Assistant Coach - Softball
About the role
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It houses Harvard's undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) and all of Harvard's Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872). The FAS supports a community of unparalleled academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines.
Responsibilities
- Athlete Team Management: Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competition to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels. Develops, coordinates and plans assigned portions of practices and game management consistent with Head Coach's strategic vision. Analyzes video to scout opponents and develop strategies for team development. Executes a student-athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion. Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching. Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.
- Operational Complexity: Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics and operational direction. Operates within budget. Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA and other rules and regulations. Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives. Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities. Assists Head Coach in problem resolution. Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.
- Communication & Influence: Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the applicable sport. Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.
- People Management: Work effectively as a team and collaborate with other coaches on staff. Supervisory skills helpful when working with the Operations Assistant on staff and any team managers. Direct fellow coaches on staff as needed. In addition, the Assistant Coach will: Be responsible for on-field coaching and instruction with specifically the pitching staff. Have overall knowledge of the game with ability to breakdown skills and think strategically. Be able to hit fungo to infield and outfield, throw center toss, and catch pitching warm-ups. Assist Head Coach in developing leaders and motivating students.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of softball coaching and/or playing experience at the collegiate, national and/or Olympic level.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Master’s degree desired
- Conglomerate D1 softball coaching or playing preferred
- Substantial mastery of sport-specific knowledge and relevant issues
- Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy)
- Moderate management and leadership knowledge
- Expertise training pitchers is preferred
- Ability to throw batting practice is helpful
- Experience identifying high academic achieving student-athletes is a plus
- Comfort with use of technology to record games, upload and edit film
- Synergy familiarity a plus
Job-Specific Requirements
- Valid driver's license preferred
- CPR and First Aid required
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: Generous paid time off including parental leave Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one Retirement plans with university contributions Wellbeing and mental health resources Support for families and caregivers Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks