About the Department
The University of Chicago is one of the nation’s leading institutions of higher education and research. Campus and Student Life (CSL) is comprised of 20 departments that serve the University’s 17,500 college, graduate, and professional school students, as well as the campus community more broadly. CSL is importantly charged with the dual task of supporting all students in the University, graduate and undergraduate, and managing multiple campus departments and services that serve the entire campus community. CSL’s programs and services focus on supporting student academic success, providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, developing community and engagement through the residential housing and dining program, and in areas such as artistic expression, spiritual exploration, and athletic competition. The University of Chicago community includes approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 10,500 graduate, professional, and other students and there are over 400 recognized student organizations working together to create a vibrant and dynamic student life. The University of Chicago is a member of the University Athletic Association and the NCAA (Division III). The University sponsors 20 varsity sports. The Department of Athletics & Recreation maintains an environment that supports the student athletes’ commitment to thriving academically and athletically. A diverse, challenging athletic program supplements the rigorous academic curriculum. The lessons learned through athletic endeavors represent an invaluable part of the nonacademic aspects of a holistic education. Achieving this goal is based on a commitment to excellence.
Job Summary
The Men’s Tennis Head Coach is responsible for the organization, direction, and administration of all facets of a competitive NCAA Division III Tennis program. This includes teaching and developing players, planning practices and developing game strategies, managing the men tennis staff, recruiting quality student-athletes, scouting, organizing summer camps, alumnae relations and supporting fundraising efforts, administering operating budget, adhering to University policies and NCAA/conference rules and regulations, and program management (e.g. scheduling and planning team travel).
The Men’s Tennis Head Coach will provide leadership in the personal, academic and athletic development of student-athletes and will work with the Director of Athletics to support the overall mission and vision of the University of Chicago and Department of Athletics and Recreation. Additionally, the head coach must maintain collaborative working relationships with departmental staff, the College, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, other units within Campus and Student Life, other campus partners and all University constituents. The Men Tennis Head Coach must be committed to the educational model of college athletics and in the values of professional integrity, dignity and ethical conduct.
Responsibilities
- Develops and executes a strategy for building a competitive men’s tennis team. Implements plans and strategies during practices and competition by teaching and developing student-athletes.
- Oversees the plan for each tennis season, including competitive schedule and practices, i.e., scheduling facilities, administration of practice schedule, overseeing travel arrangements for away competition, any necessary communication with officials.
- Demonstrates a philosophy that emphasizes academic priorities for student-athletes.
- Counsels team members in academic, disciplinary and personal matters; consults with appropriate Department and University members as required.
- Provides leadership and mentorship in the personal and athletic development of student-athletes.
- Fosters a team culture that defines the team and aims to develop athletes holistically.
- In conjunction with strength staff, assists in developing training and conditioning programs.
- Organizes all practice sessions to enhance team performance. Evaluates individual performance and provides leadership and instruction in areas of deficiency as required.
- Conceives, implements, and supervises strategies to recruit academically and athletically talented prospective student-athletes in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations. Communicates and works with the Admission Office through the application and matriculation process of prospective student athletes.
- Supervises and evaluates the assistant coach and other staff as assigned. Directs and coordinates the activities of assistant coaches in recruiting, team management and practice and game planning in compliance with University, conference and NCAA policies and regulations.
- Manages operating budget. Determines fiscal requirements and prepares budgetary recommendations; monitors, verifies and reconciles expenditures of budgeted funds.
- Serves as leader for the Men’s Tennis program and articulates the vision to respective stakeholders and University representatives.
- Assists as needed to raise funds to support the Tennis program and Department.
- Remains current with sport developments and trends and rules of sport; participates in professional development through coaching organizations, clinics, conventions, and other applicable meetings.
- Manages a team of professionals responsible for the planning, coaching, recruiting, administration, and promotion of University intercollegiate athletics programs. Ensures student-athletes and athletics representatives comply with NCAA and University rules and regulations.
- Reviews the performance of teams and individual student-athletes in order to instruct and advise on technical, strategic, and mental development. Analyzes data and evaluates tapes in order to develop, implement, and teach game strategies.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
- Experience playing and/or coaching tennis at the collegiate level.
- Minimum of seven years of significant and relevant playing and/or coaching experience in highly competitive tennis.
- Knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance issues concerning the administration of intercollegiate athletics.
Certifications:
- Valid driver’s license.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Proficient in computer skills; Microsoft Office Suite and other software.
- Demonstrated ability to recruit academically and athletically successful student-athletes.
- Knowledge of relevant sports rules.
- Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations and Division III philosophy.
Preferred Competencies
- Knowledge, certifications, or training to manage, organize, and teach specialized aspects of the sport.
- Understanding of the role athletics plays in a rigorous academic setting.
- Successfully teach, coach, and mentor competitive student-athletics.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Verbal and written communications skills.
- Organizational skills.
Working Conditions
- Drive safely.
- In accordance with the principles of NCAA rules compliance, it is understood that any employee who is found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension without pay or termination of employment for significant or repetitive violations.
- Considerable travel and frequent night and weekend hours involved.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
