipment for men’s and women’s cross country teams.
Mentor qualified support staff to assist in operating men’s and women’s cross country programs.
Supervise graduate assistant coaches.
Participate in Athletic Department and FPU events and initiatives.
Ensure staff participation in Athletic Department and FPU initiatives as determined by the Director of Athletics.
Continually strive to enhance the image of the FPU Athletics Department and its programs through in-contest conduct, interpersonal contacts with parents, visitors, University faculty/staff, and community citizens.
Demonstrate highly effective organizational and communication skills to ensure each program operates at its full capacity.
Promote and organize service projects in accordance with the staff handbook and ensure participation of the men’s and women’s cross country teams in these and other Athletic Department sponsored service projects.
Know, recognize, and comply with the laws, policies, rules, and regulations governing of the NCAA, the PacWest, and the FPU Athletic Department, ensuring that assistants and any other employees and/or volunteers in the cross country program comply with the aforesaid policies, rules, and regulations.
Immediately advise the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance of any reasonable cause to believe violations, whether by employees, students, boosters, or parents have occurred or will occur.
Demonstrate a commitment to serving and inspiring students and colleagues in a context of a Christian University, integrating your Christian faith into your role and responsibilities.
Uphold and advance Fresno Pacific University’s commitment to Christ-centered higher education, holistic student development, and serving diverse communities.
Complete tasks timely with work that is comprehensive, complete, and accurate
Communicates clearly, listens attentively, and seeks to understand others
Collaborates productively with colleagues of varying skillset
Other job duties as assigned
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Experience in coaching men’s and women’s cross country
Bachelor's degree
Environmental Conditions:
Outdoor Work Environment: The majority of the position involves outdoor activities, including overseeing practices, training sessions, and competitions in varying weather conditions (e.g., heat, rain, and cold temperatures).
Active Coaching: The coach will be actively engaged in running and demonstrating techniques during practice, often participating in runs or drills alongside athletes to provide hands-on instruction.
Travel for Competitions: The position requires frequent travel to attend and coach at cross-country meets, including both local and out-of-town events, which may involve long hours and time spent in various locations and weather conditions.
Physical Stamina: The role demands physical stamina to engage in daily practices, travel, and meet preparation, requiring the ability to walk, stand, and run for extended periods.
Office Work: In addition to outdoor and travel-based duties, the coach will spend time in an office setting for administrative tasks, such as recruitment, scheduling, and budget management, which requires sitting and computer work.
Handling Equipment: The coach will be responsible for organizing and transporting necessary team equipment for practices and competitions, which may require lifting and moving items.
Varied Terrain: Training and competition courses may involve running on various terrains, including tracks, trails, grass fields, or hills, requiring the coach to be adaptable to different conditions.
Physical Demands:
Extended Periods of Standing and Walking: The coach will spend long hours on their feet during practices, competitions, and team events.
Running and Physical Participation: Ability to engage in running alongside student-athletes during practices, demonstrating techniques, and leading by example.
Lifting and Carrying Equipment: Responsible for transporting and setting up team equipment, including cones, hurdles, and timing devices, which may require lifting and carrying.
Walking and Moving Across Varied Terrain: Ability to traverse different terrains, including tracks, trails, and grassy fields during practice and competitions.
Travel Requirements: Travel to competitions and events, which may require the ability to handle long hours of travel and physically manage time spent on the road.
Climatic Adaptability: Comfortable working in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind, during outdoor practices and events.
Monitoring and Supervising: The role requires the ability to closely monitor athletes during physical activities, often from a distance while still being active in the environment.
Physical Stamina: Strong endurance for participating in practices, staying active throughout the day, and maintaining energy levels during extended meets and competitions.
Flexibility and Agility: Ability to demonstrate exercises, stretch, or perform movements to show athletes proper techniques and posture.
Reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities will be provided in accordance with law.
University Information
$67,000.00 - $74,000.00 is the annual starting salary for this role and reflects what Fresno Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, FPU offers a competitive benefits package.
Reserving its rights as a religious institution, Fresno Pacific University is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age or disability, or other classes protected by applicable law. Committed to excellence and actively supportive of cultural diversity, FPU invites individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you should contact FPU’s Human Resources Department athr@fresno.edu. As a religious institution, the University will administer the equal opportunity employment policy consistent with the Fresno Pacific University statement of faith, the FPU Idea and the University’s governance by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
*This information, including salary, is accurate as of February 05, 2025.*