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The Head Coach provides vision, leadership, and direction for the football program, serving as an educator and mentor within the Ithaca College community. This role leads all aspects of a highly competitive Division III football program, including the teaching of strategy, skill development, and holistic student athlete growth. The Head Coach recruits student athletes who reflect the academic excellence and values of Ithaca College while ensuring full compliance with NCAA Division III and conference expectations. As the leader of a program that participates in the greatest Division III rivalry game in the country, the Cortaca Jug, widely known as the biggest little game in the nation by Sports Illustrated, the Head Coach embraces a tradition that has set national attendance records. Ithaca and Cortland drew record crowds at MetLife Stadium in 2019 and at Yankee Stadium in 2022, and the rivalry will return to Yankee Stadium in 2026. Stewarding this legacy includes preparing the team for the magnitude of Cortaca while representing Ithaca College with pride and professionalism. A visible ambassador for the program, the Head Coach builds strong relationships with alumni and campus partners and actively supports fundraising initiatives that elevate the football program and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation.

Essential Duties:

Program Leadership and Team Performance

+ Plan and direct all aspects of in-season, non-traditional season, and post-season practices and competitions.

+ Teach sport-specific skills, strategy, and techniques that support the development of individual players and the team as a whole.

+ Analyze opponent performance and develop competitive strategies.

+ Promote safety in all training, conditioning, and competition activities.

+ Manage roster decisions, including identification, selection, retention, and evaluation of student athletes.

Student-Athlete Development

+ Foster an environment that prioritizes academic success, personal growth, character development, and well-being.

+ Mentor student athletes on academic planning, goal setting, leadership, communication skills, and responsible citizenship.

+ Support the balance between athletics and academics through intentional scheduling and communication with academic support staff.

+ Promote an inclusive team environment that respects diversity and supports belonging for all student-athletes.

Division III Recruiting

+ Recruit student athletes who demonstrate the academic readiness, personal character, and values consistent with Ithaca College and the Division III model.

+ Develop and execute a year-round recruiting plan that aligns with institutional enrollment and departmental goals.

+ Maintain consistent communication with prospective student athletes, families, high school coaches, and campus partners.

+ Educate prospects and families on the Division III experience, including the philosophy of academic integration and the absence of athletic scholarships.

Campus and Community Engagement

+ Build strong working relationships with campus partners, including enrollment management, student affairs, faculty, alumni affairs, and institutional leadership.

+ Represent Ithaca College and the football program at campus events, community programs, and departmental activities.

+ Encourage student-athlete participation in community service and engagement initiatives.

Alumni and Advancement Partnerships

+ Collaborate with Alumni Affairs and Institutional Advancement to strengthen relationships with football alumni, parents, and supporters.

+ Participate in stewardship, cultivation, and engagement opportunities that promote philanthropic support.

+ Support fundraising campaigns and sport-specific initiatives in partnership with Advancement and Athletics Giving.

+ Serve as a visible representative of the program at alumni events, reunions, and donor gatherings.

Administrative and Compliance Responsibilities

+ Ensure compliance with NCAA Division III rules, Liberty League policies, and Ithaca College standards.

+ Manage the football program budget, including travel, equipment, supplies, and operational planning, adhering to all Ithaca College policies and procedures.

+ Evaluate, select, and recommend for purchase sport-related equipment, uniforms, and supplies. Oversee the distribution and recovery of all equipment, uniforms, and supplies. Ensure and monitor an inventory control system for all equipment, uniforms, and supplies.

+ Collaborate with appropriate administrators on practice and competition scheduling.

+ Oversee the arrangement of officials for all appropriate home competitions.

+ Attend all scheduled staff meetings, unless excused by immediate supervisor.

+ Hire, supervise, and evaluate assistant coaches, graduate assistants, and volunteer staff in coordination with appropriate athletic administrators.

+ Meet annually with immediate supervisor and/or the Director to review student athlete and administrative evaluations and establish personal and professional goals and objectives for the following year.

+ Perform other duties as assigned, including serving as event supervisor, teaching PALS courses, and/or managing an administrative assignment in the athletics program.

Leadership Expectations

+ Model integrity, professionalism, and sportsmanship in all aspects of representation.

+ Promote an environment that values academic achievement, personal responsibility, equity, and respect.

+ Demonstrate continual growth through professional development and engagement with national coaching organizations.

+ Contribute to the overall mission and success of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation.

Qualifications:

Required:

+ Bachelor’s Degree

+ 3-years of collegiate coaching experience

+ Demonstrated success in football coaching with an understanding of NCAA Division III values.

+ Strong commitment to academic integration, student-athlete development, and inclusive team culture.

+ Ability to lead, mentor, and develop student-athletes.

+ Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, alumni, and campus partners.

+ Experience managing budgets, scheduling, and administrative operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Master’s degree.

+ 5-7 years of collegiate coaching experience.

+ Experience as a head coach or coordinator at the collegiate level.

+ Demonstrated success in recruiting students in an academically rigorous setting.

+ Familiarity with Ithaca College or peer Division III institutions.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or [email protected].

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range:

$115,000 - $125,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including:

• Healthcare including vision and dental

• Generous Paid Time Off Policies

• 403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution

• EAP

• Flexible Work Plans

• Educational Benefits

• Career-Enhancing Trainings

• For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness

In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon review of the criminal background check.

At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu