Head Softball Coach @ Jr. High School (26-27)

Poplar Bluff Schools•Poplar Bluff, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Softball Coach leads and manages the softball program, including practices, game planning, and student-athlete development. The coach promotes sportsmanship, academic success, self-esteem, and personal growth while ensuring compliance with school, district, and state athletic regulations. The role involves collaborating with school staff, mentoring assistant coaches, and supporting the school’s mission through positive leadership and effective communication. This is a seasonal extra-duty stipend position in addition to the certified role. The commitment spans pre-season, regular-season, and post-season responsibilities, with hours varying by season and competition schedule, including after-school hours, evenings, and occasional weekends. The appointment is annual and subject to renewal based on performance and program needs. Compensation, benefits, and working conditions are governed by Board of Education policies, procedures, and agreements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education preferred.
Valid Missouri Teacher Certificate.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Skills in human relations, leadership, and conflict management.
Knowledge of coaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students.
Knowledge of and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.
Compliance with Poplar Bluff R-I Board of Education rules and regulations and Missouri State High School Activities Association rules and regulations.
Actively pursue licensure to drive a school bus suitable for the sport being coached.
Ability to work in a climate-controlled building and in inclement weather.
Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods.
Ability to see and read a computer screen and printed matter, with or without vision aids, and distinguish colors.
Sufficient hearing to understand speech at normal room levels and over the telephone.
Manual dexterity to operate a telephone and enter computer data using both hands.
Ability to communicate effectively and loudly enough to be heard in conversation, over the telephone, and when addressing groups.
Ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Ability to lift, bend, stoop, pull, grasp, and carry objects of various shapes and sizes.
Successful completion of criminal background check and fingerprint clearance as required by state law and district policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education.

Responsibilities

Coach participants in the skills necessary for achievement in softball.
Plan and schedule regular in-season practices.
Work with the Athletic Director to schedule interscholastic contests.
Recommend purchases of equipment, supplies, and uniforms as appropriate.
Maintain an accurate, up-to-date inventory of uniforms and equipment as appropriate.
Maintain attendance forms, insurance records, and similar paperwork.
Oversee safety conditions at the facility or area where the sport is conducted.
Establish performance criteria for eligibility in interscholastic competition.
Enforce discipline and sportsmanlike behavior and establish and oversee penalties for violations of standards.
Maintain a working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the sport.
Represent the district favorably to other schools and communities.
Follow Board of Education policies and building and department rules and procedures.
Promote a positive influence on players, fans, colleagues, and others, without allowing the desire to win to override athlete health, safety, or welfare.
Motivate people associated with the program to develop a supportive sense of ownership.
Promote the athletic program by involving others, including parents and media.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with people involved in school operations.
Respond with appropriate judgment and control in emotionally charged situations; remain organized, prepared, and flexible.
Continuously seek improved coaching methods, techniques, and strategies, and demonstrate commitment to the coaching profession.
Take an active role in preventing drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse.
Know contest rules and explain them to team members.
Promote good sportsmanship among spectators and instruct players in their sportsmanship responsibilities.
Show respect and support for contest officials.
Keep the Athletic Director informed of major problems and decisions.
Host opponents proactively and treat them as guests.
Inform players of expected conduct in locker rooms, school facilities, on the field, and on the bus.
Instruct athletes about potential dangers of participating in the sport.
Properly condition players on the squad.
Turn off lights, lock doors, and ensure buildings and equipment are secure.
Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee.