Title: Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
State Role Title: Professional - Lecturer
Hiring Range: UG
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Virginia Military Institute
Location: Virginia Military Institute
Agency Website: www.vmi.edu
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Director of Cross Country and Track & Field is responsible for the leadership, integrity, and competitive success of VMI’s Division I Cross Country and Track & Field program. The coach will be a visible leader and role model. They must foster a culture of integrity, discipline, and service mirroring the school’s culture. The development of cadet-athletes who excel on the track & field, in the classroom, and as leaders in the Corps of Cadets is paramount. The team always competes to win and does so with honor. The coach must be adept at navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), NCAA House Settlement compliance, and the Transfer Portal.
Virginia Military Institute is seeking a dynamic, team-oriented compassionate leader to serve as the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field. The Director of Cross Country and Track & Field must be a change agent – creating a positive cohesive environment built through trust,
respect and empowerment. Virginia Military Institute is seeking someone driven to build a championship-caliber program that competes at the highest level in the Southern Conference and restores VMI Cross Country and Track & Field to the success of its rich history.
Program Leadership & Culture
• Build and sustain a winning cross country and track & field program that is unwaveringly governed by VMI’s Citizen-Soldier ethos and the Honor Code—a non-negotiable standard: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.”
• Instill VMI values in all aspects of the program while growing great leaders who exemplify self-discipline, grit, and resilience on and off the playing surface.
• Serve as a visible leader and mentor within the Corps of Cadets and the broader VMI community. The coach is expected to be fully engaged in the cadet experience and uphold Institute standards.
Recruitment & Development
• Recruit and develop cadet-athletes who are committed to the rigors of VMI’s three-legged stool: Athletics, Academics, and Military.
• Emphasize holistic development—athletic, academic, and leadership growth—preparing cadet-athletes for success as Citizen-Soldiers.
• Build a roster through regional & nation-wide high school recruiting, balancing that roster against the unique demands of the Institute. In practice, this means recruiting athletes able to thrive in VMI’s rigorous system.
• Organize and communicate training plans that effectively instill confidence in cadet-athletes for competition. Provide purposeful guidance and event-specific coaching that builds buy-in and enhances performance of the cadet-athlete.
Modern Compliance & Operations
• Oversee all aspects of program compliance with NCAA, SoCon, and Institute policies. Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to navigate transfer portal and NIL processes as required by NCAA House Settlement.
• Strategically manage roster and scholarships, leveraging both high school and transfer portal recruiting.
Academic & Military Integration
• Foster an environment where academic achievement and military discipline are integral to the cross country and track & field experience.
• Collaborate with academic and military leadership to ensure cadet-athletes succeed in all facets of VMI life.
• Assist in the improvement of the team academic progress rate (APR) score in collaboration with Institute academic staff and the Cadet-Athlete Development Office (CADO).
Staff & Operations Management
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches and support staff.
• Oversee program budgeting, scheduling, and operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with institutional standards.
• Management and organization of quality meets in the Corps Physical Training Facility (CPTF) that attract high level college competition and generate revenue for the VMI Athletics department.
Community & Alumni Engagement
• Represent VMI cross country and track & field with integrity to alumni, supporters, and the public.
• Engage in fundraising, community outreach, and events that support the program and the Institute’s mission.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated success as a cross country and track & field coach at the NCAA level, preferably Division I.
• Experience in hosting, managing and executing collegiate cross country and track & field meets.
• Deep understanding of NCAA rules, NIL frameworks, and roster management under House Settlement guidelines.
• Commitment to VMI’s mission, values, and the Citizen-Soldier model.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience recruiting and developing student-athletes who value discipline, service, and holistic development.
• Experience in a military college or service academy environment is highly desirable.
Additional Considerations
Why VMI?
This is more than a coaching position—it is an opportunity to shape leaders of character who will serve their communities and the nation. At VMI, track and field is a platform for leadership development, teamwork, and character-building within a unique military college environment. Our commitment is simple: build leaders, build champions, and win at VMI.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Please include with your application, cover letter, resume, official transcripts and the names and contact information for three professional references.
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Contact Information
Name: Jamaal Walton
Phone: 540-464-7251
Email: waltonjo@vmi.edu
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
