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Associate Head Coach - (DI) – (PSU1403)

Job Summary and Representative Duties

The Associate Head Coach serves as a senior member of the coaching staff and provides leadership in the administration, development, and competitive success of an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program; shares responsibility with the Head Coach for strategic planning, recruiting, coaching, student-athlete development, program operations, and compliance; exercises delegated authority over significant components of the program and may assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Head Coach; plays a critical role in advancing a culture of competitive excellence, academic achievement, integrity, and student-athlete well-being while supporting the University's mission and the core values of intercollegiate athletics.

  • Serve as a senior member of the coaching staff by assisting the Head Coach in the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program
  • Share responsibility for developing and implementing coaching philosophies, competitive strategies, game plans, and tactical adjustments that maximize individual and team performance
  • Plan, organize, and conduct practices, training sessions, skill development activities, film review, and competition preparation
  • Analyze team performance, opponent tendencies, scouting reports, and performance analytics to assist in game strategy and player development
  • Lead or collaborate in the identification, evaluation, recruitment, and retention of highly qualified prospective student-athletes who align with the University's athletic and academic standards
  • Assist prospective student-athletes and their families throughout the recruiting process, including official and unofficial visits, National Letter of Intent procedures, admissions, financial aid, eligibility requirements, and transition to the University
  • Mentor student-athletes by promoting academic success, leadership, personal responsibility, mental well-being, and positive citizenship while supporting their holistic development
  • Supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate Assistant Coaches, graduate assistants, student managers, and other assigned team personnel; assist with hiring and onboarding coaching staff and support personnel
  • Exercise delegated authority over assigned operational areas such as recruiting, offensive or defensive coordination, special teams, position groups, player development, scouting, video analysis, or other program functions based on sport-specific needs
  • Assist in establishing and enforcing team standards related to conduct, discipline, accountability, fair play, and program culture consistent with University values
  • Coordinate practice schedules, competition logistics, team travel, equipment management, scheduling activities, and other operational functions to support efficient program administration
  • Participate in developing and monitoring the program's operating budget; oversee assigned expenditures and promote responsible fiscal stewardship and cost containment
  • Coordinate the procurement, inventory, maintenance, and replacement of uniforms, equipment, and other program resources
  • Collaborate with athletics support units, including compliance, admissions, financial aid, academic support, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, nutrition, student-athlete development, marketing, communications, facilities, and event management to support program success
  • Represent the Head Coach and the athletics program at University meetings, recruiting functions, alumni events, fundraising activities, community outreach initiatives, and other institutional events as assigned
  • Serve as a spokesperson for the program by responding to media requests and participating in interviews and public appearances when designated by the Head Coach or athletics administration
  • Partner with athletics development staff to cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, and supporters through fundraising initiatives, stewardship activities, booster engagement, and special events
  • Collaborate with marketing, communications, ticket operations, and external relations staff to enhance program visibility, increase attendance, and promote fan engagement
  • Schedule, organize, and administer sport camps, clinics, and instructional programs that support student-athlete engagement, community outreach, and revenue generation
  • Encourage student-athlete participation in community service initiatives and represent the University through outreach activities that enhance the program's reputation
  • Pursue ongoing professional development by remaining current with coaching methodologies, recruiting practices, sports science, technology, performance analytics, and NCAA legislative changes
  • Maintain thorough knowledge of and ensure compliance with University, Big Ten, NCAA, and applicable federal and state rules governing intercollegiate athletics
  • Promote a culture of institutional control by educating student-athletes, staff, and program representatives regarding compliance expectations
  • Immediately report known or suspected violations of University, Big Ten, or NCAA rules through established compliance procedures and cooperate fully with any resulting reviews or investigations

Level Matrix

Level:
Base Description:
Level Summary:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Fiscal Responsibilities:
Problem Solving:
Independence of Action:
Communication and Collaboration:
Salary Structure
  • Not Selected
Critical Skills
  • Community engagement
  • Event management
  • Media relations
  • Mentoring
  • Operations management
  • Recruiting
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Scheduling
  • Scouting
  • Sports analytics
  • Sports management
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
Differs per sport
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience accepted