University of Maine Head Softball Coach

The University of Maine, located in Orono, Maine, invites nominations and applications for the position of Head Softball Coach.

The Head Softball Coach is responsible for the supervision of a highly competitive NCAA Division I program. The incumbent will conduct this program within the scope of the University’s definition of the student-athlete experience, as well as, the governing procedures and regulations of the Athletic Department, University, Conference and the NCAA.

About University of Maine
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System’s flagship institution. UMaine is the state’s public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as head coach; maintain a high level of team morale and provide individual and team instruction in the fundamentals of the sport consistent with the degree of teaching excellence at the University level. Encourage and positively motivate team members to contribute to the total team effort to the best of their abilities. Emphasize sportsmanship, good character development and high moral conduct.
• Keep current with and adhere to NCAA, conference, University and state rules and regulations as they apply to athletics, with an emphasis on rules relating to recruiting, eligibility, and finances.
• Actively recruit qualified student-athletes. Major emphasis will be on maintaining excellent relations with high school coaches in the state of Maine. Ensure prospective team members are able to meet University admissions standards and possess the technical, tactical, physical and psychological qualities necessary to meet the demands of Division I athletics.
• Establish and maintain (in cooperation with the strength coach) a year-round program of physical fitness, including weight training, appropriate to the sport. Plan and conduct out-of-season practice programs as permitted by NCAA. Ensure that all appropriate safety guidelines and standards are followed.
• Work closely with the Director of Academic Support to monitor academic progress of team members and motivate team members to meet their academic responsibilities and goals.
• Work closely with the manager of Sports Information to create and maintain public visibility for the sport program through the news media.
• Maintain team roster in compliance with NCAA, conference and Department regulations.
• Schedule regular informational meetings with the Director of Athletics or designee to discuss problems, goals, etc. Work with the Director (or designee) to organize an annual schedule of competitions that meet NCAA requirements.
• Work with the Asst. A.D./Business, Director of Athletics and/or designee to establish budgetary guidelines. Work within the budgetary limitations established. Manage and expend the allocated financial resources in accordance with University policies and accounting practices.
• Actively participate in fundraising and public relations activities as necessary and/or requested. Promote the sport through involvement in alumni activities, public functions, and camps/clinics.
• Hire and evaluate coaching staff.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Serve on University and Departmental committees as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
• Work closely with the booster group; establish activities and goals consistent with the Department and NCAA rules.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Minimum of three years coaching experience at the collegiate level preferred.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to travel (normally requiring a valid driver’s license).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor & motivate student athletes.
• Working knowledge of budget and business practices.

APPLICATIONS: The position will remain open until filled; but, for best consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of application and resume electronically via Hiretouch by June 18, 2024. No hard copy applications will be accepted.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).