Fort Hays State University seeks a transformational leader to serve as Head Coach for its Track & Field and Cross Country programs, competing in the highly competitive NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) conference.
This position provides comprehensive leadership, strategic direction, scholarship management, operational and budgetary oversight for a combined program, with responsibility for building and sustaining a championship-caliber culture that prioritizes competitive excellence, academic success, and the holistic development of student-athletes.
The Head Coach will recruit, develop, and mentor student-athletes; lead and supervise assistant coaches and support staff; oversee a dedicated on-campus track-and-field-only facility and an on-campus cross-country course; and ensure full compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA regulations. This role serves as a key ambassador for the athletics department, fostering strong relationships with campus partners, alumni, and supporters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides leadership, organization, and supervision for all aspects of the men’s and women’s track & field and cross country programs.
- Supervises student-athletes during practices and competition, observing and evaluating performance and demonstrating proper techniques as applicable.
- Hire, supervise, evaluate, and mentor staff.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing staff environment.
- Coordinate and delegate responsibilities effectively to maximize program success.
- Supports and monitors the academic performance of student-athletes in conjunction with the compliance and academic support staff.
- Design and implement the overall program recruiting strategy – identification, evaluation, recruitment, and retention of prospective student-athletes.
- Direct oversight and management of the program’s finances and administration of athletic scholarships.
- Manages the men’s and women’s track & field and cross country programs within the parameters of the approved operating budget.
- Develops and engages in impactful fundraising activities in conjunction with the Athletics External Relations staff.
- Represents the university and men’s and women’s track & field and cross country programs at professional meetings, alumni events, University Foundation events, and other events as necessary.
- Enhances the student-athlete experience through team expectations, personal development, and opportunities, such as but not limited to community service, team building, leadership development, etc.
- Develops and directs camps and clinics.
- Responsible for scheduling non-conference competitions, practices, team and recruiting travel arrangements, preseason arrangements, and student-athlete meetings.
- Attends and participates in scheduled compliance seminars and complies with all Athletic Department efforts to monitor compliance with NCAA regulations.
- Responsible for compliance with NCAA, MIAA, and institutional rules and regulations, ensuring program compliance.
- Active member of the FHSU Athletic Department and University.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated success coaching Track & Field and/or Cross Country at the collegiate level. Head collegiate coaching experience preferred. Proven ability to recruit and develop successful student-athletes. Strong knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance requirements. Excellent leadership, a prominent level of organizational skills, effective public relations and communication skills, and attention to detail are required. Valid driver's license that is in good standing.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Those associated with coaching a competitive collegiate men’s and women’s track & field and cross country teams.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
General office conditions. General athletic event environments that occur predominantly outdoors.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Salary: Competitive
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.
