Director of Men's and Women's Rugby

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice. 

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position Description

Eastern University, a diverse Christ-centered university dedicated to the integration of Faith, Reason, and Justice, is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Men’s and Women’s Rugby to establish, lead, and oversee all aspects of newly created men’s and women’s rugby programs.
This position requires a dynamic leader with a proven ability to build programs from inception, including recruiting, budgeting, and strategic development. The Director will be responsible for creating a competitive, inclusive, and academically supportive environment that aligns with the University’s mission and the NCAA Division III philosophy.

Position Responsibilities

Program Development & Oversight

• Lead the creation and implementation of the men’s and women’s rugby programs from the ground up, ensuring competitive and compliant programs in alignment with institutional goals.

• Develop and execute strategic and operational plans for program growth, training, scheduling, and facility needs.

• Establish long-term goals for competitive success, community engagement, and student-athlete development.

• Collaborate with campus partners and external organizations to promote the growth of rugby on campus and in the region.

Recruiting

• Design and implement a comprehensive recruiting plan to attract qualified student-athletes for both programs, with the goal of achieving full rosters by the inaugural competitive season.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with high school coaches, rugby clubs, and national/regional organizations.

• Coordinate recruiting visits, evaluations, and communication to attract student-athletes who embody Eastern’s academic and faith-based values.

• Oversee recruiting compliance and documentation in coordination with Athletics Administration.

Budget & Fundraising

• Develop and manage the operating budgets for both programs with fiscal responsibility and alignment with University and NCAA guidelines.

• Identify and pursue fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to support program sustainability and enhancement.

• Collaborate with Advancement and Alumni Relations to engage donors and alumni supporters.

Coaching & Athlete Development

• Hire, train, and supervise assistant coaches and student support staff.

• Plan and lead safe, effective, and compliant training sessions, skill development programs, and competition schedules.

• Foster a culture emphasizing academic achievement, personal growth, leadership, and faith integration.

• Support the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes through collaboration with Sports Medicine and Student Development.

Compliance & Student-Athlete Support

• Assist with the administration of NCAA Division III compliance processes, including eligibility tracking, roster management, and education of coaches and student-athletes.

• Ensure adherence to institutional, NCAA, and National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) policies.

• Promote integrity, accountability, and adherence to Eastern’s mission in all aspects of program operation.

Community & Departmental Engagement

• Serve as a visible ambassador for Eastern University and its Athletics Department.

• Participate in Athletics staff meetings, committees, and University events.

• Contribute to campus and community initiatives that promote student-athlete leadership and service.

Status:  Staff, time, hourly, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of three years of coaching experience in rugby at the collegiate, club, or professional level.

• Demonstrated success in program creation and recruiting.

• Working knowledge of NCAA Division III rules and compliance processes.

• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.

• Ability to mentor and inspire student-athletes consistent with Eastern’s mission of Faith, Reason, and Justice.

• Commitment to the University’s identity as a diverse Christ-centered institution that integrates faith and learning in all areas of life.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university.  The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.

Background Checks

Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.

Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances: 

1)      Affidavit;

2)      FBI Criminal Record Check; 

3)      Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and; 

4)      Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check. 

In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment.  Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.

Description Disclaimer

This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.

For Staff positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.