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Human Resources

Head Men & Women’s Track & Field Coach

July 03, 2025
Position Vacancy Announcements

 

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FLSA Classification

Exempt

Salary Range/Grade

Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000

Reports to

Athletic Director

Job Description 

Summary/objective

At Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), the Athletics Department is where the spirit of the Knights thrives and excellence knows no boundaries! Nestled in the heart of the captivating city of New Orleans, SUNO is a haven for passionate athletes, dedicated coaches, and enthusiastic supporters. With a rich history and a legacy of success, SUNO's athletic department continues to carve its path as a formidable force in collegiate sports. The Knights bring a relentless spirit, pushing boundaries and aiming for greatness.

The athletic department at SUNO has nurtured numerous accomplished athletes, many of whom have gone on to make a significant impact on the national and international stage. These notable alumni include outstanding basketball players, track and field stars, and various other sports icons. Their success stories serve as a testament to the quality of education and training provided by SUNO, preparing athletes not only for the rigors of their chosen sports but also for the challenges of life beyond the playing field.

Under the general direction of the Director of Athletics, the Head Women and Men’s Track and Field Coach will be responsible for all aspects of the track program.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: coaching, recruiting, scheduling, budget management, and overall administration of a NAIA Track and Field program.  Credentials should reflect proven success in coaching, recruiting, and working with student-athletes.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  1. Program Development:
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive training program for track and field athletes, focusing on skill development, performance enhancement, and injury prevention.
    • Establish a competitive annual schedule in alignment with the university’s goals and NAIA regulations.
  1. Recruitment:
    • Identify, evaluate, and recruit talented student-athletes who align with the values and standards of SUNO and the Track and Field program.
    • Build and maintain relationships with high schools, clubs, and other organizations to promote the program.
  1. Coaching:
    • Conduct daily practice sessions and manage the training regimen for all track and field events.
    • Provide technical instruction, mentoring, and motivation to student-athletes to achieve individual and team goals.
  1. Academic Support:
    • Monitor and support the academic progress of student-athletes, ensuring they maintain eligibility and succeed in their studies.
    • Collaborate with academic advisors to promote a culture of academic excellence within the program.
  1. Administration:
    • Manage the program’s budget, including travel, equipment, and facility needs.
    • Prepare and submit reports on team performance, budget expenditures, and other relevant metrics as required by the athletics department.
  1. Community Engagement:
    • Foster relationships with alumni, donors, and the local community to enhance support for the track and field program.
    • Organize and participate in outreach activities and events to promote the program and university.
  1. Compliance:
    • Ensure compliance with NAIA rules and regulations, as well as university policies.
    • Stay informed about changes in NAIA legislation and best practices in coaching.
  1. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

  • Ability to effectively teach fundamentals, position details and strategies of basketball during preparation and practice sessions.
  • Ability to motivate teams to become successful.
  • Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the University community and the public.
  • Ability to drive student athletes or other students to team activities and/or athletic events.
  • Ability to travel and recruit student-athletes.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to learn and comply with all policies and regulations of the University, the GCAC (Gulf Coast Athletic Conference), and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
  • Ability to scout opponents.
  • Ability to work summer camps.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Work environment

Athletic setting.  Indoor gym.

Physical demands

Must stand for long periods of time at games and at practice. May participate in drills or practices. May have to lift or transport equipment. Instructing and demonstrating physical skills while coaching; extensive travel via car, air and bus.

Travel required

50% - 75%.

Required education and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field.
  • Proven experience as a head coach or assistant coach in track and field at the collegiate level.
  • A proven record of integrity, high principles and demonstrated skill in developing motivating student-athletes academically and athletically.
  • Valid Driver's License.

Preferred education and experience

  • 3 – 5 years coaching experience at the college, university or professional level.

Working at Southern University at New Orleans

All offers of employment are contingent upon approval from the Southern University System Board of Supervisors and a satisfactory pre-employment background check to include reference checks.

As a member of the Southern University System, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; paid holidays; and tuition waiver for qualified employees. 

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.