Penn State Job Catalog

The Head Coach provides strategic leadership and overall management of an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program; is responsible for all aspects of the program; develops a competitive, academically successful, and student-centered team while fostering a culture of integrity and excellence; is responsible for coaching, recruiting, student-athlete development, staff leadership, program administration, budget management, fundraising, public relations, alumni and donor engagement, and strict adherence to University, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; serves as the chief representative of the program and promotes the University's mission through competitive success, academic achievement, community engagement, and the holistic development of student-athletes.

• Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction for all aspects of an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program
• Plan, organize, and direct all team practices, training sessions, competitions, and other program activities to maximize individual and team performance
• Develop competitive philosophies, game strategies, and practice plans through analysis of team performance, opponent tendencies, scouting reports, analytics, and emerging coaching methodologies
• Assess student-athlete skills, strengths, and development needs to determine playing assignments, individualized training plans, and competitive strategies
• Recruit, evaluate, and retain highly qualified prospective student-athletes who demonstrate athletic ability, academic qualifications, and personal character consistent with University standards
• Direct all phases of the recruiting process, including talent identification, evaluation, relationship building, official and unofficial visits, scholarship recommendations, and roster management in accordance with NCAA, Big Ten, and institutional regulations
• Foster an environment that promotes student-athlete academic achievement, personal responsibility, leadership, mental well-being, and social development while supporting timely progress toward degree completion
• Establish and enforce standards of conduct, discipline, accountability, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior consistent with University values
• Hire, supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate Assistant Coaches, Associate Head Coaches, graduate assistants, and other assigned athletics personnel; establish staff responsibilities and promote professional development
• Collaborate with athletics administrators and support units, including admissions, financial aid, compliance, academic support, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, student-athlete development, international programs, and other University offices to ensure comprehensive support for student-athletes
• Develop competitive schedules in collaboration with Big Ten partners and athletics administration; coordinate team travel logistics and operational planning in accordance with University policies
• Manage the program's operating budget responsibly by monitoring expenditures, allocating resources effectively, supporting cost-containment initiatives, and ensuring sound fiscal stewardship
• Work collaboratively with athletics development staff to identify, cultivate, steward, and solicit donors, alumni, and supporters in support of the sport program and broader athletics fundraising priorities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, booster organizations, community stakeholders, and supporters while ensuring all booster activities comply with NCAA, Big Ten, and University regulations
• Partner with marketing, communications, ticket operations, event management, licensing, and external relations staff to increase attendance, strengthen fan engagement, enhance the program's visibility, and support sponsorship and revenue-generation initiatives
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the program by responding to local, regional, and national media requests and representing the University in public appearances, interviews, speaking engagements, and community events
• Promote a positive image of the University and athletics program through community outreach, youth engagement, alumni relations, and public service initiatives
• Schedule, organize, and administer sport camps, clinics, and instructional programs that support program visibility, student-athlete engagement, and revenue generation while ensuring compliance with institutional policies
• Maintain current knowledge of coaching methodologies, sports science, technology, athlete performance strategies, recruiting trends, and NCAA legislative changes to continuously improve program performance
• Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of student-athletes by promoting safe training practices and collaborating with sports medicine and performance staff regarding injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play decisions
• Maintain complete familiarity with and ensure strict compliance with all University, Big Ten, NCAA, and applicable federal and state rules, policies, and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics
• Promote a culture of institutional control by educating staff, student-athletes, boosters, and program representatives regarding applicable compliance requirements
• Immediately report known or suspected NCAA, Big Ten, or institutional rules violations through established compliance procedures and cooperate fully with any resulting investigations

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Communication and Collaboration:

• Not Selected

• Community engagement
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Media relations
• Operations management
• Program management
• Recruiting
• Regulatory compliance
• Scouting
• Sports analytics
• Sports management