Head Coach, Men's Tennis

Job Summary

Organize and direct a varsity intercollegiate Men's tennis program by instructing, coaching, and mentoring student-athletes through the planning and conduct of practices, competitions, and individual skill development sessions. Teach sport-specific skills, techniques, and strategies while fostering the athletic, academic, and personal development of student-athletes in a positive, supportive, and competitive environment. Recruit qualified student-athletes and perform the administrative, compliance, fundraising, and professional responsibilities necessary to successfully manage an Institutes-sponsored NCAA intercollegiate athletics program.

About the Role

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI.

Responsibilities

• Provide training, instruction, and support to help student-athletes compete at the highest level while fostering a positive, supportive, and competitive team environment.
• Conduct team workouts and individual skill sessions to assist student-athletes in reaching their full potential.
• Build and maintain a competitive program within the conference and NCAA Division through strong performance, a competitive schedule, and sustained team success.
• Ensure compliance with all NCAA, conference, department, and Institute rules and regulations. Submit all required forms and documentation by established deadlines and report any potential violations promptly.
• Recruit highly qualified student-athletes through a variety of recruiting methods, including phone calls, campus visits, evaluations, camps, and electronic communications. Coordinate recruiting activities and communicate information to the Office of Enrollment Management in a timely manner.
• Prepare and manage the program's annual budget. Follow departmental and Institute financial procedures, reconcile travel expenses, and manage program funds in collaboration with Athletics leadership.
• Perform administrative duties effectively by maintaining regular office hours, responding promptly to communications, meeting deadlines, and maintaining organized records and workspaces.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and appropriate conduct while coaching, recruiting, and representing the Athletics Department and the Institute.
• Participate in admissions and institutional events, including visitation programs, open houses, accepted student events, and other activities as requested. Support community engagement initiatives when appropriate.
• Promote academic achievement by establishing high expectations for student-athletes and supporting their academic progress and accomplishments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the sport or a closely related field, including at least two (2) years of coaching experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the specified sports program.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and guidelines governing the recruitment and retention of student-athletes.
• Knowledge of athletic recruitment methods and techniques.
• Ability to lead and guide student-athletes in area of specialty.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Skill in budget preparation and management.
• Ability to identify athletic skill levels, and gauge the potential admissibility of student athletes.

Skills

• Leadership and coaching skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and financial resources.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to recruit and retain student-athletes.
• Ability to foster a positive and competitive team environment.

Benefits

The anticipated salary for this full-time, 10-month appointment (August - May) is $51,753.15. This is an exempt position and is eligible for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's comprehensive benefits package, which includes a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Pay

Starting Salary/Rate: $51,753.15

Schedule

Shift Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required. Travel is a significant component of the position (greater than 25%).