Head Softball Coach

Position Summary

Leads and develops a competitive NCAA Division III women's softball program that operates within the parameters set by Hanover College, the conference, and the NCAA. Ensures an excellent student-athlete experience focused on competitive excellence, academic success, wellness, character development, and inclusive excellence while engaging alumni, families, and the broader community. Primary Responsibilities

1) Program Leadership, Compliance, and Operations

• Plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of the program in compliance with Hanover College, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.

• Schedule season contests and practice times; coordinate scouting of opponents and game/practice preparation.

• Initiate and manage in- and off-season conditioning programs consistent with NCAA DIII standards and institutional policies.

• Attend conference coaches’ meetings and complete required campus training.

• Manage team travel, equipment purchasing and maintenance, and facilities coordination to ensure a safe, efficient environment.

2) Recruitment and Roster Management

• Coordinate and process all aspects of on- and off-campus recruiting to attract strong academic and mission-fit student-athletes towards a healthy and competitive roster goal each year.

• Maintain accurate recruiting and roster records for statistical analysis, benchmarking, and historical tracking and towards annual retention goals.

3) Student-Athlete Experience and Wellness

• Foster a holistic, inclusive team culture emphasizing academic progress, mental health, physical well-being, and life-skill development.

• Collaborate with campus partners (academic support, counseling services, athletic training, strength and conditioning, DEI, and Title IX) to provide proactive wellness education, timely referrals, and coordinated return-to-play processes.

• Implement evidence-informed workload management, injury-prevention strategies, and rest/recovery practices; uphold safety standards for practices, travel, and competition.

4) Budgeting and Administration

• Function within an approved budget; oversee the preparation of a detailed, itemized annual budget.

• Initiate and recommend budget adjustments that improve program quality and the student-athlete experience.

• Maintain comprehensive program records (statistics, compliance documentation, recruiting, travel, equipment inventory, and historical materials) and prepare required reports.

• May be assigned as game administrator on a limited number of dates in off-season.

5) External Relations, Fundraising, and Community Engagement

• Provide responsive, professional service to student-athletes, faculty/administration, alumni, fans, parents, community members, and media.

• Partner with Advancement to plan and execute fundraising initiatives (e.g., annual giving, events, donor stewardship) supporting program needs and enhancements.

• Engage alumni and community through clinics, camps, outreach, and service projects that elevate program visibility and reputation.

6) Teaching and Off-Season Instruction (as assigned)

• May teach a physical activity or wellness-based activity course in the off-season, subject to institutional need and qualifications.

• Integrate sport-specific and transferrable skills (leadership, teamwork, resilience) into instructional settings; align course outcomes with departmental and institutional goals.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform general duties to ensure the quality, safety, and development of the program and the student-athlete experience.

• Maintain records for statistical analysis and historical ramifications.

• Promote a positive image of Hanover College and represent the College in accordance with the College's mission, principles, and strategic plan.

• Support a welcoming College culture and experience.

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on coaching/administrative strengths.

Job Qualifications

Education

• B.S. or B.A. required; M.S. or M.A. preferred

Experience

• NCAA Division III playing and/or coaching experience

• Demonstrated success recruiting strong academic student-athletes who align with institutional values

• Experience with fundraising and donor/alumni engagement

• Experience teaching activity-based courses or facilitating wellness/leadership workshops

• Familiarity with performance analytics, video/scouting platforms, and athlete management tools

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with diverse audiences (students, families, colleagues, alumni, media)

• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and a variety of secondary assignments

• Knowledge of NCAA DIII rules and regulations; demonstrated commitment to compliance and ethical conduct

• Commitment to student-athlete wellness, safety, and inclusive excellence

• Budget management, operational planning, and data-informed decision-making

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Evening and weekend work required during the competitive season; travel required

• Maintain current certifications as applicable (e.g., First Aid/CPR/AED, sport-specific credentials, driver certification, and institutional trainings)

• Adhere to and model Hanover College mission, values, and conduct expectations; uphold conference and NCAA Division III philosophies.