About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
This position specifically supports the Department and University’s mission through recruiting, coaching, mentoring, and providing administrative assistance for the field hockey program and to the respective Head Coach.
Essential Functions
Duties and Responsibilities
- Devotes their full time, attention, and energies to their duties as Assistant Coach of the field hockey team.
- Complies fully with the rules, regulations, and policies of the University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and any and all conferences in which the field hockey team participates, and takes every reasonable precaution to ensure that all members of the field hockey staff and student athletes comply fully with such rules, regulations and policies. Assistant Coach understands they are subject to all applicable disciplinary or corrective actions as set forth in the NCAA enforcement procedures as they may be amended from time to time.
- Uses reasonable efforts to attract and enroll impact student-athletes that demonstrate significant contributions to their programs with appropriate academic, competitive, and community achievements. Assists the head coach to create a positive student-athlete experience and healthy team dynamics/culture that fosters high student-athlete retention.
- Uses reasonable efforts to foster excellence in academic performance, team and personal conduct of the field hockey team’s student athletes.
- Uses reasonable efforts to cultivate a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strives to recruit and retain student-athletes with multifaceted backgrounds, skillsets, and passions.
- Uses reasonable efforts to foster success in competition of the field hockey team.
- Uses reasonable efforts to meet annual performance objectives established by the Head Coach.
- Understands the University shall annually evaluate their performance based upon the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
Additional Department Expectations
- Ensures that proper safety procedures are followed by all student-athletes (all coaches must be certified in CPR and first aid).
- Works with athletics trainers and physicians as needed to implement team wellness and conditioning programs.
- Supports direction head coach gives to the Sports Performance coach as to the desired training goals.
- Responsible for working with all Athletic Department Offices in processing of administrative functions and paperwork related to overseeing the field hockey program.
- Works with the Assistant AD for Facilities in the advising, planning, and implementation of pertinent facility management and maintenance for equipment and facilities.
- Attends conventions, conferences, and clinics consistent with Department and University policies.
- Serves on Department and University committees as assigned.
- As a member of a Division I program for the University of Massachusetts, assistant coaches need to represent their school and program in a manner that supports the mission of the university. Speaking engagements, instructional clinics, development efforts, and community relation programs need to reflect a professional and positive impression to the media or general public.
- Work with student-athletes and monitor their adherence to rules and regulations concerning conduct, appearance, and punctuality.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited institution.
- Two to four years of field hockey intercollegiate coaching and/or playing experience.
- Ability to work weekends and nights.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of field hockey methods and techniques of coaching.
- Working knowledge of rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics.
- Ability to foster and maintain working relationships with various athletic publics.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s Degree from an accredited institution.
- Two to four years of field hockey intercollegiate coaching and/or playing experience at the Division I level.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Balancing, carrying, pulling, pushing, standing, repetitive movements, bending, travel to other campuses, climbing, driving, reaching, sitting, twisting and lifting.
Additional Details
The position is typically for one year, with the possibility of reappointment.
Work Schedule
Varied schedule based on the demands of the position. Nights, weekends and holidays are required.
Salary Information
Salary commensurate with experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The position will remain open until filled.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.