Located in the vibrant community of Walla Walla, WA, Whitman College is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving roughly 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top undergraduate, liberal arts colleges in the country.
The Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics (SSRA) department announces a full-time, 12-month renewable position for the Head Coaching position in Women’s Lacrosse. The Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach reports directly to the Director of Athletics, and also serves as a faculty member in the SSRA Department. This position supports the mission of the College by planning, designing and administering all phases of a successful women’s lacrosse program including coaching, the recruitment and retention of academically and athletically qualified student-athletes in a rigorous academic environment, scheduling, budget management, travel arrangements and supervision and collaboration of the student athletes and the coaching staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Create a diverse, positive, and inclusive environment for the student-athlete(s) to excel in their academic and athletic experience within the Whitman College expectations and the NCAA Division III philosophy.
Create and develop an evolving positive, diverse, and inclusive team environment that develops and allows for student-athletes to meet their full potential on the athletic field, in the academic setting which provides character-building and life skills (career development, leadership skills, time management, work ethic) in and out of season
Responsible for leading and directing all phases of a successful and competitive Women’s Lacrosse program.
Work as a member of the team in the Whitman athletic department and supports the goals, objectives, philosophies, and procedures of the department and the college.
Organize, schedule, prepare, and conduct individual and team training sessions and competitive strategies.
Responsible for making appropriate coaching decisions during competition.
Responsibile for the development and incorporation of a comprehensive recruiting plan that shows successful results for the recruitment, yield, and retention of academically and athletically qualified student-athletes in a rigorous academic environment.
Develop and implement effective recruiting strategies to bring in qualified student-athletes for the program working within the parameters of Whitman, NWC, and NCAA rules. Manage and maintain an updated recruiting database and travels to events to recruit prospective student-athletes.
Schedule, coordinate, and supervise official and unofficial visits of prospective student-athletes
Retain student-athletes in the program and monitor student-athletes for their academic progress or needs.
Oversee and monitor the budget and all financial operations of the program; Develop fundraising and camp programs to augment the operations budget.
Develop and maintain an alumnae communication plan.
Adhere to the departmental procedures relative to purchasing and travel expenditures and organize team travel logistics, including vehicles, lodging, and meals.
Responsible for developing an effective competitive schedule for the Women’s Lacrosse program that falls within the budget parameters of the program and the department.
Communicate and effectively collaborate with the sports medicine staff to support the physical and mental needs of student-athletes. Work collaboratively on the return-to-play protocol for injured student-athletes.
Hire, supervises and evaluate assistant coach(es).
Responsible for working with the sports communication director to provide current team news; manage the team's social media accounts following the college and department policies.
Represent the College and its athletics program, with honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times, to various institutional programs and students, parents, the general public, alumni, and external agencies.
Develop a positive, professional relationship with officials, league personnel, and coaching colleagues.
Assist in the coordination of special events including recruiting, alumni, the WClub golf outing, and student-athlete recognition functions.
Contribute to the overall atmosphere of the department by establishing positive, team-oriented working relationships with campus and departmental peers.
Work effectively with other athletic department areas such as the training room, equipment, facilities, sports communication, business manager, and other coaches to provide an outstanding work environment.
Maintain thorough knowledge of NCAA, NWC SPM, and institutional rules and regulations. The head coach is required to annually take and successfully pass the NCAA Division III Rules Test. Must report any alleged violations of NCAA, NWC, or institutional rules and regulations.
Attend all-staff and division-wide meetings and attend all NWC meetings for the program.
Teach two (2) SSRA credits in an academic year.
Assume other tasks as needed by the Director of Athletics.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required, Master’s degree preferred.
Successful collegiate coaching experience required, Head coaching experience preferred.
Knowledge and appreciation of a liberal arts education and an understanding of the role athletics and recreation play in a college committed to academic excellence and cultural diversity.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, faculty, students, parents, and alumni from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work within the framework of Whitman College policies, NWC (Northwest Athletic Conference) regulations, and NCAA Division III philosophy and rules.
Maintains valid and annual certifications in NCAA Rules test, CPR/AED, First Aid & Safety, and van driver certification.
Proficiency in computer-based technology, including recruiting data management software.
Effective teaching methods; excellent leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; and willingness to work on projects with faculty, administrators, and staff.