The Head Baseball Coach is responsible for the comprehensive administration, compliance, and competitive execution of the NCAA Division III baseball program. The incumbent ensures the program aligns with the educational mission of the College, prioritizes student-athlete academic progress, and adheres strictly to NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.
Essential Job Functions & Allocation of Effort
1. Student-Athlete Instruction & Program Development
Design, implement, and evaluate all technical and tactical instruction for practices and competitions.
Monitor and support the academic progress and retention of baseball student-athletes, collaborating with Student Support Services, Academic Support Services, and Dean of Students.
Establish and enforce team rules, safety protocols, and conduct expectations that reflect institutional values.
2. Talent Recruitment & Enrollment Management
Formulate and execute an annual recruitment strategy to meet roster size targets established by the Athletic Director.
Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who meet the academic profile of the College.
Coordinate campus visits, admissions tracking, and financial aid navigation for prospective recruits in accordance with DIII rules and Office of Admissions protocol.
3. Logistics & Operations Management
Develop annual competitive schedules in coordination with the Athletic Director and conference opponents.
Arrange all team logistics, including ground/air transportation, hotel accommodations, and meal schedules for away contests.
Manage equipment inventory, procurement, and distribution.
4. Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management
Operate the baseball program within the allocated annual operational budget.
Reconcile all travel expenses, purchasing card receipts, and vendor invoices in compliance with College business office policies.
Assist with approved fundraising initiatives and alumni engagement activities.
5. Institutional Service & Secondary Duties
Participate in departmental meetings, committee assignments, and campus-wide events (e.g., orientation, preview days).
Perform other athletic department duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
Knowledge, Skills, and Core Competencies
Technical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of baseball mechanics, strategies, rules, and training methodologies. Ability to effectively teach all positions on the field.
Administrative Skill: Strong organizational, time management, and budgetary skills.
Communication: Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills for interacting with student-athletes, parents, faculty, administration, and alumni.
Facility Management: Foundational knowledge of equipment safety and athletic field maintenance protocols.
Specifications & Qualifications
Position Specifications & Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Certifications: Valid CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or required attainment within 30 days of hire); valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree in Sports Management, Education, or a related field.
Experience: 3–5 years of collegiate coaching experience with a demonstrated record of successful recruitment and student retention.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
Physical Exertion: Position requires frequent standing, walking, and the ability to demonstrate baseball skills (throwing, hitting, fielding) during practices. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
Environmental Factors: Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying, seasonal weather conditions. Requires handling field maintenance equipment and tasks (tarp management, raking, field marking).
Schedule Demands: Regular evening and weekend work hours are required throughout the academic year, with heavy travel demands during the competitive spring season.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references addressed to Rich Warren, Vice President and Director of Athletics. Materials may be submitted online through the Ripon College Jobs Portal.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.