Director of Cross Country and Track & Field | Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, Virginia, The Director of Cross Country and Track & Field are responsible for the leadership, integrity, and competitive success of VMI’s Division I Cross Country and Track & Field program. The coach will be a visible leader and role model. They must foster a culture of integrity, discipline, and service mirroring the school’s culture. The development of cadet-athletes who excel on the track & field, in the classroom, and as leaders in the Corps of Cadets is paramount. The team always competes to win and does so with honor. The coach must be adept at navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), NCAA House Settlement compliance, and the Transfer Portal. Virginia Military Institute is seeking a dynamic, team-oriented compassionate leader to serve as the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field. The Director of Cross Country and Track & Field must be a change pioneer – creating a positive cohesive environment built through trust, respect and empowerment. Virginia Military Institute is seeking someone driven to build a championship-caliber program that competes at the highest level in the Southern Conference and restores VMI Cross Country and Track & Field to the success of its rich history. Why VMI? This is more than a coaching position—it is an opportunity to shape leaders of character who will serve their communities and the nation. At VMI, track and field is a platform for leadership development, teamwork, and character-building within a unique military college environment. Our commitment is simple: build leaders, build champions, and win at VMI. Key Responsibilities: Program Leadership & Culture: •Build and sustain a winning cross country and track & field program that is unwaveringly governed by VMI’s Citizen-Soldier ethos and the Honor Code—a non-negotiable standard: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.” •Instill VMI values in all aspects of the program while growing great leaders who exemplify self-discipline, grit, and resilience on and off the playing surface. •Serve as a visible leader and mentor within the Corps of Cadets and the broader VMI community. The coach is expected to be fully engaged in the cadet experience and uphold Institute standards. Recruitment & Development: •Recruit and develop cadet-athletes who are committed to the rigors of VMI’s three-legged stool: Athletics, Academics, and Military. •Emphasize holistic development—athletic, academic, and leadership growth—preparing cadet-athletes for success as Citizen-Soldiers. •Build a roster through regional & nation-wide high school recruiting, balancing that roster against the unique demands of the Institute. In practice, this means recruiting athletes able to thrive in VMI’s rigorous system. •Organize and communicate training plans that effectively instill confidence in cadet-athletes for competition. Provide purposeful guidance and event-specific coaching that builds buy-in and enhances performance of the cadet-athlete. Modern Compliance & Operations: •Oversee all aspects of program compliance with NCAA, SoCon, and Institute policies. Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to navigate transfer portal and NIL processes as required by NCAA House Settlement. •Strategically manage roster and scholarships, leveraging both high school and transfer portal recruiting. Academic & Military Integration: •Foster an environment where academic achievement and military discipline are integral to the cross country and track & field experience. •Collaborate with academic and military leadership to ensure cadet-athletes succeed in all facets of VMI life. •Assist in the improvement of the team academic progress rate (APR) score in collaboration with Institute academic staff and the Cadet-Athlete Development Office (CADO). Staff & Operations Management: •Recruit, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches and support staff. •Oversee program budgeting, scheduling, and operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with institutional standards. •Management and organization of quality meets in the Corps Physical Training Facility (CPTF) that attract high level college competition and generate revenue for the VMI Athletics department. Community & Alumni Engagement: •Represent VMI cross country and track & field with integrity to alumni, supporters, and the public. •Engage in fundraising, community outreach, and events that support the program and the Institute’s mission. Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree is preferred Demonstrated success as a cross country and track & field coach at the NCAA level, preferably Division I. Experience in hosting, managing and executing collegiate cross country and track & field meets. Deep understanding of NCAA rules, NIL frameworks, and roster management under House Settlement guidelines. Commitment to VMI’s mission, values, and the Citizen-Soldier model Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Experience recruiting and developing student-athletes who value discipline, service, and holistic development. Experience in a military college or service academy environment is highly desirable.