Assistant Softball Coach - Morris

About the Job

Assistant Coaches support the development of successful sports programs that advance the mission, vision and philosophy of the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) as a residential public liberal arts college.  Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to intellectual achievement, fostering diversity and good sportsmanship and enhancing the University's strong commitment to academic excellence, service and sense of community. The Cougars compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III in 19 sports for men and women. One in five UMM students is a varsity athlete.

The Assistant Coach reports to the Head Coach, providing coaching, a high quality experience for student athletes, and administrative assistance to the Head Coach. The Assistant Coach is expected to adhere to the philosophy, objectives, rules and regulations of UMM Intercollegiate Athletics, the Head Coach and the NCAA Division III. This is an annually renewable professional and administrative appointment.  

Responsibilities vary based on the sport, assigned responsibilities, and the percentage of appointment but typically include the following, under the direction of the head coach.

• Providing support to continue the development of a successful, competitive program that advances the mission of intercollegiate athletics and the university:

  • Building a diverse and inclusive team (or teams) committed to a high level of athletic performance and competition in the NCAA Division III both regionally and nationally.
  • Fostering student development, academic excellence, sportsmanship, service and community.
  • Placing the highest priority on student athletes in achieving their academic and life goals.
  • Fostering good sportsmanship and a climate of respect.

About the Job

Assistant Coaches support the development of successful sports programs that advance the mission, vision and philosophy of the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) as a residential public liberal arts college.  Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to intellectual achievement, fostering diversity and good sportsmanship and enhancing the University's strong commitment to academic excellence, service and sense of community. The Cougars compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III in 19 sports for men and women. One in five UMM students is a varsity athlete.

The Assistant Coach reports to the Head Coach, providing coaching, a high quality experience for student athletes, and administrative assistance to the Head Coach. The Assistant Coach is expected to adhere to the philosophy, objectives, rules and regulations of UMM Intercollegiate Athletics, the Head Coach and the NCAA Division III. This is an annually renewable professional and administrative appointment.  

Responsibilities vary based on the sport, assigned responsibilities, and the percentage of appointment but typically include the following, under the direction of the head coach.

• Providing support to continue the development of a successful, competitive program that advances the mission of intercollegiate athletics and the university:

  • Building a diverse and inclusive team (or teams) committed to a high level of athletic performance and competition in the NCAA Division III both regionally and nationally.
  • Fostering student development, academic excellence, sportsmanship, service and community.
  • Placing the highest priority on student athletes in achieving their academic and life goals.
  • Fostering good sportsmanship and a climate of respect.
  • Assuring staff exhibit integrity, fairness, openness and honesty in working with student-athletes.

• Operating within and ensuring compliance with all university, UMAC and NCAA III policies, standards and guidelines, and procedures.  The violation of NCAA rules and/or other areas of non-compliance may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. 

• Planning, attending and assisting in leading practices.

  • As needed, schedule and lead additional practice times for position/specific event groups, working within constraints of limited staff and facilities as well as student class/lab schedules.
  • Design and implement training plans for designated position/event groups. 
  • Supervise athletes at practice and in the weight room, ensuring good athletic practice, trainer support, team interaction and student safety.
  • Ensure proper response to injuries, seeking emergency medical care and athletic trainer support.

• Coaching during competitions and assisting in the coordination of competitions held at UMM.

  • Attend all competitions, coaching athletes for success as determined by the head coach.
  • Coordinate designated aspects of the preparation for competition.
  • With the head coach, provide for the health, safety and well being of student athletes during rigorous athletic competition and related travel.
  • Supervise students during travel including some overnight trips. Responsibilities may include driving a university van to provide transportation for students to meets.
  • Help students balance the demands of varsity athletics and rigorous academic performance.
  • Assist in coordinating home competitions and tournaments/championships.  Assume needed roles based on the sport and competition requirements.  (For example, in track and field, identify and organize the local officials to assist with the meet, oversee student employees, etc.)  Assist with facility preparation prior to competition.

• Assist with the recruitment of prospective student-athletes. 

  • Follow NCAA recruiting regulations for contact with prospective student athletes.
  • Identify potential student athletes, including prospects identified by UMM Admissions. Create and maintain a database of recruits; obtain and log student contact information.
  • With the head coach, prioritize recruits and determine the best communication strategies based on prospective students’ athletic ability, academic ability, and their level of interest in Morris. Maintain regular contact with key recruits through email, mail and/or telephone. Make follow-up phone calls to coaches and guidance counselors.
  • In coordination with the head coach, conduct off-campus visits to meet with key prospective student athletes at home, competition or school.
  • Coordinate prospective students visits to campus with the Office of Admissions.  With admissions, prepare visit itineraries.
  • Support student applicants through the completion of their college application to Morris. Maintain communication with students and Admissions staff through the recruitment process.
  • Recruit students from diverse populations, building teams that reflect the diverse populations of the campus and the state.

• Contributing to the building of an inclusive and respectful team environment. 

• Assisting with administrative duties, including maintain records and managing equipment.

  • Identify and confirm weekly priorities with the Head Coach. 
  • Post and maintain regular office hours.
  • Compile and maintain competition results and athletes’ performance statistics.
  • Issue and collect team uniforms; log their check out and return.  Manage equipment, including ordering, receipt and distribution of approved equipment.

• Mentoring and supporting student athletes. Assist in monitoring and supporting students’ academic progress; with the Head Coach determine intervention and support for anyone in academic difficulty. Meet with athletes regularly to discuss academics, athletic performance and health issues.

• If applicable, teach agreed upon Sport Management major and/or Sports Studies and Athletics courses; assist in advising students, working closely with and through the Education Division Chair.

• Assisting in building support for the program

  • Work with the Sports Information Director and others to increase attendance at home games.
  • Assist the head coach with fundraising projects approved by the Athletic Director, working within the structures established by the offices of Fund Development and Finance.  
  • Participate in activities that enhance the reputation and understanding of athletics and UMM.

• Cooperating with all coaches and administrative staff within the intercollegiate athletics program to enhance overall departmental operation.

• Participating in campus, conference, and other professional development opportunities.

• Assuming other duties, responsibilities and relationships as assigned by the Head Coach.

• For appointments including an on-campus housing opportunity (.75 FTE or less)

  • Assist with student-athlete coordination and community building   
  • Provide campus / student life support for student athletes, assisting with CARE Team response
  • Support Residential Life—Intercollegiate Athletics connections and program management
     

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and experience playing and/or coaching the sport are required.  A master’s degree and coaching experience are preferred. 
• The position requires excellent organizational skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and to build a diverse and inclusive team.
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and submission of official transcripts.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $4000 per semester; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation.  The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning.  Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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