Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach - Track and Field

Cornerstone University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone University seeks an Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach for Track and Field to enhance student-athlete growth through collaborative coaching and spiritual mentorship. The position emphasizes leadership, team culture rooted in Christian values, and holistic athlete development within a competitive collegiate environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years collegiate coaching experience.
• Strong knowledge of track and field disciplines and training methodologies.
• Willingness to obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and disciple student-athletes in their Christian faith.
• Assist Head Coach in managing track and field programs.
• Deliver high-level coaching with a focus on athlete development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Organization

Job description

Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach - Track and Field

Cornerstone University is seeking a Christ-centered, mission-driven Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach for Track and Field to support and advance the vision of the Athletics Department through collaborative coaching excellence in Field Events (Throws or Jumps), intentional spiritual discipleship, and a commitment to holistic student-athlete development. This position partners closely with the Head Coach to lead a competitive NAIA program that cultivates athletic performance, academic integrity, and spiritual formation in student-athletes. The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession.

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Head Coach of Track and Field and Cross Country

LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Spiritual Leadership & Discipleship
  • Intentionally mentor and disciple student-athletes in their Christian faith.
  • Potentially lead team devotions, prayer, and spiritual conversations that encourage spiritual growth and accountability.
  • Foster a team culture rooted in Christ-centered values such as humility, integrity, service, and perseverance.
  • Collaborate with the Athletics Department and Spiritual Formation Office to support university-wide faith initiatives and integrate biblical principles into daily coaching practices.
• Assist the Head Coach in managing all aspects of the men’s and women’s track and field programs.
• Provide strategic leadership in training design, meet preparation, and event-specific coaching.
• Take primary responsibility for one or more event areas (sprints, jumps, throws, distance, or multi-events).
• Coaching & Athlete Development
  • Deliver high-level coaching with a focus on technical development, competitive readiness, collaborative learning and character formation.
  • Support the academic progress and personal growth of each athlete, encouraging excellence in all areas of life.
  • Model and reinforce Christ-honoring behavior on and off the field.
• Recruitment & Retention
  • Identify, recruit, and retain student-athletes who align with Cornerstone’s spiritual and academic mission.
  • Build relationships with prospective student-athletes and their families, communicating the value of a Christ-centered collegiate experience.
  • Continue cultivating the coach and athlete relationship to help the goal of graduating come to fruition.
• Administrative & Operational Support
  • Assist with budgeting, scheduling, travel planning/implementation, compliance, and facility usage.
  • Ensure adherence to all university, WHAC, and NAIA rules and regulations.
  • Help maintain team communication, including emails, social media, and team meetings.
  • Contribute to alumni engagement, fundraising, team-building activities and community outreach initiatives.
• All Cornerstone University employees will regularly interact with students in a variety of projects, activities, and settings. As such all employees are expected to serve as Christian leaders and mentors by effectively living a gospel-centered lifestyle, ministering and discipling through a biblical worldview.
• Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of collegiate coaching experience with proven leadership in athlete development and team dynamics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of track and field disciplines and training methodologies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and mentoring skills.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.
• A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”
• Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments.
  • The Cornerstone Christian World View
  • The Cornerstone Academic Vision
  • The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community
  • The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community. Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.