UMD Associate Head Track and Field Coach

position Summary

The Associate Head Track and Field Coach will develop and maintain a competitive Division II track and field program in a manner compatible with the Department of Athletics and University philosophy, and in compliance with NCAA and Conference rules and regulations.
The associate head coach will establish and maintain effective relationships within the Department of Athletics, the University, community, alumni, high school coaches, media and the general public. Represent in a positive fashion the University and its athletic programs in private and public forums. Commit to adhering to all rules and regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Administration – 15%

• Perform administrative responsibilities, including assisting in budget planning and management, scheduling of competitions and planning and executing team travel.

Academic Success and Student-Athlete Support – 15%

• Assist in monitoring the academic performance of student athletes to help them achieve their full potential.
• Help organize class schedules, study tables and monitor student GPA to our program’s standards.

Program Leadership and Coaching – 25%

• Instruct and teach student-athletes in fundamentals of sport technique and strategy.
• Instruct and teach student-athletes in events (hurdles, sprints).
• Plan and execute practice and competition plans including the evaluation of opponents.
• Provide opportunities for student-athletes to develop life and leadership skills.
• Support UMD’s mission of excellence in the Classroom, Community and Competition; while furthering the strategic plan of UMD.

External Relationships and Development – 15%

• Establish and maintain effective relationships within the Department of Athletics, the University, community, alumni, high school coaches, media and general public.
• Serve as an integral part of achieving fundraising, budget and community service goals.
• Social media engagement and game promotions.

Recruiting and Roster Management – 25%

• Evaluate and recruit qualified student-athletes to UMD whose athletic skills make them highly competitive and whose academic abilities make them good candidates for our student population.

Compliance and Governance – 5%

• Working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of combined progressive experience coaching or participating at the high school, collegiate and/or international level.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting student-athletes.
• Knowledge of NCAA Division II rules and regulations
• Leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, families, alumni, donors, campus partners, and external constituents
• Demonstrated commitment to academic success, student-athlete well-being, and building an inclusive team culture.
• Demonstrated understanding of the evolving Division II athletics landscape, including NIL, transfer processes, roster/scholarship management, and related student-athlete benefit rules and institutional processes, with the ability to communicate those processes accurately and compliantly.

Preferred qualifications:

• MA/MS degree.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel extensively for competition, recruiting and program responsibilities.
• Ability to demonstrate and instruct track and field skills in practice and training environments.

The UMD Department of Athletics offers balanced and highly competitive programs. The Bulldogs compete in nine women’s and seven men’s varsity sports as members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). Nationally, UMD belongs to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes at the Division II level except for Division I women’s and men’s hockey.

Pay Range: $54,000 – $56,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online Application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

Required attachment: Cover letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD’s many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.