About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

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To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Head Coach for the Club Sports Ice Hockey ACHA Division I team provides leadership through player recruitment and retention, practice and game-day coaching, and the management of team administrative functions. This is a part-time position that runs from August 15th to May 15th of each academic year. 

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the recruitment of prospective students who will meet University admission standards
• Responsible for all ACHA required paperwork as well as understanding all rules associated with the ACHA
• Foster and enhance relationships with other ACHA DI coaches
• Work collaboratively with other men’s Club Sports ice hockey programs
• Work closely with the Director of Club Sports and Intramurals, or designee, on the preparation of the season, schedule, and develop a recruitment plan beyond the upcoming season
• Work with the Athletic Training staff and Strength and Conditioning staff on player safety and development
• Responsible for the retention of all team members, particularly first year students and ensuring their seamless transition into college 
• Work with the Club Sports staff to develop a cohesive program and highlight those via social media and the club sports website
• Create and implement a weekly practice plan to ensure all team members are prepared for competition
• Recruit and evaluate prospective student-athletes through showcases, junior leagues, and video scouting
• Build relationships with junior, prep, and high school coaches
• Manage roster construction and balance talent, depth, and team chemistry
• Promote program visibility and competitiveness within the ACHA DI landscape
• Develop and implement structured practice plans emphasizing skill progression, systems play, and hockey IQ
• Provide individualized player development plans focusing on skating, shooting, positioning, and decision-making
• Mentor student-athletes on leadership, accountability, and competitive mindset
• Prepare players for higher levels of competition, including junior, professional, or international opportunities
• Oversee all game day responsibilities, including game planning, transportation, and game roster
• Manage coaching staff and student manager staff 
• Other duties as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• A minimum of 2 years of collegiate coaching experience or 5 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, prep, or junior level is required. A combination of experience will be considered
• USA Hockey Coaching Level 2 Certification required 
• Minimum of 5 years of playing experience
• Must be available to work nights and weekends, as the vast majority of games are Friday-Sunday
• Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including staff and college-age students
• Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions and uphold the mission of the University 

Unusual Working Conditions

Nights and weekends will be required.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.