Assistant Men's & Women's Track Coach and Operations Director - 997838

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:

The Assistant Men's & Women's Track & Field/Cross Country Coach & Director of Operations is responsible for assisting the Head Coach and Associate Head Coach in all aspects of operating a successful NCAA Division I program. This position coordinates and manages the program's daily operations, including team travel, competition logistics, equipment, communications, and administrative functions, while assisting with coaching, recruiting, and the development of student-athletes, particularly in the distance and/or middle-distance event areas. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student-athlete development, competitive excellence, and compliance with all NCAA, Missouri Valley Conference, and Drake University policies. Evening, weekend, and overnight travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Collegiate racing and/or coaching experience
· Bachelor’s degree
· Valid driver’s license
· CPR and First Aid certification (can certify upon start)
· Knowledge of Track and Field operations
· Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and student-athletes with a range of backgrounds, interests and perspectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Two years of track and field coaching experience
· Demonstrated success coaching distance and/or middle-distance student-athletes.
· Experience working with and mentoring female student-athletes.
· Applicable USTFCCCA/USATF coaches’ education certificate(s)
· Proficiency with social media platforms and digital communications.

Job Duties:

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

• 45% - Coaching & Student-Athlete Development: Assist with planning and conducting daily practices. Assist with annual training plans and athlete development. Travel with the team to practices and competitions. Monitor student-athlete progress and well-being. Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented culture. Support the academic, athletic, and personal development of student-athletes. Collaborate with sports medicine, strength & conditioning, and academic support staff. - (Essential)
• 35% - Operations & Administration: Coordinate team travel, lodging, meals, and transportation. Drive university vehicles, including passenger vans, for team travel. Manage competition entries and travel itineraries. Assist with compliance documentation and administrative paperwork. Coordinate team meetings, community service, and special events. Assist with purchasing, budgeting, and expense reconciliation - (Essential)
• 10% - Recruiting: Identify and evaluate prospective student-athletes. Support the planning and execution of official and unofficial campus visits. Maintain recruiting databases and communications. Represent Drake Track & Field and Cross Country at recruiting events and perform other recruiting duties as assigned by the Head Coach. - (Essential)
• 10% - Communications & Program Promotion: Lead social media strategy and content creation for the program. Assist with program communications, including team announcements, newsletters, and promotional materials. Write and distribute the Track & Field/Cross Country newsletter Assist with alumni engagement and fundraising initiatives. - (Essential)

Salary and Benefits:

The salary for these positions is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

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 digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide (Plan Year 2026).

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here:Tuition Benefits.