What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cross County & Distance Coach position at Knox College?
This role is structured as an assistant coach with primary responsibilities for leading distance and cross country training.
The position reports to the Director of Track and Field/Cross Country as a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible position.
The Cross Country and Distance Coach will play a vital role in advancing the mission and values of Prairie Fire Athletics by helping to build a competitive NCAA Division III program that develops student-athletes of character, fosters belonging and growth, and competes with purpose. This position contributes to a collaborative coaching staff focused on student-athlete development, academic success, and competitive excellence.
A proud member of the Midwest Conference (MWC) and NCAA Division III, Knox College is a vibrant community of scholar-teachers and students with a long-standing tradition of free inquiry, independent thought, and diverse perspectives. We are committed to providing an education that transforms lives through challenge, support, and discovery. Preparing students for meaningful lives and purposeful leadership.
At Knox, we seek challenge-seeking student-athletes, individuals who are eager to grow, compete, and contribute. Prairie Fire athletes embrace hard work, thrive in diverse environments, and lead with resilience. They represent more than 100 communities across the nation and globe, united by a shared commitment to self-improvement, academic success, and competitive excellence. With strong institutional support and an energized alumni base, Prairie Fire Athletics is positioned for continued growth and success.
Responsibilities
The Cross Country and Distance Coach is responsible for contributing to the success of the Knox College Cross Country and Track and Field programs, including but not limited to:
- Lead or assist in the development of a competitive and values-based Cross Country program aligned with the mission of Prairie Fire Athletics.
- Coach the distance events within the Track and Field program, designing and implementing training plans that support long-term student-athlete development.
- Recruit and retain student-athletes who demonstrate academic commitment, personal integrity, and competitive potential.
- Cultivate a team culture that values belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Plan, organize, and supervise practices, competitions, and team travel with attention to student-athlete development and safety.
- Collaborate across campus with partners in Athletics and Admissions to support enrollment and the overall student-athlete experience.
- Promote the program through alumni engagement, community outreach, and social media presence.
- Support departmental fundraising initiatives in partnership with the K Club and Athletics leadership.
- Ensure compliance with all institutional, Midwest Conference, and NCAA regulations.
- Model professionalism and mentorship through high standards of leadership, care, and communication.
This position supervises two full-time coaches. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the candidate’s strengths and may include teaching in the Sports Studies program or assisting with game operations.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Collegiate coaching experience in Cross Country, Track and Field, or both
- Demonstrated knowledge of distance training methodologies and athlete development
- Ability to design and implement effective training plans and competition strategies
- Valid driver's license
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative coaching staff
- Appreciation for the values of a residential liberal arts education and commitment to supporting diverse student populations
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience coaching collegiate Cross Country or distance events in Track and Field
- Experience recruiting student-athletes at the collegiate level
- Experience with recruiting databases such as Front Rush or similar systems
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to program growth, alumni engagement, or fundraising
- Experience with social media promotion and program storytelling
Summary Pay Range: Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that pay is only one component of total compensation.
Benefits:
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
FSA/ HSA/ FSA Dependent Care
Employer Paid Basic Life & LTD
Voluntary Life
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Employee Assistance Program
Parental Leave
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from discriminating on the basis of sex.
The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-Discrimination is the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance. Any inquiries regarding policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment, including Title IX sexual harassment, as well as the policy prohibiting hazing, should be directed to the Director of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance identified below. Staff in the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance are available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s policies and procedures.
Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: cultureofrespect@knox.edu
Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office
500 W Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: ocr@ed.gov
Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to the ADA/504 Coordinator identified below:
Knox College ADA/504 Coordinator
Jennie Hemingway, PhD
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: jhemingway@knox.edu
Employees requesting accommodations may contact:
Human Resources
52 W South St., Alumni Hall, Suite 100 | Campus Box K-200
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7162 or 309-341-7543
Email: hr@knox.edu
Students requesting accommodations may contact:
Director of Disability Support Services
Stephanie Grimes
Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183
340 South West Street
Phone: 309-341-7478
Email: sgrimes@knox.edu
Salary : $34,000 - $38,000