Knox College invites applications for the full-time position of Head Softball Coach. Join our thriving residential liberal arts college community that is on the brink of achieving success, boasting a strong academic reputation. As the Head Softball Coach, you will be a key player in fostering student-athlete success and well-being while building a competitive NCAA Division III program. This is a 12-month, benefits-eligible position reporting to the Director of Athletics. Anticipated start date is June 2024. The successful candidate will have a focus on supporting student-athlete success and wellbeing as well as developing a competitive NCAA Division III program.

Knox College provides a competitive salary and an enticing benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance; access to a retirement plan; a generous paid vacation and holiday package; free membership to our recreation center; and more! Tuition remission is also available after a two-year waiting period. Knox College, a member of the Midwest Conference and NCAA Division III, is a vibrant community of scholar-teachers and students with a tradition of free inquiry, independent thought, and diverse perspectives.

Knox College is one of the 50 most diverse campuses in America and prides itself on its historic commitment to increase access to all qualified students of varied backgrounds, races, and conditions, regardless of financial means. U.S. News and World Report included Knox as one of its “Best Value Schools” in its 2023 rankings, listing it as #28 among national liberal arts colleges, recognizing academic quality and the price that students pay after receiving need-based scholarships or grants. Knox is also regularly recognized for this historic and transformative mission; Knox has been included in every edition of Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges since the groundbreaking book was first published in 1996. Washington Monthly ranks Knox #40 in the nation for its commitment to the public good, and Forbes regularly includes Knox on its Grateful Grads Index, which rates the top 200 colleges and universities for the success of graduates and the number of alumni that financially support their alma mater.

Recruiting globally, our athletic rosters proudly feature student-athletes from diverse corners of the world. Knox athletes are student-athletes with a focus on achievement in the classroom, on the court or playing field, and as community and campus leaders. Institutional support for enhancing intercollegiate athletics is strong and the K Club booster organization has been very active in recent years with a significant upward trajectory both in engagement and dollars raised the past three years.

Responsibilities

The Head Coach is responsible for all aspects of the Knox College Softball Program including but not limited to: executing a successful recruiting and retention plan; integrating the program into the campus community; scheduling, planning, and supervising practices and contests; team travel; managing the program operating budget; developing cultural competence within the men’s basketball program; fully supporting Knox College and Prairie Fire athletics department diversity and inclusion initiatives; fundraising; administering all aspects of the program ensuring compliance with departmental, institutional, Midwest Conference (MWC), and NCAA rules and regulations; participating in alumni and booster engagement, including promotion of program on social media platforms; and additional coaching and administrative duties as assigned. The Head Coach must develop a competitive program within the MWC with the goal of postseason participation. The Head Coach must also provide support and encouragement and ensure the safety and well-being of the student-athletes.

This position will supervise at-will assistant coach(es), as well as student manager(s), student worker(s), and volunteer assistant coach(es) as needed. Additional duties will be determined, in part, by the experiences and strengths of the successful candidate and may include assisting department operations and/ or teaching a sports studies course.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university

• 2 or more years collegiate softball coaching experience

• Evidence of the ability to plan, organize, and administer training strategies for practice and game implementation (such as the design of workouts and long-term training plans)

• Valid Driver's License

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and projects

• An appreciation for a residential liberal arts education, respect for individual differences, openness to the values and opinions of others, and flexibility to adapt to constant change

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 or more seasons experience as a head NCAA/NAIA collegiate softball coach

• 4 or more seasons experience NCAA/NAIA coaching collegiate softball

• 4 or more seasons NCAA/NAIA softball recruiting experience

• Experience hosting collegiate campus softball camps/ clinics

• Experience building alumni and fan engagement and fundraising

• Experience with social media and overall promotion of the athletics program

• Experience with recruiting software Front Rush (or similar platform)

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Application

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume including contact information for three references, and complete the Knox College Employment Application by visiting this link and clicking on apply now.. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Finalists will be subject to a background check.

Knox College is a nationally ranked, private, residential liberal arts college of 1,000 students from 48 states and multiple countries. Founded in 1837 by social reformers strongly opposed to slavery, Knox was one of the first colleges in the United States open to all, regardless of race, gender, or financial means. The College recruits a national and international pool of high ability students and stands out among its peers for the inclusion of first-generation, international, and students of color, in a culturally rich and vibrant campus community.

For more information about Knox College, please visit www.knox.edu/about-knox.
Notice of Non-Discrimination

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from discriminating on the basis of sex.

The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-Discrimination is Kimberly K. Schrader, Title IX Coordinator. Any inquiries regarding Title IX or the College's policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator identified below. The Coordinator will be available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s policies and procedures.

Title IX Coordinator

Kimberly K. Schrader

Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209

337 South Cherry Street

Galesburg, IL 61401

Phone: 309-341-7751

Email: kschrade@knox.edu

Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office

500 W Madison St., Suite 1475

Chicago, IL 60661-4544

Phone: 312-730-1560

Email: ocr@ed.gov

Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to either the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources or Director of Disability Support Services identified below.

For Employees:

Human Resources

Administrative Services Center 109 | Campus Box K-200

368 South Prairie Street

Galesburg, IL 61401

Phone: 309-341-7200

Email: hr@knox.edu

For Students:

Director of Disability Support Services

Stephanie Grimes

Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183

340 South West Street

Phone: 309-341-7478

Email: sgrimes@knox.edu