Job Description

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computing & Engineering; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change in their own lives, professions, and communities. Sacred Heart University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student success, career outcomes, and campus experience. The Princeton Review recognized SHU in its Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2027 Edition, while additional national recognitions highlight the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; Division I athletics; and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Sacred Heart University Department of Club Sports and Recreation is seeking a Head Coach for its Softball team. The Head Coach will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of players, practice preparation, game-day coaching, and other administrative duties related to the team.

This is a part-time, seasonal position that runs from September 1 through May 15 of each academic year.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the recruitment of prospective students who will meet University admission standards.
• Responsible for all league-required paperwork as well as understanding all associated rules.
• Foster and enhance relationships with other coaches.
• Responsible for the retention of all team members, particularly first-year students, and ensuring their transition into college is seamless.
• Work with the Club Sports staff to develop a cohesive program and highlight those via social media and the club sports website.
• Develop a recruitment plan beyond the upcoming season.
• Create and implement a weekly practice plan to ensure all team members are prepared for competition.
• The coach should demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Prepare, plan, and coordinate the practice schedule for each week.
• Provide proper and high-quality instruction to student-athletes.
• Work with the Athletic Training staff and Strength and Conditioning staff on player safety and development.
• Oversee all game day responsibilities including game planning, transportation, and game roster.
• Work closely with the Director of Club Sports and Recreation on preparation of season, schedule, and recruitment.
• Responsible for recruitment and retention of club football student-athletes.
• Manage coaching staff and student manager staff as hired by the Head Coach.
• Maintain a close working relationship with the league.
• Other duties assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 years coaching experience at the high school, prep, junior, or collegiate level
• Must be willing to work nights and weekends as vast majority of games are Friday-Sunday
• Possess experience working with diverse staff, including college-age students
• Must maintain coaching certification or be willing to acquire certification

Unusual Working Conditions

Nights and weekends will be required

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.