Assistant Coach - Women's Volleyball

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 intercollegiate volleyball program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program.

This position plays a key leadership role for the women’s volleyball 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 playing experience, which may include coaching/teaching/playing 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 environments, 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 Athletic Director.

1. Athlete Team Management

• Analyzes video to scout opponents and develop strategies for team development.
• Develops, coordinates, and plans assigned portions of practices and game management consistent with Head Coach’s strategic vision.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.
• 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.
• Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competitions to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.

2. Operational Complexity

• Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA, and other rules and regulations.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.
• Assists head coach in problem resolution.
• Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
• Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives.
• Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics, and operational direction.
• Operates within budget.

3. Communication & Influence

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

Under the direction of the Head Coach, the Assistant Coach will help run the inter-collegiate Women's Volleyball program at Harvard. This role 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 developing and implementing the overall recruiting strategy; and handle administrative responsibilities associated with the program operations, including recruiting logistics and planning, team travel details, and equipment ordering. The Assistant Coach will also assist in fundraising efforts and running special events.

• Requires at least 4 years of coaching and/or collegiate playing experience or Olympic experience.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and a database.
• Understands the philosophy, principles, and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).
• Requires substantial mastery of sport-specific knowledge and relevant issues.
• Basic video filming, editing, and analytical ability.
• Moderate management and leadership knowledge preferred.

• CPR and First Aid required.
• Valid driver’s license needed.

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

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

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.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

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