Assistant Coach, Men's Water Polo

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

28d

About The Position

The Assistant Coach, Men's Water Polo (Assistant Coach) reports directly to the Head Coach and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of running a Division I Men's Water Polo program including, but not limited to: game preparation, teaching and coaching; planning and execution of team practice; recruitment and retention of student-athletes; program administration; academic integrity; and donor/alumni public relations. In addition, the Assistant Coach is responsible for abiding by all conference and NCAA regulations to ensure departmental compliance.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the sport of Men's Water Polo.
• Thorough understanding of NCAA regulations and policies related to managing a Division I program.
• Understanding and support of the Jesuit tradition of education and a commitment to the fundamental values of service to others, community and diversity.
• Strong, positive communication skills as a coach and as a member of the Department of Athletics.
• Ability to monitor expenses with concern for fiscal responsibility and restricted resources.
• Ability to positively interact with student-athletes, students, coaches, administrators, and staff.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 1-3 years coaching experience required

Nice To Haves

• Experience at the Division I level and/or international coaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Fostering a competitive, inclusive, and values-driven team culture that supports student-athlete development both on and off the field of play.
• Ensuring a safe, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for student-athletes, prioritizing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Designing and executing comprehensive practice plans and individual player development workouts.
• Implementing positive and effective teaching methodologies to enhance skill development and team performance.
• Integrating scouting analysis into practice sessions, preparing players for upcoming opponents through tailored drills and situational strategies.
• Providing mentorship to support student-athletes’ personal and professional growth.
• Effectively recruit the best student-athlete within the admissions, financial, and regulatory standards and policies established by the University, Conference, and NCAA.
• Pursuing ongoing professional development opportunities for self and staff to stay current on coaching techniques, recruiting strategies, and best practices in collegiate athletics.
• Collaborating with the Head Coach to design effective drills that enhance team performance and player skill development.
• Collaborating with the academic and compliance services staff to support their assigned responsibilities, adhering to all academic and compliance expectations set by the student-athlete services staff.
• Collaborating with the athletic training, sports performance, sports psychology, and nutrition staff, respectively to support their assigned responsibilities and adhering to all medical decisions made by the team physicians or their assigned designee regarding student-athlete care and NCAA best practices.
• Adhering to all administrative procedures established by the University and Athletics Department.
• Working closely with the designated administrator to coordinate all aspects of scheduling, including contests and facility usage, to ensure efficient program operations.
• Support fundraising and external efforts, including donor and alumni engagement, led by SCU athletics staff and the University Development Office.
• Serving as a representative of the University, fostering a positive image, and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, alumni, and the broader community.
• Developing and implementing a structured, compliant recruiting system that facilitates the distribution of recruiting materials, coordinates communication with prospective student-athletes, manages the recruitment calendar and oversees the recruitment activities of assistant coaches and sport specific staff.
• Ensuring all recruiting activities align with NCAA regulations, as well as University and Athletics Department policies.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of NCAA, University, state, and federal financial aid policies and their application to the Men's Water Polo Program, to ensure effective guidance being provided to prospective and current student-athletes through the financial aid process.
• Staying educated on the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics, including NIL opportunities, potential revenue-sharing models, and regulatory changes, to ensure the program collaborates with Athletics staff to remain competitive in recruiting and roster management while adhering to NCAA, Conference, and University guidelines.
• Assist Head Coach with overseeing and managing the program’s annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Partnering with the Athletics Business Office to promote responsible financial management.
• Abide by all conference, department, and NCAA regulations and assist to ensure departmental compliance.
• Attend all compliance seminars and reviews.
• Attend departmental coaches’ meetings.
• Maintain current CPR and AED certification.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

Benefits

• Santa Clara University offers a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees with programs and resources designed to promote and sustain personal health care, well-being, and the financial objectives of our employees and families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees