Head Women’s Soccer Coach

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree and have significant knowledge of and proven success in coaching soccer, preferably at the collegiate or club level.

Additional required skills and abilities of the ideal candidate include:

• Coaching experience and substantial knowledge of soccer coaching fundamentals, tactics, and strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining a positive and productive playing environment for all team members.
• A demonstrated commitment to student-athlete welfare.
• Knowledge of athletic recruitment methods and techniques.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated respect for diversity of identities and experiences and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural competency.
• Excellent analytical, time management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work and/or travel, including evening, weekend, or limited overnight assignments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and adherence to NCAA/conference rules and requirements for conducting an intercollegiate program.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

• A commitment to and passion for Division II soccer and an intercollegiate athletics program that operates with the highest integrity and is focused on the holistic development of its student-athletes.
• Ability to recruit and retain student-athletes who contribute to a campus culture focused on high academic achievement and student success.
• A healthy focus on competitiveness and support for student-athlete success reflecting the Bentley mission and goals of the NCAA.
• Experience developing a coaching staff to mentor student-athletes and ambassadors of the program.
• Demonstrated commitment to superior communication, including active listening.
• Ability to establish short-term and long-term program goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to the NCAA Division II student-athlete experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting best practices in student-athlete nutrition, fitness, and strength and conditioning for player health and recovery.
• Experience as a collaborative and highly relational campus partner and steward of athletics.
• A charismatic leader who inspires confidence and trust.
• A commitment to institutional goals of internationalism, multiculturalism, service to society, and active advancement of equity and inclusion.
• A flexible and adaptable attitude to coaching, mentorship, and leadership.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude.
• Ability to advocate for recruits, student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and the program.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE ROLE

In transitioning to Bentley University, the head coach will encounter the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key campus stakeholders:

• Create a dynamic vision for a successful and competitive NCAA Division II women’s soccer program.
• Demonstrate excellent coaching competencies regarding sport skill instruction, motivation, and tactical strategies, while designing a competitive schedule that maximizes student-athlete development and performance.
• Develop a comprehensive recruiting plan that shows successful recruitment, yield, and retention of academically and athletically qualified and diverse student-athletes who thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
• Understand the importance of the NCAA Division II student-athlete experience.
• Create a team environment that fully supports a positive and holistic student-centered experience.
• Understand and support student-athletes balancing multiple responsibilities in a rigorous academic environment.
• Develop comprehensive practice and training experiences with strength and conditioning and athletic training colleagues that prioritizes player health and well-being.
• Champion a team culture focused on honest and transparent communication.
• Create meaningful campus partnerships to support the student experience.
• Communicate regularly with soccer alumni and find ways to connect them with current student-athletes.
• Learn and embrace the culture of Bentley and the athletic department.
• Hire, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and support the professional development of coaching staff.
• Work closely with athletics leadership and advancement staff members to create strategic fundraising opportunities.
• Be a visible and active member on campus and within the greater Boston/Waltham community.