Assistant Coach, Women's Cross Country and Track and Field

Job Summary

PLNU is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Assistant Coach, Cross Country / Track & Field (Distance) to lead and grow a competitive program that develops student-athletes athletically, academically, and spiritually. This role is responsible for building a cohesive team culture that reflects the university's values while fostering excellence on and off the court.

Schedule: 19 hours per week

Pay Rate: $18.71 per hour

Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate's experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status: Part time

What We're Looking For

• Proven ability to lead and develop a competitive collegiate Women's Cross Country / Track & Field team (Distance Coach Position)
• Strong recruiting acumen with the ability to identify and attract mission-fit student-athletes
• Demonstrated ability to build team culture focused on accountability, development, and success
• Ability to mentor and develop student-athletes holistically (academic, personal, and athletic growth)
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively within an athletic department and campus community
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage students, families, and stakeholders
• Experience organizing and managing program operations, schedules, and logistics
• Ability to foster high levels of student engagement, retention, and program support
• Commitment to creating a positive, disciplined, and growth-oriented team environment

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and develop all aspects of the Women's Cross Country / Track & Field program in alignment with university and athletic department goals
• Establish and maintain a program culture that reflects PLNU's mission and student development priorities
• Recruit, evaluate, and retain student-athletes who align with academic and lifestyle expectations
• Design and implement training, practice, and competition strategies to maximize team performance
• Mentor student-athletes to support their academic success, personal growth, and graduation outcomes
• Foster team participation in service, worship, and department-wide spiritual development activities
• Collaborate with athletic department staff and campus partners to support program success
• Promote the program to enhance student body engagement and community support
• Manage program operations including planning, scheduling, and administrative coordination
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support athletic department initiatives

Qualifications

• Coaching experience and proven ability as a distance coach
• Ability to understand the complexity of student involvement in a Christian higher education setting and to mentor athletes to be successful in the total university experience
• Ability to support and stimulate student athlete holistic growth and to generate activities which enhance athletes' potential academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually
• Ability to relate effectively with students and student-athletes
• Demonstrated abilities in teaching cross country / track & field, recruitment and administration management
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU's Community Life Covenant.
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local 'Fair Chance' laws.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily sedentary with extended periods of sitting
• Use of standard computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor
• Ability to read documents and communicate effectively in person and by phone
• Ability to perform duties in outdoor environments for extended periods, including standing during practices and competitions
• Ability to travel for games, recruiting, and team-related activities
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport equipment and materials (up to 25 pounds), and perform physical tasks such as bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling in support of program operations