Assistant Coach - Softball

Harvard University • Allston, MA

27d • $61,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students. By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student-athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development. This position assists in planning, directing and coaching the inter-collegiate Softball program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program. May supervise other Assistant Coaches. This position plays a key leadership role for the Softball program. Will fill in when the Head Coach is absent. Typically has a significant role as liaison with Athletics administrative departments. Requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience, which may include coaching/teaching at the professional level. Particularly for sports that are more prominent on an international level than in the United States, comparable experience may include playing in a professional or other high-performance environment, such as for a national team or at the Olympic level. This is a one-year term position renewable at the discretion of the Head Coach and Athletic Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of softball coaching and/or playing experience at the collegiate, national and/or Olympic level.
• Substantial mastery of sport-specific knowledge and relevant issues.
• Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy)
• Moderate management and leadership knowledge
• Valid driver's license preferred.
• CPR and First Aid required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree desired
• Collegiate D1 softball coaching or playing preferred
• Expertise training pitchers is preferred
• Ability to throw batting practice is helpful
• Experience identifying high academic achieving student-athletes is a plus
• Comfort with use of technology to record games, upload and edit film
• Familiarity with Synergy a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competition to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.
• Develops, coordinates and plans assigned portions of practices and game management consistent with Head Coach's strategic vision.
• Analyzes video to scout opponents and develop strategies for team development.
• Executes a student-athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion.
• Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.
• Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics and operational direction.
• Operates within budget.
• Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA and other rules and regulations.
• Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives.
• Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
• Assists Head Coach in problem resolution.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.
• Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the applicable sport.
• Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.
• Work effectively as a team and collaborate with other coaches on staff.
• Supervisory skills helpful when working with the Operations Assistant on staff and any team managers.
• Direct fellow coaches on staff as needed.
• Be responsible for on-field coaching and instruction with specifically the pitching staff.
• Have overall knowledge of the game with ability to breakdown skills and think strategically.
• Be able to hit fungo to infield and outfield, throw center toss, and catch pitching warm-ups.
• Assist Head Coach in developing leaders and motivating students.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level