Head Baseball Coach

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions & Responsibilities - Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this position. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following.

Coaching Leadership

• Develop and coordinate the overall coaching plan, including daily practice schedules, training sessions and seasonal phases, to optimize team performance

• Develop and implement effective coaching strategies, including game plans and real-time tactical adjustments, while leading the team during competitions to optimize team performance 

• Analyze game footage and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and improve team performance

• Ensure players understand their roles within the team's strategy and foster a culture of discipline, respect and accountability

• Regularly assess individual and team performance, providing feedback and guidance to improve technical skills, teamwork, and overall development

• Lead by example, promoting sportsmanship, integrity, and a strong work ethic ensuring that the team represents the institution well both on and off the field

Team Administration

• Maintain a thorough understanding of NCAA Division II rules and regulations, ensuring compliance in recruitment, eligibility, scholarships, and competition, and proactively address any violations.

• Attend NCAA compliance meetings and stay up-to-date on rule changes and new regulations.

• Develop and manage schedules for both championship and non-championship seasons, preparing travel plans and documentation (itineraries, credit card usage, etc.), while collaborating with the athletic department on travel expenses and budget compliance.

• Manage the program’s budget, including travel, equipment, and operational costs, ensuring effective allocation of resources and working with the Athletic Director to secure additional funding.

• Hire, mentor, and supervise part-time assistant coaches, ensuring they are well-trained, aligned with program objectives, and held accountable for performance, discipline, and work expectations.

• Collaborate and communicate regularly with the Athletic Director, department staff, and other coaches to ensure alignment of goals and objectives for the overall success of the athletic program.

• Stay current with trends and developments in the sport, seeking opportunities for ongoing professional development.

• Attend staff meetings and training as directed.

• Serve on Committees as requested (department, university, GNAC, NCAA).

Academic Support and Student-Athlete Success

• Ensure student-athletes maintain high academic standards and eligibility to participate in competitions, monitoring progress and collaborating with the Faculty Athletic Representative and academic advisors to provide necessary resources and support.

• Develop and promote character-building and leadership skills within the team, emphasizing personal growth both on and off the court.

• Prioritize the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes, working with athletic trainers to monitor injuries, recovery, and ensure health and safety protocols are followed during training, practices, and competitions.

Recruitment and Retention

• Identify and recruit talented student-athletes who will contribute to the team’s success, ensuring they meet academic and institutional eligibility standards.

• Oversee the recruitment process, including scouting, evaluating talent, managing recruitment visits, and ensuring compliance with NCAA Division II regulations (e.g., visits, scholarships, and communication with prospects).

• Build and maintain relationships with high school coaches, AAU programs, club programs, and other key talent sources.

• Communicate regularly with admissions regarding the status of prospective student-athletes.

Community Engagement and Fundraising

• Lead community engagement by developing and participating in outreach programs and youth initiatives that promote the team, support institutional mission and strengthen ties with local organizations

• Serve as the face of SMU Men’s Baseball in the community, promoting the team, the athletic program, and representing the program in media interviews, press conferences, and public events.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, organizing events to foster support and engagement with the program, while encouraging contributions to the team's success.

• Actively contribute to the financial sustainability of the program by generating revenue through summer camps, fundraising initiatives, and identifying potential donors, sponsors, and alumni.

• Assist with department fundraisers or community involvement projects, such as golf tournaments or conference championships.

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates expertise in a diverse range of coaching methods, strategies, and knowledge to achieve the goals and objectives of a comprehensive men’s baseball program.

• Develops, plans, implements, and adjusts detailed practice sessions for the team and individual players, focusing on their growth and skill development.

• Effectively plans, coordinates, analyzes, and communicates tactical strategies during competitive men’s baseball games, ensuring optimal team performance.

• Seamlessly transfers coaching insights from games to practices and vice versa, fostering continuous improvement and consistency.

• Communicates clearly and tactfully, both verbally and in writing, outlining specific performance objectives for athletes’ improvement, focusing on both short-term (game-to-game) and long-term (season-to-season) goals, as well as position-specific skills and tactics.

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite to complete tasks and produce high-quality work, both independently and collaboratively.

• Skilled in conveying both straightforward and sensitive information with clarity, professionalism, and precision, in both oral and written formats.

• Ensures effective follow-through with the department, university, and external parties, delivering appropriate messages regarding issues impacting the men’s baseball program at SMU.

• Demonstrates commitment to the department and university’s initiatives, embracing and supporting initiatives to support Catholic and Benedictine values in all aspects of coaching and program development. 

REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred

• Three (3) years of experience as a head coach at the NCAA Division I, II, or III levels. Full-time head coaching experience at the NAIA level, community colleges, or equivalent roles will also be considered.

• Proficient in working with word processing and electronic spreadsheets (preferably Microsoft Office Suite).

• Must pass the annual NCAA D-II Coaches Certification Education Modules

• Must possess and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification

• Must clear background check, pass sexual harassment test, and have a valid driver’s license.  Provide a copy of a three-year driver’s abstract indicating no major moving violations on file.

• Must pass a driving test (driving school vehicles).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed indoors, at sport practices or events or in an office environment. Physical demands include: 

• Move heavy objects (more than 20 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).

• Ability to be mobile campus wide and for game traveling for appropriate athletic needs. 

• Operates a variety of standard office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements.

• Reading, writing, speaking, hearing, standing, bending, sitting.

• Learning and comprehending.

• Requires visual concentration on detail.

• Manual dexterity and precision required for performing stress and special tests, demonstrating rehabilitation exercises.

• May often be required to deal with distraught student-athletes.

• Must be able to concentrate on details and process complex information while experiencing frequent interruptions.

• This position requires extensive travel and availability to work evenings and weekends as necessary to accommodate team practices, competitions, and events.