Head Softball Coach
Position Summary
Leads and develops a competitive NCAA Division III women''s softball program that operates within the parameters set by Hanover College, the conference, and the NCAA. Ensures an excellent student-athlete experience focused on competitive excellence, academic success, wellness, character development, and inclusive excellence while engaging alumni, families, and the broader community.
Primary Responsibilities
1) Program Leadership, Compliance, and Operations
- Plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of the program in compliance with Hanover College, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.
- Schedule season contests and practice times; coordinate scouting of opponents and game/practice preparation.
- Initiate and manage in- and off-season conditioning programs consistent with NCAA DIII standards and institutional policies.
- Attend conference coaches' meetings and complete required campus trainings.
- Manage team travel, equipment purchasing and maintenance, and facilities coordination to ensure a safe, efficient environment.
2) Recruitment and Roster Management
- Coordinate and process all aspects of on- and off-campus recruiting to attract strong academic and mission-fit student-athletes towards a healthy and competitive roster goal each year.
- Maintain accurate recruiting and roster records for statistical analysis, benchmarking, and historical tracking and towards annual retention goals.
3) Student-Athlete Experience and Wellness
- Foster a holistic, inclusive team culture emphasizing academic progress, mental health, physical well-being, and life-skill development.
- Collaborate with campus partners (academic support, counseling services, athletic training, strength and conditioning, DEI, and Title IX) to provide proactive wellness education, timely referrals, and coordinated return-to-play processes.
- Implement evidence-informed workload management, injury-prevention strategies, and rest/recovery practices; uphold safety standards for practices, travel, and competition.
4) Budgeting and Administration
- Function within an approved budget; oversee the preparation of a detailed, itemized annual budget.
- Initiate and recommend budget adjustments that improve program quality and the student-athlete experience.
- Maintain comprehensive program records (statistics, compliance documentation, recruiting, travel, equipment inventory, and historical materials) and prepare required reports.
- May be assigned as game administrator on a limited number of dates in off-season.
5) External Relations, Fundraising, and Community Engagement
- Provide responsive, professional service to student-athletes, faculty/administration, alumni, fans, parents, community members, and media.
- Partner with Advancement to plan and execute fundraising initiatives (e.g., annual giving, events, donor stewardship) supporting program needs and enhancements.
- Engage alumni and community through clinics, camps, outreach, and service projects that elevate program visibility and reputation.
6) Teaching and Off-Season Instruction (as assigned)
- May teach a physical activity or wellness-based activity course in the off-season, subject to institutional need and qualifications.
- Integrate sport-specific and transferrable skills (leadership, teamwork, resilience) into instructional settings; align course outcomes with departmental and institutional goals.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform general duties to ensure the quality, safety, and development of the program and the student-athlete experience.
- Maintain records for statistical analysis and historical ramifications.
- Promote a positive image of Hanover College and represent the College in accordance with the College''s mission, principles, and strategic plan.
- Support a welcoming College culture and experience.
- Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on coaching/administrative strengths.
Job Qualifications
Education
- B.S. or B.A. required; M.S. or M.A. preferred
Experience
- NCAA Division III playing and/or coaching experience
- Demonstrated success recruiting strong academic student-athletes who align with institutional values
- Experience with fundraising and donor/alumni engagement
- Experience teaching activity-based courses or facilitating wellness/leadership workshops
- Familiarity with performance analytics, video/scouting platforms, and athlete management tools
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with diverse audiences (students, families, colleagues, alumni, media)
- Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and a variety of secondary assignments
- Knowledge of NCAA DIII rules and regulations; demonstrated commitment to compliance and ethical conduct
- Commitment to student-athlete wellness, safety, and inclusive excellence
- Budget management, operational planning, and data-informed decision-making
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
- Evening and weekend work required during the competitive season; travel required
- Maintain current certifications as applicable (e.g., First Aid/CPR/AED, sport-specific credentials, driver certification, and institutional trainings)
- Adhere to and model Hanover College mission, values, and conduct expectations; uphold conference and NCAA Division III philosophies.