Assistant Coach, Cross Country (On-site)

University of California Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California Merced is seeking a Cross Country Assistant Coach to support a small to mid-size program, under the Head Coach's guidance. You will help manage recruiting, practice planning, and competition operations while ensuring student-athlete academic progress and eligibility.

The role requires NCAA compliance knowledge, coaching experience, and the ability to contribute to a high-performing athletics program on-site in Merced.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with athletic participants.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making; effective problem solving and written/verbal communication.
• Specialized knowledge of coaching principles and the team sport/activity.
• Current knowledge of NCAA, conference and campus rules and standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical aspects of player coaching under the Head Coach.
• Assist with management of games and practices, including drills and conditioning.
• Monitor and evaluate player performance, recruitment, evaluations, and visits.
• Maintain accurate recruit contacts and records of evaluations/recruit visits.
• Promote professional conduct and high standards at events and games.
• Ensure adherence to all NCAA, conference, and campus policies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Coaching principles

Knowledge of NCAA rules

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Job description

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $20,000.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 2, 2026. Posting may close any time after the review date.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

Please note: This is a part-time 40% FTE position. The duration of this contract is 1-year.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About the Job

Under general direction, the Cross Country Assistant Coach oversees specific aspects of a small to mid-size sports program and may provide guidance to other personnel. Under the direction of the Head Coach, the incumbent will assist with managing the team along with shared responsibility in the areas of recruiting, retention, coaching, game and practice management, monitoring student-athlete academic progress and eligibility. Responsible for maintaining knowledge of and compliance with NCAA, conference, and athletic department rules and regulations related to student-athlete eligibility within the scope of assigned duties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under guidance of the Head Coach, develops technical aspects of player coaching. Assist the Head Coach with the management of games and practices. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, conducting drills, monitoring practices, overseeing strength and conditioning sessions, managing statistics and video exchange program.
• Analyzes performance and instructs participants in program strategies and techniques to prepare them for competition. Assist in the identification, evaluation, and recruitment of future student-athletes within the rules of the NCAA, conference and campus. Maintain accurate records related to recruit contacts, evaluations, and visits.
• Observes players while they perform to determine need for individual or team improvement.
• Participates in the evaluation of student athletes' performance.
• Represents and promotes professional conduct, university good will and high standards at all events and games.
• Ensures adherence to all governing rules, university, department, conference, NCAA policies and procedures, including student-athlete benefits.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

* Bachelor's degree in a related area from an accredited institution (required).

EXPERIENCE

* 1 year of related experience, or equivalent experience/training with a college-level program (required).

LICENSES and CERTIFICATIONS

• May need to maintain NCAA certified recruiter status (required).
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification (required).
• Valid driver's license (required).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with athletic participants (required).
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making; be an effective problem solver and effectively communicate verbally and in writing (required).
• Specialized knowledge of the team sport or activity, as well as basic technical expertise in coaching principles (required).
• Current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the affiliated athletic conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the campus adheres, and all times carry and all violations of these rules and standards (required).

Background Check

Background check required.

This position will be required to complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation, the University's credentialing process, and verification of licensure and/or certification through the appropriate California licensing or certifying board(s), as applicable.

Policy Statement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy

The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at .

E-Verify

All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: compensation-and-benefits/