Dir. Cross.C, Track & Field

Director of Cross Country and Track and Field

Young Harris College | Young Harris, Georgia

Young Harris College invites applications for the position of Director of Cross Country and Track and Field. The Director will provide comprehensive leadership for the Colleges cross country and track and field programs, overseeing all aspects of coaching, recruiting, student-athlete development, team administration, and program advancement.

Competing in Conference Carolinas and NCAA Division II, Young Harris College is committed to providing a holistic student-athlete experience that supports academic achievement, personal growth, athletic excellence, and meaningful engagement with the campus and broader community. The successful candidate will be an effective coach and mentor who builds a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture while ensuring compliance with all College, Conference Carolinas, and NCAA Division II policies, rules, and regulations.

The Director will also contribute to community outreach and fundraising initiatives and collaborate with colleagues across campus to advance the mission and visibility of the program.

Primary Responsibilities

- Lead all aspects of the cross country and track and field programs, including practice planning, competition preparation, coaching, and student-athlete development.

- Recruit, evaluate, and retain qualified student-athletes who align with the academic and athletic mission of Young Harris College.

- Develop individualized training and development plans that support student-athletes athletic growth and competitive success.

- Foster a positive, disciplined, and team-oriented culture built on accountability, respect, sportsmanship, and personal development.

- Promote high academic achievement by establishing appropriate academic expectations and supporting student-athletes through study halls, academic meetings, and other resources.

- Coordinate team logistics, scheduling, travel, competition preparation, equipment, and other administrative responsibilities.

- Conduct and coordinate scouting, film review, performance analysis, and other preparation necessary for successful competition.

- Maintain effective communication and professional relationships with student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners.

- Support community outreach, fundraising, alumni engagement, and other initiatives that promote and strengthen the program.

- Ensure the program operates in full compliance with Young Harris College, Conference Carolinas, and NCAA Division II rules and regulations.

- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the College and the Department of Athletics.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelors degree required.

- Collegiate coaching or competitive collegiate playing experience required.

- Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, develop, and motivate student-athletes.

- Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

- Commitment to the academic, athletic, and personal development of student-athletes.

- Demonstrated commitment to NCAA Division II rules and regulations and the values of Young Harris College.

- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

- Build strong, professional relationships with student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.

- Communicate effectively with student-athletes and members of the coaching and administrative staffs.

- Lead a team in a manner that promotes accountability, collaboration, discipline, sportsmanship, and a positive student-athlete experience.

- Manage multiple priorities and administrative responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.

- Recruit and retain student-athletes who contribute to the academic and competitive goals of the program.

- Work collaboratively across campus and represent Young Harris College positively within the community.

- Adapt to changing priorities and the demands of a collegiate athletics environment.

About Young Harris College

Young Harris College is proud of its Wesleyan heritage and commitment. The College was founded by a Methodist circuit-rider, and its namesake and sustainer during the institutions formative years was one of the states outstanding Methodist laypeople. For several years, all Presidents of the College were ordained Methodist ministers, with Young Harris later appointing professional educators who were active lay leaders in the Methodist Church to the presidency.

Today, Young Harris is a member of the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAAMSCU), a voluntary association of over 100 private schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries in the United States that cooperate to advance the common good of member institutions and to address issues of mutual concern to the church and the academy. Young Harris is also a member of the University Senate of the UMCs General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), making the institution eligible for funding from UMC agencies. Young Harris supports the UMCs commitment to open hearts, open minds, and open doors. For more information about the Colleges affiliation with GBEHM, follow this link: GBHEM .

Young Harris College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex , age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. EOE M/F/D/V local laws.

Young Harris College is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all applicants. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the application or hiring process, we encourage you to contact Human Resources at [email protected] .