Fort Hays State University Athletics invites applications for a Full-Time Assistant Coach specializing in Sprints and directing the overall operations of the Cross Country and Track & Field program. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position reporting directly to the Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field.
The successful candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative professional who will serve as Assistant Sprints Coach and Director of Operations for the Cross Country and Track & Field programs (Men's and Women's). This position plays a critical role in the daily management and long-term growth of a competitive NCAA Division II program, balancing operational leadership with hands-on coaching, recruiting, and student-athlete support responsibilities. This role demands a coach who is committed to competitive excellence consistent with NCAA Division II and MIAA conference expectations.
More generally, this position is responsible for assisting with the organization, development, and administration of all functions related to coaching a competitive Division II Cross Country and Track & Field program. Fundamental duties include, but are not limited to, coaching, assisting or directing camps and clinics, and overall program operations. This position collaborates with intercollegiate athletics staff members, sports medicine and performance staff, academic support staff, compliance staff, and institutional partners.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the Head Coach in implementing training programs for assigned event groups
- Provide technical instruction and individual student-athlete development support across sprints or multi-events as assigned
- Observe and evaluate student-athlete performance in practice and competition; provide timely feedback
- Contribute to meet strategy, event entry decisions, and in-competition coaching
- Identify and evaluate prospective student-athletes through film review, KSHSAA and regional high school contacts, and transfer portal monitoring
- Assist with on-campus recruiting visits, including coordination of itineraries and host athlete assignments
- Build and maintain relationships with high school and club coaches across Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond
- Maintain an organized recruiting database and prospect communication records in compliance with NCAA DII regulations
- Assist in the preparation and management of official and unofficial visit experiences
- Coordinate practice and competition scheduling, facility reservations, and equipment inventory
- Manage team travel arrangements, including transportation, lodging, meals, and itineraries
- Serve as primary liaison with facilities staff, equipment vendors, and event contractors
- Assist with meet hosting responsibilities, including course setup, timing coordination, and volunteer management
- Develop and maintain operational budgets in coordination with the Head Coach and Athletics administration
- Conduct regular one-on-one academic check-ins with assigned student-athletes to monitor class attendance and grades
- Collaborate with the FHSU Athletic Academic Advisors to support academic success
- Monitor NCAA DII eligibility requirements and communicate concerns proactively to the Head Coach and Compliance staff
- Encourage a culture of academic excellence and personal accountability within the program
- Assist with NCAA and MIAA compliance documentation, waivers, and reporting requirements
- Participate in department-wide staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and Athletics events
- Assist with alumni engagement, donor relations events, and external events
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Relevant, successful competitive or coaching experience, preferably at the collegiate level. Proven ability to teach specific strategies and techniques, and develop successful competitive strategies. Strong communication skills (written and oral), a high level of organization, and attention to detail are required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in a related field. Relevant, successful competitive or coaching experience is required.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Those associated with coaching a competitive collegiate cross country and track & field team.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
General office conditions. General athletic event environments, both indoor and outdoor.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit
FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
