Competitive Chess Manager and Head Coach

Hiring Department

Student Life Operations

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

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Hiring Department

Student Life Operations

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:
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Overview: The Competitive Chess Head Coach will play a pivotal role in the development and management of the competitive chess program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). This person will oversee all aspects of the program, including recruitment, training, competition strategy, and player development. The Head Coach will also provide mentorship and guidance to student-athletes to help them achieve their full potential on and off the chessboard.

KEY RESPONSIBIITIES:

1. Coaching and Training:
   • Develop and implement comprehensive training programs to enhance the skills and strategies of the university's competitive chess team.
   • Conduct regular practice sessions focusing on tactics, openings, middle-game, and end-game strategies.
   • Provide personalized coaching to individual players, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Tournament Preparation:
   • Strategically prepare the team for local, regional, and national chess tournaments.
   • Analyze opponents' playing styles and develop game plans accordingly.
   • Mentor players on mental preparation, time management, and tournament etiquette.
3. Recruitment and Talent Development:
   • Recruit talented chess players to strengthen the university's competitive chess team.
   • Identify and nurture emerging talents within the university community.
   • Foster a supportive and inclusive environment to encourage participation and growth in chess.
   • Serve as the staff advisor for the Chess Club, a recognized student organization at the university.
4. Team Management:
   • Oversee team logistics, including scheduling practices, arranging transportation, and managing equipment.
   • Assist in fundraising efforts to secure financial support for the chess program, including seeking sponsorships, grants, and donations.
   • Maintain accurate records of player performance, team statistics, and program expenses to provide regular reports to university administration and stakeholders.
   • Liaise with university administration, faculty, and staff to ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
5. Public Relations and Promotion:
   • Promote the university's chess program through social media, campus events, and outreach initiatives.
   • Engage with alumni, sponsors, and the broader St. Louis chess community to enhance the program's visibility and support.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Shift

8:00am – 5:00pm

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred.

• Strong knowledge and experience in competitive chess, including a demonstrated track record of success as a player or coach at the national or international level. Deep understanding of chess theory, techniques, and modern trends in the game. Grandmaster (GM) title strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively mentor and motivate student-athletes.
• Proven ability to recruit and retain talented individuals to build a competitive team.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Commitment to fostering inclusion within the chess program and university community.
  

Anticipated Hiring Range

Pay commensurate with education and experience.
Hiring Range: $50, 000 - $52,000 Annual
Grade: GGS-010
University Title: Manager II, Student Support Services

Application Materials

Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.

Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Job site: http://umsl.jobs.

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email employment@umsl.edu. If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards....

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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