Assistant Men's and Women's Wrestling Coach

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Position Purpose:

The Assistant Men's and Women's Wrestling Coach supports the educational mission of Aurora University by assisting with the organization, administration, and day-to-day operation of the men's and women's wrestling programs. Working under the direction of the Director of Wrestling and/or Head Coach, this position contributes to student-athlete development, recruiting and retention, practice and competition preparation, program administration, and compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional rules.

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Position Purpose:

The Assistant Men's and Women's Wrestling Coach supports the educational mission of Aurora University by assisting with the organization, administration, and day-to-day operation of the men's and women's wrestling programs. Working under the direction of the Director of Wrestling and/or Head Coach, this position contributes to student-athlete development, recruiting and retention, practice and competition preparation, program administration, and compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional rules.

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assists the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach with all aspects of the men's and women's wrestling programs, including coaching and instruction, recruiting and retention, practice and competition preparation, team travel, equipment, program administration, fundraising, and other duties assigned within the scope of the position.
• Collaborates effectively with the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach, assistant coaches, athletic training staff, strength and conditioning staff, athletics administrators, student workers, and other campus partners. Provides appropriate guidance to student managers or other assigned support personnel when directed.
• Understands and follows all NCAA, conference, and Aurora University rules, policies, and procedures, including NCAA recruiting legislation. Completes required compliance education and promptly reports any known or suspected violation to the appropriate athletics administrator.

• Teaching/Coaching

  • Maintains current knowledge of collegiate wrestling rules, techniques, tactics, training methods, and sport-specific safety practices. Teaches wrestling skills and strategies consistent with the philosophy, standards, and competitive goals established by the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach.
  • Assists in planning, conducting, and evaluating safe and effective practice sessions, individual skill instruction, strength and conditioning coordination, and competition preparation. Communicates expectations, praise, and corrective feedback clearly and constructively.
  • Assists with scouting, match strategy, lineup and weight-management planning, film review, and the physical, mental, and emotional preparation of student-athletes for competition.
  • Supports high expectations for academic achievement; monitors assigned student-athletes' academic progress and communicates concerns to the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach, and appropriate campus support services.
  • Promotes student-athlete personal development, leadership, social responsibility, and engagement in university and community activities.
  • Models and reinforces appropriate student-athlete conduct in and out of the athletic setting. Communicates behavioral concerns to the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach and supports established accountability procedures.
  • Teaches and reinforces safe wrestling, training, weight-management, and facility practices. Monitors the condition of equipment and facilities and promptly reports safety concerns or maintenance needs to the appropriate staff member.

• Recruitment of Student-Athletes

  • Actively recruits and assists in retaining qualified student-athletes for both the men's and women's wrestling programs. Helps execute the recruiting plan and works with the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach and Office of Admission to achieve approved roster and enrollment goals.
  • Builds professional relationships with prospective student-athletes, families, coaches, and school personnel; evaluates prospects; conducts approved recruiting communications and visits; maintains accurate recruiting records; and explains Aurora University's academic, athletic, and NCAA Division III opportunities.

• Assists with the selection, inventory, distribution, collection, care, and maintenance of uniforms, wrestling equipment, and program supplies in accordance with the approved budget and purchasing procedures.

• Completes assigned administrative responsibilities accurately and on time, which may include recruiting records, travel itineraries, expense documentation, compliance forms, eligibility and roster information, competition entries, end-of-season materials, and program reports.

• Assists with maintaining team and individual records, statistics, video, and historical information, and works with Sports Information staff to provide accurate and timely program information.

• Maintains self-control and poise and models sportsmanship and professional conduct in interactions with student-athletes, officials, opponents, spectators, colleagues, and community members.

• Assists with alumni engagement, fundraising, camps and clinics, community service, and other activities that support the visibility and advancement of Aurora University wrestling, as assigned and in accordance with institutional policy.

• Attends and participates in athletics department meetings, staff meetings, compliance education, professional development, university functions, and program activities as required.

• Supports both the men's and women's wrestling programs and carries out responsibilities assigned by the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach. Works collaboratively across both programs while respecting established reporting lines and coaching responsibilities.

• Handles student, recruiting, personnel, medical, academic, and university information with tact, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality.

• Drives university or rental vehicles, when authorized, and assists with team travel supervision, transportation, lodging, meals, itineraries, and student-athlete accountability for away competitions and other program activities.

• Performs special and/or additional duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Director of Wrestling/Head Coach or Vice President for Athletics.

• Assists in fostering an inclusive, respectful, disciplined, and student-centered team culture that supports the success and well-being of men's and women's wrestling student-athletes.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience: - Minimum of 1–2 years of coaching experience required. Collegiate wrestling experience preferred, with prior collegiate coaching and recruiting experience strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with working knowledge of NCAA Division III compliance standards and recruiting regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to teach wrestling technique, plan training activities, and contribute effectively within a collaborative coaching staff.
• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with student-athletes, prospective students, families, coaches, officials, alumni, administrators, support staff, and the campus and local communities.
• Ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities, follow the program's established direction, meet deadlines, solve problems, and communicate proactively.
• Proficiency with common office, recruiting, communication, video, and athletics-management technology.
• Strong knowledge of collegiate wrestling and a demonstrated commitment to student-athlete development, academic success, sportsmanship, inclusion, and well-being.

Physical Requirements: - Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written and electronic media. - Ability to move throughout campus, wrestling facilities, competition venues, and recruiting locations; demonstrate and instruct wrestling techniques; and lift, move, or transport equipment and supplies as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation. - Regular evening, early-morning, weekend, and holiday availability is required during portions of the academic and competitive year. - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving intercollegiate athletics environment.

Work Hours: - This is a full-time (40 hours), on-campus position. Work hours vary based on practices, competitions, recruiting, travel, meetings, camps, and other program responsibilities and will regularly include evenings and weekends.

Special Requirements: - A valid driver's license and driving record that meet institutional requirements are required. - Regular travel is required for competitions, recruiting, meetings, and other program activities, including travel between campus and athletics locations.

The pay range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed herein.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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