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Head Cross Country Coach

SUNY Cortland
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Head Coach Cross Country/Assistant Track and Field Coach

Athletics

SUNY Cortland

Position Summary

The men’s and women’s Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track and Field Coach is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the men’s and women’s cross-country program including through the track and field seasons. This position manages all aspects of the program through the cross-country/track and field seasons, including coaching, recruiting, player development, staff supervision, competitive success, and compliance with university, conference, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) regulations. The Head Coach supports the academic success, personal development, and well-being of student athletes while upholding the mission, values, and standards of the institution.

Salary Range: $55,800 + depending on experience

Watch this video to learn more about careers at SUNY Cortland: https://youtu.be/krNjgXC95M0?si=k2l13TUB9mJ9YjD8

Major Responsibilities

Coaching & Competitive Performance

  • Develop, lead, and maintain a competitive men’s and women’s cross-country program at the conference level.
  • Plan, organize, and conduct practices, skill training, and tactical preparation in support of competitive success.
  • Develop and implement competitive strategies for meets.
  • Evaluate team and individual performance using video analysis and statistical tools.
  • Prepare student athletes for conference and postseason competition.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, sportsmanship, and excellence.
  • Instruct and mentor student-athletes in sport-specific skills, team dynamics, physical conditioning, and safety.

 

Recruiting & Roster Management

  • Identify, evaluate, and recruit student-athletes who meet athletic, academic, and institutional standards, in full compliance with NCAA, conference, and College regulations.
  • Manage official and unofficial visits in compliance with NCAA, SUNYAC, and conference regulations.
  • Oversee roster management and retention of student athletes.

Student Athlete Development & Support

  • Promote academic achievement, progress toward degree, and graduation success.
  • Provide mentorship and support for leadership, character development, and life skills, fostering personal and professional growth.
  • Maintain regular and effective communication with student athletes regarding expectations and performance.
  • Assess academic performance of student athletes at least once each semester
  • Collaborate with academic support services, athletic training, strength and conditioning, and mental health professionals to support student-athlete well-being.
  • Support student-athlete retention by coordinating academic support and connecting students-athletes with academic coordinators and campus academic resources to promote retention outcomes comparable to the broader student populations.

Program Administration

  • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches, graduate assistants, and volunteer staff.
  • Develop and manage the program budget in coordination with the athletics department.
  • Coordinate travel, scheduling, equipment, and facility usage.
  • Participate in fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach efforts.
  • Represent the cross country/track & field program positively.
  • Oversee cross country/track & field facilities by ensuring they are well-maintained, operationally efficient, safe, and ready for practices and competitions.
  • Demonstrate continuous development in cross country/track & field through education, professional organizations, and training.

Compliance, Risk Management & Professional Conduct

  • Ensure compliance with NCAA, SUNYAC, conference, and institutional rules, policies, and regulations.
  • Maintain accurate recruiting, eligibility, and compliance documentation.
  • Uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.
  • Foster a safe and inclusive environment that supports health, wellbeing, and success.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA cross country rules and regulations; Prior collegiate coaching and/or high school coaching experience; Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain student athletes; Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extensive travel; Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student athlete welfare

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree; Previous head coaching experience at the collegiate level; NCAA recruiting and compliance experience; Experience managing budgets and program operations; Coaching certifications (e.g., USATF, USTFCCCA); Three years of coaching experience at an NCAA institution

About the University
A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money List,” fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

What makes SUNY Cortland a Great Place to Work

Be part of a campus that values integrity, intellectual life, and a strong focus on students. Here, professional staff maintain a meaningful presence on campus and contribute to a supportive, forward-thinking learning environment. Watch this video to learn more about careers at SUNY Cortland: https://youtu.be/krNjgXC95M0?si=k2l13TUB9mJ9YjD8

  • Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
  • Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
  • SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university’s state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families.
  • Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
  • Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings


Apply Today!

For more information, application instructions, and to apply online, go to:
https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11366 be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin July 8, 2026, and application materials will be accepted until the position is filled.

SUNY Cortland is an AA/EEO/ADA employer and encourages applications from women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented groups.