What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Coach – Drake Hockey Club (997211) position at Drake University?
Position Number: 997211
Unit/Department: Student Activities
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
https://www.drake.edu/recservices/
Job Summary:
Working collaboratively with club leadership and the Sport Club Director, the Head Coach for the Drake Hockey Club will provide leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day management of the team. Drake has recently launched Premier Sport Clubs, offering an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven individual to help build and elevate the Hockey Club to competitive success within the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).
This is a part-time, stipend position reporting directly to the Associate Director of Recreational Services & Sport Club Director.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of five (5) years of coaching experience at the high school or collegiate level (highly preferred).
- Proven ability to work effectively with students, parents, and campus partners to support recruiting and program development.
- Experience with fundraising and program advancement efforts.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends (most games occur Friday and Saturday).
- Demonstrated experience working with college-age students.
- Must hold or be willing to obtain required coaching certifications in accordance with league and university compliance standards.
- Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills with a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture on and off the ice.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of five (5) years of coaching experience at the high school or collegiate level (highly preferred).
- Proven ability to work effectively with students, parents, and campus partners to support recruiting and program development.
- Experience with fundraising and program advancement efforts.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends (most games occur Friday and Saturday).
- Demonstrated experience working with college-age students.
- Must hold or be willing to obtain required coaching certifications in accordance with league and university compliance standards.
- Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills with a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture on and off the ice.
Job Duties:
- 40% - Develop and implement effective practice plans, game strategies, and overall team management approaches to enhance team performance. - (Essential)
- 20% - Focus on player development by providing individual and group instruction to improve skills, conditioning, and game awareness. - (Essential)
- 15% - Assist in identifying and recruiting talented players; attend games and evaluate prospective student-athletes in collaboration with the Associate Director and Drake Admissions - (Essential)
- 15% - Manage the team during games, making real-time strategic decisions and ensuring clear communication among players. Promote athlete safety, support injury prevention and management, and foster overall well-being. - (Essential)
- 5% - Oversee logistical operations including scheduling, travel, equipment management, budgeting, and compliance with university and league regulations, in coordination with student leadership and the Sport Club Director. - (Essential)
- 5% - Represent the program at community and university events, fostering positive public relations and building visibility and support for the team. - (Essential)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.