Athletics – Assistant FOIL Coach, M/W Fencing Contract

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity.

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. SHU upholds a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges-2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools-2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

Responsible for recruiting quality student-athletes who are a good fit for the University athletically, academically, and personally. Direct, coach, and promote sportsmanship in all phases of a successful intercollegiate men’s and women’s fencing program. Teach, mentor, and coach student-athletes by supporting the required atmosphere and culture defined by competitive success, student-athlete recruitment, and graduation rates, and enhancing the program’s reputation to both internal and external publics.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with the recruitment and selection of prospective student-athletes in accordance with clearly documented roster goals and compliance with the standards and principles of the operating codes of the NCAA and Sacred Heart University.
• Adheres to and enforces all policies and procedures of Athletics as well as the rules and regulations of the NCAA and NFC, including the successful annual completion and passing of the NCAA recruiting test.
• Conduct regular practices and give lessons in and out of season within the guidelines set forth by the NCAA and NFC.
• Develop appropriate strategies to motivate and encourage student-athletes to comply with the Code of Ethical Conduct (Bylaw 10.1-10.4).
• Follow the administrative procedures established by the University as published in the Athletics Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Enforce team travel standards for behavior and appropriate dress.
• Oversee training and care of student-athlete team members, including full cooperation of medical advice of the Department of Athletics Training staff.
• Promote the educational values of intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational values of the University as outlined in the University and Department of Athletics Mission Statements.
• Have a focused commitment to fundraising, public relations, and the general administration of the program in full compliance with the NCAA and University rules and regulations.
• Support and cooperate in the implementation of required marketing strategies as directed.
• Develop specific communications strategies to ensure the program’s success, such as professionally drafted recruiting letters, use of available collateral materials to support recruiting efforts, presentations, campus visit itineraries, etc.
• Must be able to repair foil fencing equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous successful Men’s and Women’s Fencing coaching or playing experience at the collegiate level.
• Experience in recruiting, administration, and coordination of a collegiate Fencing program that focuses on the total development of the student-athlete.
• Impeccable integrity with a thorough knowledge of and commitment to compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, be a positive motivator, have demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities, and clearly articulate a coherent plan and vision to build and enhance the University’s NCAA Division I program.
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Unusual Working Conditions

Nights, weekends, and travel required.

This job posting provides an overview of the role’s general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.