Position Description:
The Head Men's Rugby Club Coach leads the men's rugby program and contributes meaningfully to the broader student experience. This position is equally divided between:
- Program Leadership (50%) – Responsible for building, directing, and developing a competitive men's rugby
program, including recruitment, training, competition, and student mentorship.
2. Strategic Additional Responsibilities (50%) – Based on the candidate's qualifications and institutional needs, this portion of the role will focus on one or more of the following areas: student recruitment and admissions support, student success programming, club sports administration, athletic facility operations, and/or game/event management.
Major Responsibilities:
Men's Rugby Club Coach – 50%
- Plan and direct all team training, competition, travel, and operations.
- Recruit and retain talented students to participate in the men's rugby club program who are aligned with the university's values.
- Foster a culture of leadership, accountability, and academic success.
- Represent the program across campus and in the community.
- Serve as a mentor and role model to students and foster a positive learning environment.
- Maintain compliance with all institutional policies and safety protocols.
Additional Strategic Duties – 50%:
Assigned based on qualifications and institutional need in one or more of the following areas:
- Student Recruitment: Serve as admissions counselor, assist with admissions events, tours, and outreach efforts.
- Student Success: Coordinate programming or serve in a role focused on academic support and/or personal development.
- Club Sports Operations: Support the administration, scheduling, and oversight of elite club sport programs.
- Event Management: Assist with the planning and execution of athletic and university events.
- Facilities Maintenance & Support: Contribute to operations within athletic facilities.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree required
- Up to 50% travel
- Experience in coaching or playing rugby at a competitive level.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills with the ability to handle administrative tasks.
- Ability to take initiative, work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, and manage multiple priorities.
- Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment and to preparing students to lead and serve.
- Ability to work extended days, weekends, and holidays. Limited travel required.
Other Qualifications:
- Coaching certification(s).
- Experience working in a setting of higher education.
- Experience in coaching or playing rugby at the collegiate level.
**
All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.**
To be considered for this position, you must upload:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- List of 3 professional references
- Answer all application questions
Please address the cover letter to:
Chris Smith, Assistant Athletic Director for Campus Recreation and Well-Being
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana
Required Skills
Required Experience