Job Description

Job Location: Kansas - Olathe, KS
Position Type: Full TimeUniversity Overview: MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) is a private, liberal arts-oriented university with a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  Located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, MNU seeks to educate students to serve with purpose within the educational context of the liberal arts, and a Wesleyan-holiness theological perspective.  MNU has an enrollment of approximately 1500 students with half considered traditional residential students.  For more information about MNU, see our website:  www.mnu.edu.
Job Overview: MidAmerica Nazarene University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Track & Field/Cross Country Coach.  This is a full-time 12-month contract.   Qualified applicants should possess a proven track record in the leadership of student-athletes. Candidates should exemplify the principles, guidelines, and covenants of MidAmerica Nazarene University and possess experience in administration at the intercollegiate level. In addition, candidates should possess leadership skills, demonstrate a commitment to the highest ideals of sportsmanship and academics, as well as develop and maintain a positive student-athlete experience.
Candidates for the above position should possess a commitment to Christian higher education, model servant leadership, and be willing to assume the duties listed in the following general position description.
Position Description:
- Promote the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletic program, including adherence and enforcement of all departmental policies and procedures, as well as University, Conference, and NAIA rules and regulations.
- Coach student-athletes with a primary focus on the distance events within the Track & Field/Cross Country program.
- Recruit and retain outstanding student-athletes to the MNU Track & Field/Cross Country program who excel academically; coordinate contacts with recruits and their families; yearly recruitment goals set by the head coach and the university.
- Provide assistance with the academic progress of the team by coordinating the study hall efforts, working with the professors, players, and head coach to ensure each student-athlete is achieving success in the classroom.
- Provide for the safety and welfare of team members at all fitness levels working closely with the athletic training staff to ensure all student-athletes have had physical exams, proof of health insurance, and their athletic training needs have been met.
- Represent the athletic department at professional, civic, charitable, and alumni events as requested; assist with coordinating community service projects, leadership training, and outreach activities as part of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program.
- Supervise other assistant or graduate assistant coaches, as requested.
- Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.
- Assist in other roles as directed by the Director of Cross Country/Track and Field.

Qualifications
- Successful experience coaching or competing in the distance events.
- Experience in scouting, evaluating, recruiting, and training student athletes.
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, in a manner consistent with professional standards, including making oral presentations to groups and contributing to the development of high-quality written materials which reflect positively on the University.
- Ability to consistently demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with persons both internal and external to the University, both on the telephone and in person.  The ability to relate in a caring manner to students and families from a broad range of backgrounds, both in group situations and individually, and to effectively advise students and mediate disputes, some of which will be emotionally-charged.
- The ability to remain calm in crisis situations, to act decisively, and to apply sound judgment in determining appropriate action regarding interventions, assistance and referral of students to other University staff members.
- Experience responding to student, parent, faculty and staff questions and concerns.
- Experience establishing collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and outside constituent groups.
- Ability to prioritize and deal with several tasks concurrently, while maintaining flexibility, high energy, creativity, and attention to detail.
- Ability to quickly and easily get to know many students and the ability to work alternative hours when student issues or programs require it.
- Ability to apply mathematical skills necessary for such tasks as the preparation of statistical reports and developing and monitoring budgets.
- Ability to use new technologies to accomplish team and departmental goals.
- Ability to assist in organizing travel preparations, assist driving vehicles and work a varied schedule which may include night and weekend hours.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
- Two to five years of collegiate playing and/or coaching experience including effective leadership, communication, and recruiting skills is preferred.
APPLICATION: Please attach the following documentation to your application to be considered for the position.
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Statement of faith, including details on how Christian faith impacts coaching (1-page maximum).
Questions may be addressed to Abigail Harris, HR Generalist, at abrubaker@mnu.edu.
Statement of Faith: MidAmerica Nazarene University is an intentionally Christian Community and desires that all employees in positions of leadership reflect a foundational Christian position in word, attitude and action. While there is no predetermined length or format for the Personal Statement of Faith, the norm is a one page narrative document describing the applicant’s central Christian beliefs, significant formative influences in the applicant’s Christian experience (e.g., religious experiences of conversion or the affirmation of one’s faith, one’s family and/or home life, spiritual aspirations), and ways in which the applicant’s faith is being demonstrated in daily patterns and practices.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.
MidAmerica is very much interested in reviewing applications from qualified members of traditionally underrepresented groups in America, including women and racial and ethnic minorities. MidAmerica Nazarene University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, religion*, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected class in the recruitment and admission of students, in the hiring process, during employment, and in the operation of all university programs, activities, and services.
*Christian faith and employment at MidAmerica Nazarene University: MidAmerica Nazarene University is an expression of the Church of the Nazarene. It reserves the right to prefer employees based on religion (Title VII, Section 702-703, U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964). Preferred candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to the Christian faith, active participation in a local church, and a philosophy of Christian higher education consistent with the Wesleyan tradition.
Read the university’s full Non-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement at https://www.mnu.edu/employment/