Director of Softball Player Development & Innovation

Job Description

Washington Athletics has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Softball Player Development & Innovation to join their team.

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to the Head Softball Coach, the Director of Player Development & Innovation is a high‑impact, hybrid role responsible for elevating athlete performance, program development, and long‑term athlete pathways. This position integrates practice design, technical/tactical instruction, video and data operations, recruiting evaluation, storytelling, alumni engagement, and camp/clinic leadership. The role supports the coaching staff by creating clarity, efficiency, and innovation across all phases of the student‑athlete experience - from initial recruitment through graduation and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Athlete Development System (20%): Lead and coordinate the full athlete development lifecycle for UW Softball, from recruitment through alumni, while aligning coaches, performance staff, data, and summer opportunities.
• Practice Design & Technical/Tactical Instruction (20%): Support the coaching staff in planning and executing practices, provide technical and tactical instruction within NCAA limits, fill specialized gaps across all units, lead assigned small-group sessions, assist on game days in a non-countable role, and help keep practices efficient and organized.
• Video, Data, & Analytics Operations (20%): Lead all video, data, and performance analysis operations, ensuring accurate data collection and long-term tracking while creating film breakdowns, dashboards, scouting materials, and visual reports that help coaches and athletes make informed decisions.
• Recruiting Support & Evaluation (20%): Lead and support recruiting operations by evaluating prospects, managing scouting systems and recruiting databases, creating compelling program presentations, and building relationships with coaches, clubs, recruits, families, and donors to help strengthen UW Softball’s recruiting efforts.
• Storytelling, Creative Communication & Public‑Facing Content (10%): Drive content strategy in collaboration with Sports Information and the Head Coach. Create digital and AI-supported materials that align with recruiting and program priorities while strengthening UW Softball’s public identity and brand.
• Camps & Clinics (5%): Lead all camp and clinic operations, from registration, staffing, curriculum, and compliance to marketing and promotional materials, while ensuring smooth execution so coaches can focus on instruction and participant engagement.
• Alumni Relations (5%): Lead alumni engagement by maintaining the alumni database, coordinating events and communication, and creating storytelling and updates that strengthen long-term relationships with former players.

Job Description

Washington Athletics has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Softball Player Development & Innovation to join their team.

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to the Head Softball Coach, the Director of Player Development & Innovation is a high‑impact, hybrid role responsible for elevating athlete performance, program development, and long‑term athlete pathways. This position integrates practice design, technical/tactical instruction, video and data operations, recruiting evaluation, storytelling, alumni engagement, and camp/clinic leadership. The role supports the coaching staff by creating clarity, efficiency, and innovation across all phases of the student‑athlete experience - from initial recruitment through graduation and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Athlete Development System (20%): Lead and coordinate the full athlete development lifecycle for UW Softball, from recruitment through alumni, while aligning coaches, performance staff, data, and summer opportunities.
• Practice Design & Technical/Tactical Instruction (20%): Support the coaching staff in planning and executing practices, provide technical and tactical instruction within NCAA limits, fill specialized gaps across all units, lead assigned small-group sessions, assist on game days in a non-countable role, and help keep practices efficient and organized.
• Video, Data, & Analytics Operations (20%): Lead all video, data, and performance analysis operations, ensuring accurate data collection and long-term tracking while creating film breakdowns, dashboards, scouting materials, and visual reports that help coaches and athletes make informed decisions.
• Recruiting Support & Evaluation (20%): Lead and support recruiting operations by evaluating prospects, managing scouting systems and recruiting databases, creating compelling program presentations, and building relationships with coaches, clubs, recruits, families, and donors to help strengthen UW Softball’s recruiting efforts.
• Storytelling, Creative Communication & Public‑Facing Content (10%): Drive content strategy in collaboration with Sports Information and the Head Coach. Create digital and AI-supported materials that align with recruiting and program priorities while strengthening UW Softball’s public identity and brand.
• Camps & Clinics (5%): Lead all camp and clinic operations, from registration, staffing, curriculum, and compliance to marketing and promotional materials, while ensuring smooth execution so coaches can focus on instruction and participant engagement.
• Alumni Relations (5%): Lead alumni engagement by maintaining the alumni database, coordinating events and communication, and creating storytelling and updates that strengthen long-term relationships with former players.

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree required and two years of experience in analytics, sport administration, softball, baseball, or related performance fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong initiative and problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of coaches, administrators, and student‑athletes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and modern data/video technologies.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated creativity in digital communication and content creation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to five years of collegiate softball or baseball experience.
• Experience with Synergy, Dartfish, Yakkertek, Trackman/Flightscope, or similar technologies.
• Experience in athlete development systems, scouting evaluation, or performance analytics.
• Experience in storytelling, digital media creation, or program branding.

Working Conditions

• Requires frequent evening and weekend work.
• Requires travel for competitions.
• Work is performed in both office and athletic facility environments.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,004.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$88,008.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Taxable benefits include athletic equipment/apparel allowance, and tickets to the UW intercollegiate home competitions. Non-local candidates may be eligible for a moving allowance.

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. 

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