Assistant Coach - Women's Rugby

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 Rugby program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program. May supervise other Assistant Coaches. 

This position plays a key leadership role for the Women’s Rugby 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 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.

Additional responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Head Coach, the Assistant Coach will help run the inter-collegiate Women's Rugby program at Harvard. This position will help instruct and develop student athletes; assist in making strategic decisions in contest situations; assist in developing and implementing the overall recruiting strategy; and handle administrative responsibilities associated with the program operations, including recruiting logistics and planning, compliance, team travel details, and equipment ordering. This position will also assist in donor relationships and fundraising efforts, as appropriate, as well as running special events.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience

• Minimum of 5 years of rugby coaching/playing experience at the collegiate, national, professional and/or Olympic level

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working with Scrum or with Backs, and/or S&C experience preferred.

• 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.

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: On-Site

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Additional information:

We will not provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.

Harvard is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission is to educate citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. The College is a residential institution of nearly 7,000 undergraduates and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is deeply committed to the intellectual, social and personal transformation of its undergraduates during their four years at Harvard.

The Department of Athletics offers 42 varsity programs for men and women, more than any other Division I school in the United States. We also offer extensive recreational and intramural programs.

Harvard employees have access to a competitive benefits package that includes multiple options for the health and well-being of our employees as well as ongoing professional development.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. We regret that, due to the number of responses we typically receive, we may be unable to respond to phone calls or contact personally those applicants not selected for an interview.

We actively seek and welcome applications from diverse candidates and from those with a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society.