What are the responsibilities and job description for the ASSISTANT CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD COACH position at Bethany College?
Bethany College
Lindsborg, Kansas
Bethany College
Must include a resume and a cover letter to be considered for the position.
ASSISTANT CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD COACH
FLSA Status:
SALARY, EXEMPT
As an exempt employee, the employee may occasionally work beyond standard business hours (40 hours), including evenings and weekends, to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
Department:
Athletics
Reports to:
Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach
Assistant Athletics Director
Dean of Athletics
Positions Managed:
None
Why Bethany:
Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas—affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community—Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting.
Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America.
At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
About Bethany College:
Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas—known as “Little Sweden U.S.A.” Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.
Position Overview:
This position, under the direction of the Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach, independently performs and is responsible for:
- Assisting the Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach in the coordination of a safe, enthusiastic, and competitive collegiate Cross Country/Track & Field program.
- Providing direct instruction, supervision, and mentorship to NAIA student-athletes, supporting their development athletically, academically, and personally.
- Managing recruitment, retention, and ongoing coaching in compliance with Bethany College, Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) policies and procedures.
- Working collaboratively with all athletic and campus staff to support a positive student-athlete experience and uphold the college's mission.
Essential Functions:
- Foster cooperative working relationships with the immediate supervisor as well as any staff or team members associated with the program.
- Collaborate with other coaches in providing the optimum sports program possible under existing conditions.
- Adhere to all College spending policies and procedures.
- Adhere to the operational sport budget.
- Actively lead fundraising efforts for the sport program, as well as for the Department of Athletics.
- Assist in preparing timely and accurate documents, such as travel expense statements, itineraries, etc.
- Take the initiative to provide new ideas and concepts to improve the efficiency and productivity of the staff.
- Support the Department of Athletics mission, vision, and values.
- Assist in monitoring and supporting the academic success of student athletes.
- Lead community engagement and service-learning opportunities within the sport program.
- Assist in planning and conducting pre- and post-season conditioning and training programs.
- Assist in planning and leading pre- and post-season individual meetings with student-athletes to discuss progress, development, and goals.
- Help prepare and manage records for the team.
- Assist in arranging team travel and meals.
- Assist in overseeing the safety conditions of the facility or area in which the sport is conducted at all times.
- Assist in coordinating visits by recruits and their families.
- Assist in general upkeep and protection of equipment under the jurisdiction of the program.
- Carry out other related administrative duties as directed by the Head Coach, Dean of Athletics, and Assistant Athletic Director.
- Participate in staff and team meetings, providing input and suggestions.
- Assist in providing continual evaluation of processes and procedures. Responsible for suggesting methods to improve area operations, efficiency, and service to both internal and external customers.
- Work in collaboration and cooperation with other departments and academic divisions on campus, using timely and appropriate judgment in upward communication regarding department concerns and responsibilities
The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or provide relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and motivate student-athletes.
- Regular attendance required
- Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing abilities
- Microsoft Office, computer knowledge, and knowledge of office equipment
- Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community-at-large
- Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be very results-oriented
- Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment
Preferred:
- Collegiate coaching and/or competitive experience in cross country or track & field
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred)
- Bilingual in Spanish is a plus, or some knowledge of the Spanish language is a plus
Working Conditions:
- Evening and weekend work required
- Travel required for competitions and recruiting
- Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
- Physically active environment (demonstrating drills, event setup, etc.)
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Tuition remission benefits
- Professional Development Funds
- Possible Relocation Assistance
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
- Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment
How to Apply:
- Apply online at Employment
- Submit resume and cover letter
EEO:
Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.