Head Softball Coach - Lakeland University

HEAD SOFTBALL COACH

LAKELAND UNIVERSIY, an independent, not-for-profit, liberal arts institution, seeks a diverse pool of qualified candidates for the position of Head Softball Coach. To learn more about our softball program, click here.

The Head Softball Coach is responsible for the management and administration of all activities related to the softball program. The position requires the head coach to supervise all aspects of the softball program including, but not limited to, recruitment and retention of qualified student athletes, softball specific strategy relating to practice and game situations, and coordinating team travel arrangements to include transportation, lodging, and meals. The candidate is fully responsible for compliance with National Collegiate Athletics Association/Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference rules and regulations as well as University policies governing intercollegiate athletics.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

All Lakeland University staff members are expected to:

• Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission;

• Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the University;

• Be good stewards of the University's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community;

• Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals;

• Keep their supervisor appropriately informed;

• Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the University community;

• Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect;

• Advise their supervisor with respect to all matters that require their attention, including their own performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures that the softball program achieves the parallel goals of development of a quality, competitive athletics program and support of the individual educational goals of student-athletes by engendering a coaching philosophy which promotes those goals and establishes an environment conducive to both;

• Develops an equivalent recruitment strategy and directs all recruiting activities, selecting team members, scheduling and supervising all practice sessions and intercollegiate contests, coaching the team, providing opportunities for academic assistance to student-athletes if required, and monitoring the academic progress of each participating student-athlete;

• Protects the integrity of the softball program and the reputation of the intercollegiate athletics program of the University by ensuring that recruiting activities, student-athlete eligibility determination, scholarships and financial aid programs, scheduled practice sessions, and related activities governed by the NCAA rules and regulations as well as applicable conference rules and University policies;

• Reduces the likelihood of athletic-related injuries or the aggravation of such injuries during practice sessions and scheduled contests by being knowledgeable of the injuries sustained in the sport and proper prevention methods, directing appropriate pre-training session and pre-contest preparations and warm ups, and arranging for qualified sports medicine personnel or athletic trainers to be available during all training sessions and contests;

• Develops a competent and effective coaching staff by recruiting and hiring qualified applicants, providing guidance on departmental or University policies and coaching philosophy, encouraging professional development through participation in coaching decisions and recruiting activities, making coaching assignments based upon qualifications, supervising coaching activities, and evaluating performances;

• Facilitates charitable giving by donors thus enhancing the ability of the University to meet established athletic fund-raising goals by actively participating in fund-raising events and promotional activities for intercollegiate athletics, as well as serving as chairperson or co-chairperson of fund-raising committees or as a spokesperson for specific fund-raising campaigns, and/or sponsored sports-related special events;

• Promotes a positive image of the intercollegiate athletics program and the University by establishing and enforcing standards of personal behavior, conduct and appearance for the coaching staff, athletes and support personnel on and off the University campus, participating in community and professional organizations, representing the University at professional meetings and on community committees, establishing and maintaining credible relations with various news media;

• Manages funds by providing input for development of the annual Athletics Department budget and exercising authority for all expenditures related to the sport coached;

• Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds;

• Maintains competency and professional currency through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director of Athletics;

• Performs secondary duty as assigned.

SPECIALIZE KNOW-HOW & SKILLS

• Bachelor's Degree Required / Master's Degree Preferred.

• At least three years of experience in coaching at the intercollegiate level or three years of professional experience teaching his/her sport is required. Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations governing recruitment, eligibility and related functions is required

• Demonstrate ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;

• Ability to effectively manage time and priorities;

• Ability to prioritize office workflow and make effective administrative decisions to increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity;

• Demonstrated ability to tactfully and effectively communicate (written and verbal) with a variety of individuals;

• Strong critical thinking skills;

• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word) or similar products;

• Demonstrates organizational ability, and attention to detail and accuracy;

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;

• Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of higher than average-weight objects or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. An additional athletics department job responsibility will be assigned based on qualifications.

Compensation will be commensurate with background and experience, along with a comprehensive benefit program. For consideration please click on apply now and submit a letter of interest, current resume and three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

Lakeland University is an Equal opportunity employer/educator.