Job Description

Head Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach

Graceland University is seeking a dynamic and inspiring full-time Head Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach to assist in leading and developing a nationally competitive collegiate men’s wrestling program. Applicants must possess a strong work ethic, critical thinking and decision-making skills, and the ability to appropriately connect, mentor and develop the complete student-athlete. We are seeking a passionate coach who is committed to cultivating a culture of excellence, character, and growth for our student-athletes to live meaningful and productive lives.

Graceland University is a private liberal arts university located in Lamoni, Iowa and a proud member institution in one of the most competitive NAIA conferences in the country, the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The university is conveniently located 1 hour south of Des Moines, Iowa and just under 2 hours north of Kansas City, Missouri.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assistin the planning, coordination, and implementation of all aspects of the Men’s Wrestling program including team organization, student-athlete selection and evaluations, practice planning and execution, competition preparation, and scouting and strategy.
• Coach, teach, train, and demonstrate sport related skills and techniques to student-athletes through all aspects of collegiate wrestling, both individually and in groups.
• Recruitment of student-athletes through the entire enrollment process that fits the culture of the men’s wrestling program, athletic department, and University.
• Participates in the evaluation of prospective talent through high school visits, onsite meet observations at high school, regional, state, and national competitions, and film/video review and analysis.
• Active role in the mentoring and wellbeing of all student-athletes within the men’s wrestling program including team discipline, student-athlete counseling, and related matters requiring discretion, decision making and independent judgment.
• Oversee all social media and marketing efforts of the wrestling program.
• Administer academic success initiatives to enable and help student-athletes succeed academically.
• Support implementation of all retention and persistence initiatives.
• Assist in tracking and managing the program’s yearly operating budget.
• Contribute to fundraising initiatives including campaigns, alumni relations, camps/clinics, and the creation of new initiatives.
• Contribute to strength, conditioning, and nutrition programs providing student-athletes with resources to enable their success.
• Oversight of all assistant coaches and their respective roles and responsibilities within the program and department.
• Work collaboratively with all wrestling coaches, athletic department staff, and multiple campus units to ensure a positive and successful student-athlete experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Effective communication, recruitment, and public relation skills.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Competent knowledge of sport specific techniques, skill development and execution.
• An understanding of how to cultivate and manage successful team culture.
• The ability to understand and articulate program vision, values, and standards.
• Demonstrated competency in helping to meet program objectives, working independently, and supervising others.
• An ability to communicate with and interact positively with students, faculty, staff, and the broader University community.
• Knowledge of the operational use of computers, media devices, and social media.
• The ability to contribute to a safe and functional working environment.
• An appreciation of and a willingness to adhere to the Heart of American Conference and NAIA philosophy, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively, follow direction and adapt as a member of a coaching staff and athletic team.

Position will remain open until filled. Click Apply to submit letter of application, resume, and three references.

Graceland University welcomes your application and interest in the open positions listed on this website. Updates are made regularly, so please check back often. Benefits overview is available here. Graceland offers a generous paid time off policy, which includes vacation, sick leave and holiday pay.

Graceland is a nonsectarian institution sponsored by Community of Christ, which provides a rich Christian heritage. Graceland has two main campuses: one located in Lamoni, Iowa, and one located in Independence, Missouri.

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is much more than a school. Graceland is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who make up a worldwide community network that reaches far beyond the two campuses.

All applications/resumes are kept on file for one year. If you see future positions that interest you, please let us know so we may submit your application materials. Reference letters will not be accessible to applicants during the application process nor after becoming an employee.

Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We’re looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University consists of two campuses: the Lamoni campus is a residential liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and the Independence, Missouri campus which focuses on degree completion, adult and graduate programs.