Position Summary
Join a vibrant equity-minded campus whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Athletics invites applicants for a Head Softball Coach position. This a Full-Time, salaried, 12-month position with benefits.
West Chester University is an NCAA Division II member of the highly competitive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Department of Athletics prepares our student athletes for life-long success by providing opportunities for them to excel in the classroom, in competition and in the community. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good. Learn more about WCU’s Department of Athletics.
The Head Softball Coach is responsible for all aspects of administering and operating an NCAA Division II program. The incumbent will supervise full-time and volunteer assistant coaches, recruit qualified prospective student-athletes, run summer camps and clinics as well as other fundraising events, and handle the administrative functions of the program. This position requires regular afternoon, evening, and weekend availability, including travel with the team to all competitions.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for fulfilling all duties associated with successful coaching at the college level and will demonstrate excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills to be a positive role model and representative of the university. This person will manage multiple priorities and assignments. This Softball Head Coach will collaborate with other departmental staff to ensure student success.
Responsibilities include:
Coaching and Program Leadership
Plan and conduct all practices, conditioning, and competition for the varsity softball program.
Develop and implement offensive, defensive, and pitching strategies suited to PSAC and NCAA Division II competition.
Prepare the competitive schedule, including fall and non-traditional segments, within NCAA and PSAC limits.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate assistant coaches, graduate assistants, and volunteer staff.
Recruiting
Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who fit WCU academically, athletically, and socially.
Manage recruiting within the program's scholarship allocation and the department's financial aid guidelines.
Build and maintain relationships with high school, travel ball, and junior college coaches.
Student-Athlete Development and Welfare
Monitor academic progress and support timely graduation in partnership with academic support staff.
Promote student-athlete health, safety, and well-being in coordination with sports medicine and strength and conditioning staff.
Foster a positive team culture rooted in accountability, respect, and inclusion.
Encourage participation in community service, leadership programming, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Compliance
Know and follow all NCAA, PSAC, and University rules and policies; ensure staff and student-athletes do the same.
Complete required compliance education, recruiting documentation, and certifications on time.
Administration, Budget, and Facilities
Manage the program's operating budget, travel, and equipment responsibly and within university procedures.
Coordinate facility scheduling, field maintenance needs, and game-day operations with athletics staff.
Fundraising, Alumni, and Community Relations
Partner with athletics development on fundraising, including the Golden Ram Athletic Fund and program-specific giving.
Engage alumni, parents, and the community through events, camps, and clinics.
Represent the program professionally with media, campus partners, and the public.
Other
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Five years of previous high school and/or two years of college coaching experience in softball
Knowledge of and conformity to NCAA rules
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing & verbally, and present dynamically to a variety of constituents
Possess a valid driver’s license and ability to travel with the team, including driving team vans (15-passenger van)
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and a flexible schedule during the academic year
Preferred Qualifications
Head coaching or FT assistant experience at the NCAA level; and/or
Working knowledge of PSAC, Institutional rules, and affiliated student related governance and compliance practices; and/or
Familiarity with the PSAC and the Mid-Atlantic recruiting landscape.
Record of team academic achievement (team GPA, Academic Success Rate); and/or
Experience with fundraising, alumni engagement, and running camps and clinics; and/or
Proficiency with video analysis, performance analytics, and recruiting and roster management software
Special Instructions
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and APSCUF Coaches’ Union collective bargaining agreement.
Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa . Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. This advertisement may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered an applicant for the position, please submit the following:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae/Resume
List of three references with contact information (Include position title, phone number, and email address).
To be considered a finalist, applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process.
Due to the nature of this position, employment visa sponsorship is not available.
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and Act 73 of 1988, West Chester University publishes a combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASFSR is available for review on the Public Safety website .
Application Questions?
Email hrs@wcupa.edu for questions regarding the application process.
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and APSCUF Coaches’ Union collective bargaining agreement.
