Department Summary:

Drake University's Athletics Department competes in the Missouri Valley Conference at the NCAA Division I level. Bulldog student-athletes thrive in the classroom and their respective field of play. Drake Athletics sport programs are considered Des Moines’ Hometown Team.

The department culture is predicated on a common value statement known as The Bulldog Way, written by coaches, staff, and student-athletes. This intentional commitment to a championship culture is led by integrity, excellence, wanting the best for and best from one another, and aspiring to greatness provides a foundation for student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff to study, work, and play.

Job Summary:

Drake University is hiring for the Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country. The position is responsible for overseeing all duties associated with running a competitive Division I track & field (indoor and outdoor) and cross country program.
The rich tradition of Drake Track & Field lays the path for a future rich with championships at the individual and team level. The next head coach needs to be visionary for the future of the program while building on a long-standing foundation of greatness.
We expect the utmost integrity across all aspects of the program. The head coach would be expected to sustain an atmosphere of academic and athletic excellence in compliance with NCAA, Missouri Valley Conference, and Drake rules.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Knowledge of applicable NCAA Rules and regulations.
• 8-10 years of successful track & field and/or cross country coaching experience at the collegiate level.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and computer skills
• Demonstrate success in recruitment of student-athletes
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to build rapport and students, faculty and staff.
• Skills to help student-athletes improve through training / coaching.
• Ability to develop and sustain relationships with prospective student athletes, parents, and coaches.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree preferred.
Head coaching experience is preferred.

Job Duties:

All job duties described below require understanding and compliance within the rules of the NCAA, Missouri Valley Conference, and Drake University.

• 51% - Lead the development and execution of effective practice and competition plans, including pre-and post-season conditioning programs for men’s and women’s track & field and men’s and women’s cross country. Provide feedback, including explanations and demonstrations to student athletes related to athletic technique and skill development and to achieve proficiency. - (Essential)
• 25% - Lead the recruiting and retention efforts of talented student athletes who represent the standards of the Drake men's and women's track and field program and men's and women's cross country program. - (Essential)
• 10% - Manage and oversee administrative duties including but not limited to: NCAA and Drake compliance processes, coordination of team travel plans, equipment and apparel, competitive scheduling, and business and finance paperwork. - (Essential)
• 10% - Contribute to a positive academic, athletic, and social environment for student athletes within the men's and women's track program and men's and women's cross country program, creating a culture of excellence. - (Essential)
• 4% - Communicate effectively and timely with coaching staff, athletes, parents, and administration about issues that pertain to the program. - (Essential)
• 0% - Performs other duties as assigned. - (Essential)

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2025. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits