Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach for Adapted Athletics

Associated Students, San Diego State University•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Adapted Athletics, the Head Wheelchair Basketball Coach coaches, manages, and develops elite and recreational athletes in the Adapted Athletics program. The program provides opportunities to participate in inclusive and adaptive athletics and recreation activities at a range of skill and ability levels. The coach oversees athlete skill development, including wheelchair basketball technique and strategy; recruits athletes; manages team activities; and supports program fundraising, infrastructure, and marketing. This part-time position offers a starting range of $20–$30 per hour and requires flexibility to work up to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. Schedules vary according to team needs throughout the academic year. Programs may take place indoors or outdoors, with exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions. Physical demands include walking, bending, stooping, climbing, working in confined spaces, and lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying loads up to 40 pounds; the role may require standing and moving for extended periods. A satisfactory background check, including a criminal records check, and Live Scan are required before an offer. A motor vehicle record and DMV review are required for positions involving driving university vehicles or passengers on program-related trips.

Requirements

1–2 years of experience coaching wheelchair basketball.
NWBA Level I Coach Certification.
American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED certifications.
SafeSport or equivalent nationally recognized certification within 30 days of employment.
Valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance if driving program vehicles or individuals.
Complete Gender Awareness, Computer Security, Workplace Violence Prevention, and Sexual Harassment Prevention training within 30 days of hire.
Complete the California Defensive Driving Course if driving program vehicles or individuals.
Understand National Wheelchair Basketball Association rules and classification.
Demonstrated commitment to student success and ability to recruit, train, and evaluate collegiate student-athletes.
Strong coaching background emphasizing skill development and leadership.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively with student-athletes, team officers, coaches, administrators, and alumni.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, solve problems, and meet deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft and Google Suite applications and the Aztec Recreation website.
Ability to handle difficult participant situations with patience, good judgment, and diplomacy.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and present program materials to an audience.
Flexibility and willingness to work up to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and Live Scan before an offer.
MVR and DMV record review if driving university vehicles or passengers for program-related trips.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports Management, Business, Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, or a related field preferred.
Previous experience working with adaptive athletes preferred.
Wheelchair basketball coaching experience at the collegiate or competitive level preferred.
Proficient knowledge of Aztec Recreation programs, facilities, and policies.

Responsibilities

Maintain the health and well-being of student-athletes.
Develop and implement annual and seasonal athlete training plans.
Design and supervise individual and team wheelchair basketball practices.
Coach wheelchair basketball skills, including chair mobility, shooting, passing, defense, and game strategy.
Attend and coach practices, competitions, and tournaments.
Update and maintain the team calendar for practices, competitions, and events.
Conduct athlete check-ins covering performance and well-being.
Track athlete development and maintain performance records each semester.
Establish team goals and contribute to program assessment.
Lead team meetings and foster team culture.
Provide mentorship and leadership development for athletes.
Ensure compliance with Associated Students/SDSU and Aztec Recreation policies.
Conduct film review and performance analysis sessions.
Manage team equipment, including sport wheelchairs and basketball-specific gear, and conduct regular inventory checks.
Assist with team travel logistics, itineraries, and reimbursements.
Assist with athlete recruitment and onboarding.
Support athlete applications for grants, such as CAF, and scholarship opportunities.
Assist with marketing initiatives and monitor team-related social media.
Organize and support wheelchair basketball camps, clinics, tournaments, and community outreach events.
Maintain working relationships with A.S. and University departments and represent the team and Associated Students/SDSU professionally.
Maintain positive and effective working relationships with athletes and staff.
Prioritize safety and follow the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies.
Follow Associated Students' Code of Safe Practices; report accidents, complete and forward required accident documentation, and review measures to prevent recurrence.
Promptly report maintenance problems and broken or unsafe equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.