Special Assistant to the Head Coach

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 137 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

We are currently accepting applications for the position of Special Assistant to the Head Coach. This position will report to the Football Head Coach and will support the Head Coach on all football-related initiatives, including strategy, player communication, and program alignment. This role serves as a trusted extension of the Head Coach, helping translate vision into daily football operations, overseeing special projects, and ensuring consistent communication between the Head Coach, staff, and players. This role is a one-year fixed-term appointment.

Responsibilities include :

• Work directly with the Head Coach on football-specific projects such as game strategy, opponent scouting, player development initiatives and practice organization.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Head Coach and players – helping manage team communication, culture-building efforts, and day-to-day player engagement.
• Coordinate with analysts, QCs, and position coaches to support weekly opponent prep, self-scout, and situational football studies.
• Manage and track implementation of football initiatives (new practice structures, teaching methods, leadership programs, etc.).
• Partner with the operations and recruiting teams to ensure the football side of all events (visits, team functions, alumni engagements) runs smoothly and aligns with the Head Coach’s vision.
• Support Head Coach meeting prep (staff, team, and leadership meetings) and ensure follow-ups are completed.
• Contribute to player development programming and leadership council logistics.
• Maintain discretion and professionalism in all player- and staff-facing interactions.

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 137 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

We are currently accepting applications for the position of Special Assistant to the Head Coach. This position will report to the Football Head Coach and will support the Head Coach on all football-related initiatives, including strategy, player communication, and program alignment. This role serves as a trusted extension of the Head Coach, helping translate vision into daily football operations, overseeing special projects, and ensuring consistent communication between the Head Coach, staff, and players. This role is a one-year fixed-term appointment.

Responsibilities include :

• Work directly with the Head Coach on football-specific projects such as game strategy, opponent scouting, player development initiatives and practice organization.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Head Coach and players – helping manage team communication, culture-building efforts, and day-to-day player engagement.
• Coordinate with analysts, QCs, and position coaches to support weekly opponent prep, self-scout, and situational football studies.
• Manage and track implementation of football initiatives (new practice structures, teaching methods, leadership programs, etc.).
• Partner with the operations and recruiting teams to ensure the football side of all events (visits, team functions, alumni engagements) runs smoothly and aligns with the Head Coach’s vision.
• Support Head Coach meeting prep (staff, team, and leadership meetings) and ensure follow-ups are completed.
• Contribute to player development programming and leadership council logistics.
• Maintain discretion and professionalism in all player- and staff-facing interactions.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree with three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

• Football-first thinker who combines strategic insight with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information.
• Connect authentically with players.
• Move important football initiatives forward.
• Experience as quality control, graduate assistant or player development with strong football IQ and leadership instincts preferred.

DAPER’s Integrity :

This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and ACC rules and regulations.

Why Stanford is for you :

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The expected pay range for this position is $100,023- $110,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanfo...) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4121
• Employee Status: Fixed-Term
• Grade: H
• Requisition ID: 108220
• Work Arrangement : On Site

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