Director of Track and Field/Cross Country

High Point University, an NCAA Division I member of the Big South Conference, invites applications for the position of Director of Track & Field / Cross Country. The Director serves as the chief administrator and head coach of the men’s and women’s track & field and cross-country programs and is responsible for providing strategic leadership that promotes competitive excellence, academic achievement, student-athlete development, and a championship culture consistent with the mission and values of High Point University.

The Director oversees all aspects of the programs, including staffing, budgeting, recruiting, student-athlete welfare, fundraising, alumni engagement, and competitive success while ensuring full compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. 

• Significant NCAA coaching experience with demonstrated recruiting success. 

• Previous experience supervising staff and managing complex athletic operations. 

• Thorough knowledge of NCAA Division I rules and regulations. 

• Strong organizational, communication, budgeting, and leadership skills. 

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively. 

Experience and Training:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant business, educational, administrative experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills. 
• Strong strategic planning and organizational abilities. 
• Ability to contribute to a workplace culture that values collaboration, mutual respect, and equal opportunity.
• Ability to motivate student-athletes and staff toward common goals. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure. 
• Commitment to ethical leadership and student-athlete well-being. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Program Leadership 

• Provides strategic vision and leadership for the men’s and women’s cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field programs. 
• Establishes and maintains a championship culture built upon integrity, accountability, discipline, and excellence. 
• Develops long-term strategic plans for sustained conference and national competitiveness. 
• Fosters an environment that emphasizes student-athlete growth, leadership, character, and holistic development. 

Coaching Oversight 

• Directs all aspects of the coaching staff while delegating event-specific responsibilities. 
• Supervises assistant coaches, volunteer coaches, graduate assistants, and support personnel. 
• Evaluates coaching performance and implement professional development opportunities. 
• Coordinates annual staff evaluations and goal setting. 

Student-Athlete Development 

• Recruits, mentors, and retains high-achieving student-athletes who align with High Point University’s academic and athletic standards. 
• Promotes academic success, graduation, and personal development. 
• Encourages leadership, community engagement, and career preparation. 
• Ensures a positive and inclusive team culture. 

Recruiting 

• Develops and executes a comprehensive recruiting strategy on local, regional, national, and international levels. 
• Identifies prospective student-athletes capable of contributing immediately while supporting the University’s enrollment goals. 
• Manages scholarship allocation in accordance with NCAA regulations and departmental philosophy. 
• Utilizes recruiting technologies and analytics to maximize efficiency. 

Operations 

• Oversees scheduling for cross country, indoor, and outdoor competition. 
• Coordinates team travel, meet entries, equipment purchases, and operational logistics. 
• Assists in hosting home meets and championship events. 
• Works collaboratively with facilities staff to maximize use of Vert Stadium and other training venues. 

Budget Administration 

• Develops, administers, and monitors annual operating budgets. 
• Exercises fiscal responsibility while identifying opportunities for program enhancement. 
• Approves expenditures and manage equipment inventories. 
• Assists with capital planning and facility improvement initiatives. 

Compliance 

• Maintains complete compliance with NCAA, Big South Conference, and High Point University rules and regulations. 
• Ensures staff and student-athletes receive appropriate rules education. 
• Monitors recruiting, eligibility, financial aid, and playing and practice season requirements. 
• Immediately report potential violations through appropriate institutional channels. 

Collaboration 

• Works closely with athletic administration, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, academics, communications, marketing, facilities, advancement, admissions, and enrollment management. 
• Serves as an ambassador for High Point University Athletics throughout the campus and surrounding community. 

Fundraising and External Relations 

• Partners with Athletics Development to cultivate donor relationships and secure philanthropic support. 
• Strengthens alumni engagement and program visibility. 
• Participates in fundraising events, speaking engagements, and community outreach initiatives. 
• Promotes the programs through media appearances and public relations opportunities. 

Performance Expectations 

• Builds programs capable of competing for Big South Conference championships annually. 
• Recruits and develops NCAA Regional and NCAA Championship qualifiers. 
• Promotes high levels of academic achievement and graduation success. 
• Fosters an outstanding student-athlete experience while representing High Point University with professionalism and integrity. 

Working Conditions 

• Evening and weekend work required. 
• Extensive regional and national travel. 
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Ability to lift and move athletic equipment as necessary. 

For more information about this position, please contact Andrew Sanchez, Deputy Assistant Director for Revenue Share & Compliance at [email protected]