Director of Track & Field and Cross Country (HEAD COACH 5)

Job Summary

The Director of Track & Field and Cross Country is responsible for the management and administration of all activities related to track & field and cross country. This position has direct supervision of recruiting, training, and coaching student-athletes participating in both sports. The Director of Track & Field and Cross Country is fully responsible for all aspects of the program, including student-athlete development, compliance, operations, and external engagement. The Head Coach is expected to build and sustain a competitive Division I program while supporting the academic success, well-being, and personal development of student-athletes. The role requires strict adherence to all institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and a commitment to the mission and values of UC Davis Athletics. 

Apply By Date June 10, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor’s degree in related area 
• Demonstrated coaching experience in Track & Field and Cross Country.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and developing student-athletes.

Job Summary

The Director of Track & Field and Cross Country is responsible for the management and administration of all activities related to track & field and cross country. This position has direct supervision of recruiting, training, and coaching student-athletes participating in both sports. The Director of Track & Field and Cross Country is fully responsible for all aspects of the program, including student-athlete development, compliance, operations, and external engagement. The Head Coach is expected to build and sustain a competitive Division I program while supporting the academic success, well-being, and personal development of student-athletes. The role requires strict adherence to all institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and a commitment to the mission and values of UC Davis Athletics. 

Apply By Date June 10, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor’s degree in related area 
• Demonstrated coaching experience in Track & Field and Cross Country.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and developing student-athletes.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of coaching principles, skill development, and competitive strategy in Track & Field and Cross Country.
• Working knowledge of rules, regulations, and compliance requirements of the NCAA. Ability to recruit, evaluate, and retain student-athletes in a highly competitive environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop student-athletes from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective organizational and administrative skills, including budget management and program oversight.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with student-athletes, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered team culture.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a large, decentralized organization, including working with compliance, academic services, and sports medicine units.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices related to athletic participation, including injury prevention and risk management. Proficiency with standard office software and recruiting/communication platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in sport management, education, business administration, or related field. 
• Collegiate coaching experience, preferably at the NCAA level. 
• Experience with program building or leading a competitive team environment. 
• Experience with recruiting at the collegiate level. 
• Experience coaching at the collegiate level, preferably within an NCAA environment. 
• Experience with program development, including cultivating team culture. 
• Experience managing operational budgets and travel logistics within an athletics setting. 
• Advanced knowledge of Track & Field and Cross Country competitive programs.
• Demonstrated success in recruiting and building a competitive roster at the collegiate level.
• Familiarity with conference governance structures and national organizations (e.g., Mountain West Conference, U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association).
• Knowledge of strength and conditioning principles as applied to track & field and cross country athletes.
• Ability to engage effectively in fundraising, alumni relations, and community outreach.
• Familiarity with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) concepts and their impact on student-athletes.

Key Responsibilities

• 75% - Program Leadership & Coaching, Recruiting & Roster Management, Student-Athlete Development & Welfare, Operations & Budget Management
• 25% - Compliance & Governance, External Relations, Fundraising & Program

Department Overview

The Director of Track & Field and Cross Country reports to the Director of Athletics or a designated sport administrator and serves as the primary leader for the Track & Field and Cross Country program. This position works collaboratively across the athletics department, including Compliance, Academic Services, Sports Medicine, Sports Performance, Athletics Communications, and Development. This position is responsible for aligning the Track & Field and Cross Country program with departmental priorities, including competitive excellence, student-athlete experience, gender equity, and resource stewardship, and contributes to the broader goals of UC Davis Intercollegiate Athletics. 

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: ** Up to  *$* 120,000/annually; commensurate with education and experience.**
• Salary Frequency: ** Annually**
• UC Job Title: HEAD COACH 5
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Contract
• Percentage of Time: 100** % - Fixed**
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday ** – F ***riday,* 8:00 ** am **** - 5:00  ***pm*
• Location: ** Davis, CA.**
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: ** Yes**
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia....

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours 
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours 
• Bending/Stooping - Never 0 Hours 
• Squatting/Kneeling - Never 0 Hours 
• Twisting - Never 0 Hours 
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours 
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours 
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours 

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. 

Work occasional varied lunch hours, evenings/nights and weekends and holidays as needed, usually on short-term to meet operational needs. In accordance with UC Davis Athletics’ hiring process for coaches, UC Davis will require any head coach or assistant coach final candidate(s) to sign an authorization for a reference check. Pursuant to your signed authorization form, we will inquire with your prior institution(s) about any records of substantiated misconduct. 

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination 

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere 

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/re...

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