USCAA

The Head Softball Coach is a 12-month position working in the Department of Athletics. Joining a dedicated team of educators, the successful candidate will strive to promote student success both on and off the field. The Head Softball Coach is responsible for supporting and coordinating all aspects of the Softball program, providing significant contributions to the development of student-athletes through mentorship, guidance, leadership opportunities, community building, and a commitment to equity and social justice. This position is also responsible for the administration of all phases of the varsity program in accordance with guidelines from Bates College, the NCAA, and NESCAC including recruiting highly qualified student-athletes, compliance, scheduling, travel planning, data management, practice scheduling, academic and personal mentorship, and roster management. The Head Softball Coach serves as an active and visible campus presence, serving on committees, holding day-time office hours, meeting with recruits, and engaging with students outside of the Department of Athletics. The Head Softball Coach will have significant night and weekend commitments. The Head Softball Coach reports to the Director of Athletics.

Job Duties:

Coaching Responsibilities (75%)

Provide leadership, supervision, and development for the Softball team to support student-athletes in the areas of athletic competition skills, conditioning, personal development and professional growth Attend and serve as head coach at all scheduled team practices, competitions, and additional team functions/events Motivate students and staff to participate in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, professionalism, and respect among student-athletes, coaches, and other intercollegiate athletic teams Provide training necessary through skills and conditioning to enable students to compete safely and competitively Develop a comprehensive and systematic recruitment plan with a focus on recruiting and retaining highly qualified student-athletes Stay in frequent communication via email, zoom, and in-person with prospective student-athletes in the recruitment process. Travel frequently during the recruitment season to identify and evaluate talent of prospective student-athletes Working in collaboration with Admission, identify and recruit highly motivated student-athletes in accordance with Bates College, NESCAC, and NCAA regulations in order to enhance team success both athletically and academically Have an awareness of the lifestyle of student-athletes in a highly competitive academic and athletic environment at a DIII institution Be committed to ensuring student-athlete growth and development both on and off the field Take an active role in the academic progress and achievement of student-athletes Nominate student-athletes for awards and recognition within sport membership organizations and the Department of Athletics, as deserving Serve as a caring, empathetic, and engaged advisor and mentor to student-athletes, having a knowledge of campus resources to refer student-athletes when necessary Hold student-athletes accountable for team expectations and ensure student-athlete adherence to the Student-Athlete Code of Ethics & Conduct Develop a strategy for a team social media presence across platforms for the publicity, promotion, and recognition of the team Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents, alumni, and the community Engage in professional development with an eye towards gaining new knowledge in the realm of current best practices, successful coaching pedagogy, training/skill development, and risk management Schedule and conduct regular practice sessions adhering to governing bodies such as Bates College, the NCAA, and NESCAC Maintain understanding of all rules and regulations required by governing bodies for compliance including completing the NCAA rules test annually Manage and remain accountable for expense control, administration of the team budget, and projected fiscal year needs Collaborate with appropriate departmental personnel for all travel, lodging, scheduling, compliance, and competition related administrative duties Collaborate with athletic training personnel regarding student-athlete health and safety including, medical clearances, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of student-athletes Respond to student academic concerns as identified in “Bates Reach” in Collaboration with team faculty liaison and student affairs, especially coursework due to team travel or competition Coordinate team fundraising efforts in partnership with Advancement in order to augment resources for value added programming: enhanced skill training, leadership development, team cohesion exercises, etc. Participate in external events that benefit the Department of Athletics initiatives as assigned by the Director of Athletics and the College Utilizing departmental software such as “Banner,” “Front Rush,” and “Bates Reach” for appropriate tasks Attend all athletics department meetings Recruit, develop and retain a qualified coaching staff Serve as game manager for home athletic contests as assigned and possible site management for campus partners or outside vendors Other duties as assigned

Supervision (5%)

Coordinate all searches for qualified assistant coaches with the approval of the Director of Athletics Prepare agendas, structure, and guidelines for coaching staff meetings Delegate administrative responsibilities appropriately among staff reporting to head coach Administer annual performance evaluations for all staff reporting to head coach Support professional development and success of assistant coaches reporting to head coach

Second Assignment and Campus Collaboration (20%)

Take ownership of a shared process or program within the Department of Athletics (Second Assignment) Engage with the Bates community through serving on committees and fostering an environment that supports an active lifestyle for all students Participate in and encourage student-athletes to engage in leadership opportunities within the Bates community, providing benefits to the campus and Lewiston/Auburn area Support the mission of the Department of Athletics and Physical Education

Education

? Bachelor’s degree required.
? Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

? Experience coaching a successful intercollegiate athletics program or equivalent experience required.
? Experience successfully recruiting student-athletes.
? Fundamental understanding of sport skills, training, and strategies for high-level competition required.
? Commitment to supporting students from underrepresented groups, including students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first-generation-to-college students, and low-income students.
? Ability and willingness to travel (by car, air, train or bus) as needed for competition.
 

Skills and Knowledge

? Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships with clientele such as students, staff, faculty and co-workers.
? Excellent communication (written, verbal & listening) skills.
? Clear understanding of the NCAA Division III philosophy and its holistic approach to the student-athlete experience
? Excellent analytical and problem solving skills; ability to synthesize complex or diverse information.
? Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
? Strong organizational skills for successful documentation, planning and execution.
? Proficiency in basic data management systems and basic computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel, Power Point, WordPress [website], Google docs, email and calendaring.)
? Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings, and other non-traditional schedules.
? Personal commitment to excellence and the mission of a top-tier small liberal arts college.
? Demonstrated awareness of, sensitivity and commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse and inclusive community.