Head Coach – Men’s Ice Hockey

University of Saint Joseph | NCAA Division III | Program Launch: Fall 2026

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ), a vibrant and student-centered institution in West Hartford, Connecticut, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Men’s Ice Hockey program in Fall 2026. USJ is seeking a strategic and inspiring leader to serve as Head Coach and spearhead this exciting new initiative, building a competitive NCAA Division III program from the ground up.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the identity and culture of a brand-new team, recruit talented student-athletes, and build on the momentum of USJ’s championship success in Men’s Soccer, Men’s Lacrosse, and Men’s and Women’s Basketball. We’re excited to grow our team and expand our winning tradition in West Hartford.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development: Lead the creation and strategic growth of the Men’s Ice Hockey program, laying the foundation for long-term success and competitiveness.
• Recruitment: Develop and execute a comprehensive recruiting strategy to attract high-quality student-athletes who embody USJ’s values.
• Training & Coaching: Design and implement training programs focused on skill development, conditioning, teamwork, and leadership.
• Team Culture: Foster a positive, inclusive, and empowering team environment that supports student-athlete growth on and off the ice.
• Facility Coordination: Collaborate with our facility partner, the International Skating Center of Connecticut (ISCC) in Simsbury, CT, to secure practice and competition space and maintain strong operational relationships.
• Compliance: Ensure full adherence to NCAA Division III regulations and USJ policies regarding eligibility, recruitment, and academic standards.
• Program Administration: Manage all aspects of program operations including budgeting, scheduling, staff development, fundraising, and coordination with athletic department leadership.
• Community Engagement: Serve as a visible ambassador for the program, engaging with campus, alumni, and the broader community to promote the team and its mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Demonstrated success in coaching and/or competing at the collegiate level, ideally in ice hockey.
• Proven ability to recruit and develop student-athletes.
• Strong understanding of NCAA Division III rules and expectations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to student-athlete academic success, personal growth, and sportsmanship.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, as noted below, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience launching or rebuilding a collegiate program.
• Established recruiting network within the ice hockey community.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and build institutional support.
• Fundraising and community outreach experience.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should apply through the USJ Career Center. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Join us in building something extraordinary—grow the Flock and help launch Men’s Ice Hockey at the University of Saint Joseph in Fall 2026!

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements and description of the work environment are representative of what an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: The Athletic Department is a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Coaches and staff work an intensive schedule including evenings and weekends.

About University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in the Catholic tradition, provides a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for a diverse student population in an inclusive environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society. At University of Saint Joseph, our mission statement profoundly resonates with our faculty and staff and serves as the foundation upon which our employment policy is built. We seek to attract, develop and retain individuals who are committed to our mission. We are committed to providing an environment where dynamic talents, perspectives, experiences and contributions are recognized, and one that promotes the "growth of the whole person" with resources that enable employees to meet professional and personal life needs.