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

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

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

***

Job Description:

 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

  

***

At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.