Assistant Soccer and Academic Success Coach

About McPherson College

McPherson College is a student-centered institution committed to developing whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. With a strong emphasis on community, innovation, and academic excellence, McPherson College fosters an environment where students, faculty, and staff thrive.

Join McPherson College Athletics and become part of a collaborative program dedicated to student-athlete success, competitive excellence, and personal growth. Guided by our mission and values, we strive to create meaningful experiences that support both athletic and academic achievement.

The Academic & Athletic Success Coach provides holistic support to student-athletes through a unique dual-role position that combines athletic coaching responsibilities with academic coaching and student success initiatives. This position works collaboratively across Athletics, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs to help students excel both in competition and in the classroom. 

The Academic & Athletic Success Coach supports student-athlete development by teaching athletic skills and strategies, fostering academic achievement, promoting retention and persistence, and helping students navigate their college experience. This role serves as both a mentor and coach, empowering students to achieve their personal, academic, and athletic goals while embracing the mission of McPherson College.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-oriented professional with a passion for student development and collegiate athletics. They understand that success extends beyond competition and are committed to helping students grow academically, personally, and athletically.

They are skilled at building trust with students, fostering accountability, and providing individualized support. This individual brings strong coaching, communication, and organizational skills and is comfortable collaborating with faculty, coaches, advisors, and student support professionals to create a comprehensive support network for students. 

The ideal candidate is adaptable, student-centered, and motivated to make a meaningful impact on student retention, graduation outcomes, and athletic success. They embrace a team-first mentality and align with McPherson College's mission of developing whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service.

Responsibilities

Athletic Coaching (55%)

• Organize and direct practices, competitions, and team activities

• Teach and demonstrate sport-specific skills, techniques, and team concepts

• Foster sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, and personal development among student-athletes

• Travel with teams and attend home and away competitions

• Monitor student-athlete eligibility in collaboration with coaching staff

• Support academic success initiatives such as study halls and academic progress checks

• Promote student-athlete health and safety through injury prevention awareness and adherence to reporting protocols

• Represent McPherson College and the athletics program positively with officials, opposing coaches, families, media, and other stakeholders 

Academic Coaching & Student Success (45%)

• Provide individualized academic coaching to new and returning students

• Assist students with time management, stress management, academic planning, and goal setting

• Connect students with tutoring services, academic support resources, and the Writing Center

• Guide students in developing four-year academic plans and selecting courses that support degree completion

• Monitor academic progress, midterm grades, and eligibility requirements, and connect students to support services when appropriate

• Assist with enrollment-related events, including Orientation, Enrollment Extravaganza, Check-In, and Registration Days

• Support students in establishing long-term academic, career, and personal goals

• Maintain accurate documentation and appropriate confidentiality of student records

• Utilize Jenzabar, Slate, and Pharos 360 to track student progress and retention efforts

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to support at-risk students and promote student success initiatives across campus

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required

• Teaching, training, or coaching experience

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to mentor and motivate students toward academic, personal, and athletic success

• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and constituencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred

• Two to three years of coaching or playing experience in the sport being coached, preferably at the collegiate leve

• lExperience in academic advising, coaching, retention, or student success initiatives

• Familiarity with Jenzabar, Slate, and/or Pharos 360

• Knowledge of KCAC, NAIA, and student-athlete eligibility requirements

Work Schedule

This is a part-time position with primary work hours occurring during competition weekends, typically Friday evening through Sunday upon return to campus. Additional weekday hours may be required for practices or competitions. The position is expected to average 20–30 hours per week.

Employee Benefits

McPherson College is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including separate sick leave

• 17 Paid Holidays annually

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 10% employer contribution after 1 year of employment

• Undergraduate Tuition Assistance for immediate family members

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Basic Life Insurance coverage

• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Application Process

Please complete the online application and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Equal Opportunity Employer

McPherson College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Retaliation against any employee for filing or supporting a complaint of discrimination or harassment is strictly prohibited.