Head Coach, Men's Soccer
Location: Hickory, North Carolina
The Head Men's Soccer Coach reports to the Vice President for Athletics and is responsible for providing leadership, coaching expertise, administration and oversight of all aspects of a competitive NCAA Division II men's soccer program. Responsibilities include program development, recruiting, coaching and mentoring student-athletes, staff supervision, budget management, compliance and fostering a positive intercollegiate experience. The successful candidate will prioritize academic integrity, student-athlete well-being and development while advancing the competitive success of the program and supporting the mission and strategic goals of the university and athletic department.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervise, mentor and evaluate assistant coaches and other program personnel while establishing clear expectations for professional development, accountability and program success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and plan for the men's soccer program that promotes competitive excellence, continuous improvement and alignment with the University's mission and athletic department goals.
- Provide leadership, organization and supervision for all practices and varsity contests.
- Organize and implement a successful recruiting program that attracts academically and athletically gifted prospects, with an unwavering commitment to retention, degree completion and academic success.
- Conduct all aspects of the program within the rules, regulations and procedures of the NCAA, conference, athletic department policy manual and university.
- Encourage and create an atmosphere of sportsmanship, professionalism and respect among the athletic staff, coaches and student-athletes.
- Demonstrate a commitment to student-athlete safety and welfare in all aspects of the men's soccer program.
- Manage team needs within parameters of annual budget; review all budget requests and projected fiscal needs.
- Schedule all team travel, practices and contests in accordance with university policies, conference scheduling guidelines and NCAA bylaws.
- Review student-athlete eligibility requirements to ensure full compliance with governing rules and regulations.
- Maintain positive and constructive working relationships with university staff, including Admission, Academic Affairs, Advancement and Student Affairs, and departmental staff to ensure an efficient and effective program.
- Maintain relationships with parents, alumni, friends of the program and others to promote a positive image of the athletic department.
- Assist with fundraising initiatives, donor relations and alumni engagement efforts to generate financial and other resources that support the continued growth and success of the men's soccer program.
- Attend and participate in athletic department meetings and rules education sessions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
- Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to academic integrity, gender equity and student-athlete welfare.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Experience
- Comprehensive understanding of multiple facets of NCAA athletics, including NCAA rules and Title IX compliance.
- Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Other Qualifications
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
- NCAA compliance background check required
- Successful completion of annual coaches exam per NCAA guidelines
- Successful completion of first aid, CPR and AED certifications.
Work Schedule
- This position requires travel and work during variable hours, including nights and weekends.
- Must be comfortable working in a flexible, fast-paced team environment and maintain a positive attitude.
Behavioral Expectations
- Maintain high integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
- Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
- Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment
- Treat other individuals with dignity, respect, and kindness.
- Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards, values, and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.
Position requirements in the role description outlined above indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list for the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove, or waive the responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position.
Application Process
While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Three professional references
References will only be contacted for finalists, and candidates will be notified in advance.
The university’s mission, vision, and values statements may be reviewed using About LR.
Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good.
About Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir- Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy
Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, LR has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.
LR values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.