Head Coach, Cross Country

academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences. The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation. JOB TITLE Head Coach, Cross Country JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The Cross-Country Coach is responsible for the leadership, direction, and strategic oversight of Florida Polytechnic University’s intercollegiate soccer program. This position ensures the program’s alignment with the mission, values, and policies of Florida Polytechnic University, the Sun Conference, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The coach is charged with recruiting and retaining high-caliber student-athletes; fostering competitive, inclusive, and academically focused team culture; and managing all operational aspects of the program. Primary responsibilities include talent identification, skills development, supervision of assistant coaches, budget oversight, scheduling, travel coordination, equipment management, and game-day operations. This year’s round role also includes significant summer responsibilities, including camps, outreach programming, and continued recruitment initiatives, as assigned by the Director of Athletics. JOB DESCRIPTION Responsibilities: Recruit, evaluate, and retain qualified student-athletes who demonstrate strong academic potential, personal integrity, and competitive skill. Develop and implement practical training, practice, and conditioning programs to prepare student-athletes for high-level competition while prioritizing safety and sportsmanship. Manage the cross-country program budget, including purchasing, team travel, equipment, and operational costs, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with university guidelines. Coordinate game schedules, practice times, and facility usage in collaboration with Athletics administration and campus partners. Oversee equipment procurement, maintenance, and inventory, ensuring all gear meets safety, performance, and branding standards. Lead game-day operations, including team preparation, in-game decision-making, fan engagement initiatives, and coordination of concessions and support staff. Ensure compliance with NAIA, Sun Conference, and institutional rules, including eligibility, training, recruiting, and reporting requirements. Promote a positive team culture that supports academic achievement, leadership development, community engagement, and personal well-being. Coordinate and manage summer camps and community outreach programs, strengthening relationships with prospective athletes, families, and external partners. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree Five (5) years of progressive and successful coaching experience. OR In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree. Six (6) years of progressive coaching experience, including demonstrated success in recruiting, player development, and program administration. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, KSAs: Comprehensive understanding of cross-country techniques, strategies, regulations, and best practices at the collegiate level. Strong knowledge of NAIA and Sun Conference compliance requirements, eligibility rules, and reporting expectations. Understanding of student-athlete development, academic support practices, and safe training standards Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to instruct, motivate, and mentor student-athletes. Ability to recruit high-performing athletes through relationship-building, evaluation, and talent identification. Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure, particularly during practice and competitive play. Ability to foster a culture of respect, accountability, teamwork, and academic success. REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW: Must possess a valid driver’s license. This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute §435.04. This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations. NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This position is salary exempt. The normal work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; however, occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required. TARGET HIRING SALARY $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience. APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE The position may be open for 14 days; however, the review of applications will commence immediately. APPLICATION PROCESS: In addition to completing the online application, all applicants are required to upload the following as attachments to the application (preferably in PDF format): Cover Letter Resume Three (3) Professional References If any of these three items are not included, you will not be considered for the position. References will not be contacted unless you are selected as a finalist for the position.