Head Coach, Men's and Women's Fencing

About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of 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 nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The 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 388 Colleges-2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools-2022 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, 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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Job Description:

Responsible to recruit quality student-athletes who are a good fit for the University athletically, academically and personally. Direct, coach and promote sportsmanship in all phases of a successful intercollegiate men's and women's fencing program.

Teach, mentor and coach student-athletes by developing the required atmosphere and culture as defined by competitive success, student-athlete recruitment and graduation rates, as well as enhancing the program's reputation to both internal and external publics.

Responsibility for both mentoring (coaching) and retaining student-athletes by solidifying a stable roster of quality student-athletes.

Organizational elements of the recruiting plan must be directed to the principles, goals and objectives of the University's Strategic Plan while teaching and coaching the skills and personal qualities that will serve student-athletes well after graduation.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the recruitment and selection of prospective student-athletes in accordance with clearly documented roster goals and in compliance with the standards and principles of the operating codes of the NCAA and Sacred Heart University.
• Adheres to and enforces all policies and procedures of Athletics as well as the rules and regulations of the NCAA and NFC including the successful annual completion and passing of the NCAA recruiting test.
• Establish goals and objectives for a successful team consistent with the mission of the Department and the University.
• Manage the day-to-day fiscal activities of the men's and women's fencing program and all related operations within a balanced budget.
• Schedule and conduct regular practices in and out of season within the guidelines set forth by the NCAA and NFC.
• Develop appropriate strategies to motivate and encourage student-athletes to comply with the Code of Ethical Conduct (Bylaw 10.1-10.4).
• Follow the administrative procedures established by the University as published in the Athletics Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Enforce team travel standards for behavior and appropriate dress.
• Oversee training and care of student-athlete team members, including full cooperation of medical advice of the Department of Athletics Training staff.
• Select, supervise and provide guidance to assistant coaches while monitoring and ensuring their professional development.
• Conduct a performance evaluation for full-time and part-time assistant coach (es).
• Promote the educational values of intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational values of the University as outlined in the University and Department of Athletics Mission Statements.
• Coordinate in collaboration with the Senior Athletic staff a competitive schedule, team travel, budget administration.
• Screen and select of an assistant coaching staff.
• Have a focused commitment to fund raising, public relations and the general administration of program in full compliance with the NCAA and University rules and regulations.
• Support and cooperate in the implementation of required marketing strategies as directed.
• Develop specific communications strategies to assure success of the program; i.e, professionally drafted recruiting letters, use of available collateral materials in support of recruiting efforts, presentations, campus visit itineraries, etc.
• Must be able to repair all fencing equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

Masters degree preferred, bachelor's degree required. Previous successful Men's and Women's Fencing coaching or playing experience at the collegiate level; experience in recruiting, administration and coordination of a collegiate Fencing program which focuses on the total development of the student-athlete.

Impeccable integrity with a thorough knowledge of and commitment to compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. Must possess excellent communication skills, be a positive motivator, have demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities and be able to clearly articulate a coherent plan and vision to build and enhance the University's NCAA Division I program.

CPR/First Aid Certification

Additional Information:

Statement of Personal & Organizational Responsibility for Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive Excellence is the recognition that our institution's success is dependent on how well we value, engage, and include the rich diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, alums, and surrounding community. It is a mastery of inclusion that fosters a consistent sense of belonging. Inclusive Excellence is aspirational and is the pillar that guides the mission, vision, and function of this unit.

To achieve Inclusive Excellence, our personal and organizational responsibilities are to:

• Actively promote a collegial environment and consciously apply our mission and values to create a culture of inclusion and belonging; a safe space where all may thrive and succeed.
• Participate in educational and developmental activities to increase awareness and competencies of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; apply that understanding to guide your approach to all aspects of your job and the community as a whole.
• Demonstrate that we are "Stronger Together" as described in the Office for Inclusive Excellence statements.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online, faxes and emails will not be accepted. A cover letter is appreciated.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.