What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Coach - Men and Women's Gymnastics position at McMurry University?
Position Summary
The Head Gymnastics Coach provides strategic leadership and operational management of McMurry University’s intercollegiate Gymnastics program. This position is responsible for recruitment, training, compliance, academic oversight, and competitive growth consistent with NCAA Division III philosophy.
Core Responsibilities
Program Launch & Strategic Development
- Design and execute a comprehensive multi-year strategic plan for launching the program.
- Establish team culture, core values, standards of conduct, and competitive philosophy.
- Develop and maintain program infrastructure including practice systems, performance standards, and operational protocols.
- Collaborate with Athletics leadership on facility preparation, equipment acquisition, and event hosting readiness.
- Build a competition schedule that has championship pathway alignment.
Recruiting & Roster Construction
- Recruit and sign the inaugural recruiting classes to build a competitive and balanced roster.
- Establish recruiting pipelines with club programs, elite coaches, and national/international networks.
- Market the vision of the new program to prospective student-athletes and families.
Operations & Administration
- Develop and manage the program budget from inception.
- Create policies and procedures for travel, equipment, apparel, and daily operations.
- Ensure full compliance with NCAA regulations and institutional policies.
- Establish measurable benchmarks for competitive progress and roster growth.
Student-Athlete Development
- Build a culture that prioritizes academic success and degree completion while also fostering athletic success.
- Mentor student-athletes in leadership, personal growth, and life skills.
- Partner with sports medicine and performance staff to implement safe and progressive training systems.
- Encourage participation in campus life consistent with the Division III model of the well-rounded student-athlete.
Staffing & Leadership
- Hire, supervise, and evaluate assistant coaches and support personnel as approved.
- Build a collaborative working relationship within the Athletics Department and across campus.
- Foster a respectful, and team-oriented culture.
External Relations & Fundraising
- Serve as the primary representative and promoter of the program.
- Assist in fundraising initiatives that support program startup, growth and sustainability needs.
- Develop a program that will lead to strong alumni involvement.
- Engage donors and community partners to build enthusiasm and financial support.
- Promote the program through camps, clinics, and community engagement efforts.
- Maintain good membership with the College Gymnastics Association
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred).
- Demonstrated experience in collegiate, elite, or high-level club gymnastics.
- Proven ability to build or significantly expand a competitive program.
- Strong recruiting network (Demonstrated recruiting success preferred)
- Organizational leadership experience, including budget management and program planning.
- Knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance requirements.
- Knowledge of traditional and modern techniques as well as drills to develop them.
- Experience developing and maintaining successful training plans.
- Strong experience developing a disciplined and safe training environment.
Preferred
- NCAA Coaching and/or Athletic Experience
- Experience with capital planning, equipment procurement, or facility development.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising or external engagement initiatives.
- Experience building team culture.
Key Competencies for a Startup Program
- Visionary leadership and long-term planning ability
- Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort building systems from scratch
- Strong relationship builder internally and externally
- Strategic enrollment focused recruiter and brand ambassador
- High-level communicator and culture builder
- Detail-oriented administrator
Physical & Travel Requirements
- Ability to spot student-athletes in skill/strength development
- Ability to travel for recruiting and competition.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required to launch and maintain a successful NCAA Men and Women's Gymnastics program.
Commitment to Mission
McMurry University seeks candidates who support and advance the University’s mission while fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.
Performance Benchmarks (Initial 3–5 Years)
- Successful recruitment and retention of inaugural roster during the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Full operational launch and first official NCAA competition season during the 2027-2028 academic year.
- Academic performance metrics meeting or exceeding department standards.
- Competitive progress toward NCAA qualification benchmarks.
- Growth in donor engagement and program visibility.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their program-launch philosophy, resume, and professional references through the University’s employment portal. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
McMurry University is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, in employment or the provision of services, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.