Head Softball Coach

Concordia College•Moorhead, MN

About The Position

The Head Softball Coach has an appreciation for and an understanding of the mission, vision, and values of the College and is committed to advancing the mission, vision, and values of the Athletics Department. The Head Softball Coach is responsible for the overall administration of an NCAA Division III softball program in accordance with institutional, NCAA, and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rules and regulations. The head coach is responsible for all aspects of the softball program. Areas of responsibilities include academic success, administrative tasks, leadership and professionalism, establishment of a positive team culture, coaching and player development, recruitment of student-athletes and staff, producing a competitive program, commitment to compliance, student-athlete welfare, communication, budget management, fundraising, and public and alumni relations. Additional responsibilities may be assigned in game/event management, teaching, coaching, and/or other administrative duties. See the position responsibilities below for more details.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and 1-3 years of coaching experience or by equivalent education/experience

Responsibilities

Academic Success: Develop and retain academically qualified student-athletes. Initiate the process for initial and continuing academic eligibility with the Office of Admissions. Monitor student-athletes academic progress and eligibility. Direct student-athletes to campus resources for academic success. Adhere to the College’s missed class policy.
Administrative: Execute administrative tasks of the sport program. Submit requests for repairs, maintenance, and improvements of facilities to the Associate Athletics Director of Business Operations. Provide practice and game schedules, and operational needs, to include set up and take down to the Athletics Facilities Manager (i.e., benches, chairs, scorers’ table, PA system). Coordinate team travel, lodging and meals. Obtain approval for ordering uniforms, equipment, and supplies from the Sport Administrator. Oversee the ordering of team and staff uniforms, equipment, and supplies. In conjunction with the Head Equipment Manager disseminate and collect all equipment, uniforms and practice and travel gear upon completion of the season from the student-athletes. On the athletic departmental form, provide the Head Equipment Manager with an annual, updated, sport inventory. Assist with the selection, fitting, and maintenance of team equipment and supplies with priority given to safety (i.e., pole vault pits, helmets, protective equipment). Manage student workers assigned to the sport program. Upon completion of the season meet with the Game Manager(s) to review and update the sport manual. Attend departmental meetings, functions, and College activities. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
Leadership and Professionalism: Demonstrate a high degree of ethical behavior and professionalism. Serve as a leader, mentor, and role-model to student-athletes. Engage in professional development opportunities (i.e., NCAA seminars, coach’s clinics, online educational sessions, MIAC meetings, collaboration with staff members). Conduct an annual sport program review to include a self-evaluation. Select, supervise, and evaluate assistant, part-time assistant, and volunteer coaches. Support professional development of assistant coaches; provide training and guidance. Participate in clinic and camp activities. Represent the department at professional, civic, charitable and alumni events. Be present at and participate in local and community events (i.e., golf tournaments, charity events, service clubs).
Team Culture Development: Establish a team culture that promotes student-athlete welfare, equity, inclusion, diversity, growth, and development. Create a framework that yields a high degree of team cohesiveness. Provide opportunities for athletes to furnish insight and feedback into the development of the team culture. Create opportunities for athletes to provide input on the sport program. Define shared expectations and standards for team behavior. Develop and publish team standards regarding practice, class attendance, punctuality, travel expectations and general standards of behavior with endorsement of the Sport Administrator. Demonstrate an ability to foster a team culture that aligns with the Athletics Department’s culture. Enforce individual and team rules with appropriate action.
Coaching: Organize, prepare, and conduct safe individual and team training sessions. Execute appropriate coaching decisions during practice and competition that ensures the welfare of the student-athletes. Coach competitive strategies. Effectively analyze and teach techniques and strategies. Plan, organize, conduct, and evaluate practice sessions. Develop, implement, and evaluate game plans and strategies. Develop opportunities for student-athletes to perform at peak levels. Collaborate with the Director of Strength and Conditioning and or the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning, regarding technical, conditioning, and strength training of team members. Collaborate with the Athletic Training Staff, regarding the health of a student-athlete.
Player Development: Provide leadership in player development. Serve as an advocate for the student-athletes. Provide mentorship to student-athletes to foster athletic, academic, emotional, and social growth. Create athlete - coach life relationships. Provide opportunities for athletes to share beyond athletics. Embrace a community of care to serve, empower and support the student-athlete. Create opportunities for student-athletes to advocate for themselves and others. Strive to positively impact the life of each athlete. Create meaningful team experiences (i.e., volunteering, community service, campus activities, foreign travel) Meet with student-athletes to understand challenges and goals inside and outside of competition.
Recruitment: Recruit high character student-athletes that have an appreciation for and an understanding of the mission of the College and the mission and values of the Athletics Department. Recruit student-athletes that profile Concordia Athletics values. Recruit student-athletes who can meet the academic standards of the College. Recruit athletes that will increase the capacity of the program. Recruit and retain highly skilled student-athletes. Oversee the recruitment and selection of student-athletes. Establish a presence at prospects events (i.e., high school activities, club sports, competitions). Provide recruitment goals to the Sport Administrator. Develop and incorporate a recruiting plan that demonstrates successful outcomes for the recruitment and retention of student-athletes. Provide direction and guidance to assistant coaches in their role in the recruiting process. Communicate with the Admission’s Staff throughout the recruitment process of prospects. Establish enrollment goals that align with the College and the Athletics Department goals. Communicate with members of the prospect’s family and or legal guardian regarding Concordia College and the Athletic Department (i.e., cost of attendance, financial aid, housing, board, culture, expectations).
Competitive Program: Set aspirational goals and performance standards with each student-athlete. Motivate student-athletes, assistant coaches, and staff members to embrace a highly competitive mindset. Conduct practices and game day preparations that position the program for success. Arrange a competitive competition schedule in conjunction with the Sport Administrator. Establish a competitive programmatic goal for the team.
Commitment to Compliance: Adhere to and enforce all policies and procedures of the College, the Athletic Department, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the NCAA, and other appropriate authorities. Ensure compliance with all rules and regulations by student-athletes, coaches, and staff within the sport program. Seek guidance from the Compliance Director to ensure program compliance.
Student-Athlete Welfare: Understand, support, and respond to individual student-athletes’ need as a college student. Understand and respond to the demands upon a student-athlete’s physical and emotional needs. Be attuned to the physical health, mental health, and welfare of the student-athlete. Be up to date with campus resources to assist student-athletes. Ensure the safety of student-athletes through careful monitoring of facilities. Provide guidance and resources to student-athletes seeking or demonstrating a need.
Communication: Maintain working relationships with administrators, coaches, and staff members in the Athletics Department and on campus. Establish open and frequent communication with the assigned Sport Administrator. Respond in a timely and professional manner to requests. Demonstrate a competency of technology (i.e., Word, Excel, Power Point, Google Drive). Establish and maintain a visible social media presence for the program (i.e., Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).
Budget Management: Prepare, monitor, and manage the sport program budget. Develop and submit an annual needs-based budget. Oversee and balance the budget and all financial operations of the sport program. Adhere to the College’s budgetary policies and procedures. Work directly with the Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations for all budgetary transactional requests, actions, and concerns. Obtain approval for expenditures and use of restricted funds.
Fundraising: Obtain approval for fund-raising activities from the Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations. Create, conduct, and manage approved fund-raising activities and initiatives. Conduct fund-raising initiatives to meet the annual fundraising goals. If applicable, apply for college funding grants. Cultivate a network of donors (i.e., program friends, families, alumni, sport enthusiasts, businesses). Keep donors informed of program goals and achievements (i.e., newsletters, personal correspondence, social platforms). Adhere to the College’s fundraising policies.
Alumni and Public Relations: Participate in public relations and media activities. Foster and maintain relationships and contacts with alumni, community members, and campus personnel. Plan alumni events that will engage former student-athletes in the sport. Be present at and participate in local and community events (i.e., golf tournaments, charity events, service clubs). Participate in College and Athletics Department functions.
Other Duties as Assigned Additional responsibilities may be assigned in game/event management, teaching, coaching, and/or other administrative duties. This position is likely to include: Game Management Duties- 33% of home soccer contests (See the department game management document(s) for expectations.) Club Sport Manager Oversee the administration of two current competitive club sport programs (ultimate frisbee and men’s hockey) and any new programs. This includes general support and communication to ensure the programs thrive. Manage staff and student coordinators related to the club programs. Ensure recruitment targets are being met within each program. Assist in securing practice and competition facility space, uniforms, and equipment/gear. Interface with campus funding sources such as the Student Activity Fee process and manage the sources of budget allocations. Start 1-2 more club sport programs in the next 1-2 years. Work closely with Student Development and Campus Life (SDCL) to collectively provide a positive experience for students.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Flexible Spending Account
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Preventative Chiropractic Program
Retirement Plan
Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time only)
Life Insurance (full-time only)
13 Paid holidays including the time off between Christmas and New Year's
Paid parental leave
Up to 100% tuition with discounts and scholarships for yourself and dependents at Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages
Up to 50% tuition discount for dependents with Oak Grove Lutheran Schools
Up to 100% tuition discounts for dependents with participating partners: CIC-TEP, ELCA schools, and Tuition Exchange Inc.
Extras: access to athletic facilities, library, fitness classes, athletic events, theatre events, purchase dining on campus, free MATbus rides