Widener University, an NCAA Division III Commonwealth Conference member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences, is currently seeking a Head Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, in the Department of Athletics. Reporting to the Athletic Director, this role provides support to Widener University’s Athletic Department and the Division of Student Engagement & Transformation.
Reporting to the Athletic Director, the Head Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach oversees all aspects of the program, providing strategic leadership, developing athletes through year‑round training across cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track seasons, and driving recruitment efforts to attract and cultivate high‑potential student‑athletes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
- Lead and oversee the NCAA Division III Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field programs in full compliance with NCAA, Middle Atlantic Conference, and Widener University guidelines.
- Direct all aspects of program operations, including individual and team coaching, practice design, meet and event preparation, student‑athlete evaluation and development, academic monitoring, staff supervision, on‑ and off‑campus recruiting, budget oversight, team travel coordination, and daily administrative management.
- Mentor student-athletes to ensure academic progress and cultivate a team culture focused on sportsmanship, discipline, and competitive excellence.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Adjunct instruction: teach assigned Physical Education courses as an adjunct instructor, ensuring effective instruction and student engagement.
- Administrative leadership: fulfill assigned departmental administrative duties, contributing to efficient operations and the overall success of the athletics and academic programs.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Athletics department and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (education/training and experience required)
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Three (3+) years of collegiate Cross-Country and Track and Field coaching experience at the Division III level or higher. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- A valid driver’s license with a clean record and verified insurability.
- Experience in recruiting and retaining collegiate student‑athletes, including academic monitoring and support.
- CPR and First Aid certifications.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree.
- Three (3+) years of collegiate-level experience in coaching Cross Country and Track & Field, with the ability to develop student‑athletes and contribute to a competitive program.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Night and weekend availability is required to support operational needs.
- Ability to lift and carry objects weighing more than 40 lbs.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
