Head Esports Coach

Morningside University is seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial leader to build a premier NAIA esports program. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary coach who is passionate about competitive gaming, recruiting, student development, and creating a championship culture.

The Head Esports Coach will lead the strategic growth of the program by building competitive rosters, developing an exceptional student-athlete experience, and establishing Morningside as a destination for aspiring collegiate gamers. We are looking for a recruiter, innovative program builder, and collaborative campus leader who understands today's gaming culture and is excited to shape the future of esports at Morningside.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead year-round recruiting through talent identification, relationship building, high school and club outreach, tournaments, Discord communities, streaming platforms, social media, and other digital recruiting strategies.

· Build relationships with prospective students, families, high school programs, club teams, gaming communities, and other influencers.

• Build and sustain a championship-caliber esports program by establishing culture, expectations, competitive excellence, leadership development, and student success.
• Foster meaningful partnerships with Computer Science and other academic programs to strengthen recruitment, expand student opportunities, and position esports within Morningside's innovation and technology ecosystem.
• Develop and elevate the Morningside esports brand through strategic marketing, streaming, digital content, social media, and community engagement.
• Mentor students academically, personally, and competitively while promoting leadership, inclusion, and student retention.

· Build excitement through campus tournaments, watch parties, showcases, camps, clinics, community events, and partnerships.

· Cultivate relationships with alumni, local schools, gaming organizations, businesses, sponsors, and regional esports communities.

• Manage all aspects of program operations, including scheduling, competition, budgeting, equipment, and compliance with institutional and NAIA policies.

Qualifications:

· Outstanding communicator and relationship builder with a deep understanding of competitive gaming, esports ecosystems, streaming platforms, and online communities.

· Bring an entrepreneurial mindset, innovative ideas, and a relentless commitment to recruiting, student development, and program growth.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, travel, tournaments, and recruiting events.

· Experience recruiting, coaching, mentoring, organizing, or leading participants in esports, athletics, education, gaming communities, or a related environment.

· Bachelor's degree.

Morningside University is committed to building a nationally respected esports program that competes for conference and national championships while delivering an exceptional student experience. This is more than a coaching position—it is an opportunity to build and shape the future of esports at Morningside and create a program that is fully integrated with the University's mission, digital innovation strategy, and commitment to student success.

Review of applications for the position will begin immediately and will continue until filled. Successful completion of criminal background verification is required. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, religion, creed, race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, national origin, or other characteristics protected by state and federal law. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Associate Vice President for Human Resources at welp@morningside.edu.

Please submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references to: employment@morningside.edu

Work Location: In person