Assistant Coach - Field Hockey

Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students.  By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student-athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development. 

This position assists in planning, directing and coaching the Women’s inter-collegiate Field Hockey program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program. May supervise other Assistant Coaches, Coaching Assistants, and/or Volunteer Coaches. 

This position plays a key leadership role for the Field Hockey program. Will fill in when the Head Coach is absent. Typically has a significant role as liaison with Athletics administrative departments. Requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience, which may include coaching/teaching at the professional level. Particularly for sports that are more prominent on an international level than in the United States, comparable experience may include playing in a professional or other high-performance environment, such as for a national team or at the Olympic level. 

This is a one-year term position, with an end date of January 31st, renewable at the discretion of the Head Coach and the Athletics Director.

1.       Athlete Team Management

• Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competition to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.

• Develops, coordinates and plans assigned portions of practices and game management consistent with Head Coach’s strategic vision.

• Analyzes video to scout opponents and develop strategies for team development.

• Executes a student-athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion.

• Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching.

• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.

2.       Operational Complexity

• Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics and operational direction.

• Operates within budget.

• Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA and other rules and regulations.

• Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives.

• Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.

• Assists head coach in problem resolution.

• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.

3.       Communication & Influence

• Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the applicable sport.

• Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.

Under the direction of the Head Coach, this position will help run the inter-collegiate Field Hockey program at Harvard.

The Assistant Coach will:

• Help instruct and develop student athletes.

• Assist in making strategic decisions in contest situations.

• Oversee the strength and conditioning of the athletes.

• Assist in fundraising efforts and running special events.

• Assist in developing and implementing the overall recruiting strategy.

• Handle administrative responsibilities associated with the program operations, including recruiting logistics and planning, team travel details, and equipment ordering.

• Review video and analyze team performance using performance analysis software, i.e. Sportscode and Spiideo.

• Use psychological skills and knowledge (i.e., goal setting, mental preparation) to create a strong sense of the team, to help student athletes achieve optimal performance and to support their overall individual well-being.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• At least 4 years' experience coaching field hockey or playing field hockey at the collegiate or national team level.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Requires substantial mastery of sport-specific knowledge and relevant issues.

• Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).

• Requires moderate management and leadership knowledge.

• International playing or coaching experience preferred.

• Familiarity with Sportscode, Hudl, Spiideo, ARMS and Teamworks preferred.

• USA Field Hockey Coaching Certification (Level 2) or willingness to attend coaching courses to achieve it.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid driver's license needed.

• CPR and First Aid required.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift equipment associated with the sport.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend work required.

• Frequent travel required.

• Job requires work in extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and high levels of noise.

Work Format Details: On-site

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