LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne seeks a men’s and women’s water polo head coach.
The head coach is responsible for serving as the leader for two distinct and independently operated water polo programs (Men’s and Women’s) at the University of La Verne, each requiring separate in-season and off-season planning, recruiting, budgeting, compliance and team management responsibilities. This position will supervise and manage all phases of both programs in accordance and compliance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and the University of La Verne’s policies and regulations; understanding the role of Division III athletics in the educational process and while recruiting quality student-athletes.
This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading water polo practices and competitions, evaluating individual and team performances, teaching proper techniques, and motivating players to achieve optimal results, while ensuring adherence to safety guidelines and ethical sport standards including developing game strategies, scouting opponents and managing team dynamics.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A minimum of 3-5 year’s demonstrated successful coaching and recruiting experience at the college or university level.
Relevant experience in college or professional athletics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Significant coaching experience at the collegiate or professional level, with a proven record of success in leading a water polo program.
- A Master’s degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field.
- NCAA Division III coaching experience.
- Personal student-athlete experience, in water polo at the collegiate level.
Benefits Summary:
Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee’s total compensation
Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University’s 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.
Salary: Minimum: $69,019.61 / Maximum: $85,463
Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.
The physical demands primarily include prolonged sitting, frequent use of hands for typing and mouse work, and extended screen time, which may cause eye strain. Occasional light lifting (e.g., files or office supplies) and minimal movement are typical. Proper posture and periodic breaks are essential to mitigate discomfort or strain associated with these tasks.
- Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes (maximum weight and duration: 20 lbs)
Duties
- Coaching (Percentage Of Time 20%)
- Leads, organizes, and coordinates year-round water polo team practices for the men’s and women’s programs to develop student-athletes’ skills and teamwork, focusing on skill development, strategy, and conditioning. Instructs student-athletes on techniques, tactics, and physical training regimes.
- Communicates expectations, provides praise, and delivers corrective feedback in a clear and constructive manner; adapts according to player abilities and team needs.
- Conducts daily analysis of individual and team performances, adjusting strategies as needed by utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous methodologies. Implements targeted drills to improve specific skills, including swimming, passing, shooting, and defense.
- Conducts analyses of opponents to develop strategic game plans for both teams, ensuring the effective dissemination of relevant information.
- Recruiting (Percentage Of Time 15%)
- Oversees and responsible for the recruitment strategies and initiatives for both the men’s and women’s water polo programs at ULV.
- Annual recruitment of 5-6 student-athletes (per team) who enroll and participate in the sport of water polo at the University of La Verne.
- Manages on-campus visits, digital and in-person correspondences, and off-campus talent evaluation.
Program Management (Percentage Of Time 15%)
- Accountable for producing competitive team performance results within the SCIAC and NCAA.
- Oversees team logistics including (but not limited to) scheduling practices and competitions, coordinating travel arrangements, and managing equipment.
- Develops, maintains, and executes pre-season and out-of-season training programs in collaboration with the Strength and Conditioning staff.
- Collaborates with other ULV head coaches, the City of La Verne, and Bonita High School (including their designated representatives), to coordinate details related to the shared use of Los Flores Pool (e.g. practices, utilization of facilities, home and away contest logistics, etc.).
Budgets (Percentage Of Time 8%)
- Oversees and accountable for both water polo programs’ budgets – men’s and women’s. Identifies and allocates budgeted expenditures for overall team operations (i.e. travel, equipment, recruiting, marketing, etc.).
- Maintains and updates equipment inventory and required materials. Sources and secures vendors, purchasing equipment and uniforms specific to program needs and requirements.
Fundraising (Percentage Of Time 12%)
- Responsible for ULV and athletic department fundraising initiatives that raise 20%+ additional funding to supplement and enhance program funding.
- Actively engages in all departmental fundraising including crowdfunding (e.g. Vertical Raise), Giving Tuesday, etc.
- Attends promotional events, community activities, and fundraisers.
Coaching Staff (Percentage of Time 15%)
- Selects, supervises, and mentors assistant coaches and graduates assistants for each water polo program. Assigns responsibilities to and oversees the performance of all assistant coaches and graduate assistants.
- Performs other duties, summer duties, special projects and other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics. Including but not limited to participation in Athletics Department fundraising, Hall of Fame, and Senior Blanket Awards.
Student Athlete Academic Success (Percentage of Time 5%)
- Responsible for year-long academic performance tracking of water polo student-athletes:
- Develops and manages the implementation of policies and procedures regarding academic expectations for team members.
- Collaborates with academic advising staff regarding athlete academic performance.
- Meets with athletes to review course load issues, degree requirements, course selections, etc.
- Provides guidance to athletes on performance issues, study skills, and techniques for academic success.
Alumni Relations (Percentage Of Time 5%)
- Responsible for the development and maintenance of alumni and community outreach for both water polo programs.
- Publicizes the programs in collaboration with Athletics.Communications/Sports Information and MARCOM offices.
- Maintains positive communication relationships media and public agencies.
Compliance (Percentage Of Time 5%)
- Ensures compliance with NCAA, SCIAC, and University of La Verne rules and regulations for both staff and student-athletes.
- Responsible for holding all water polo staff and student-athletes accountable for team and culture rules and regulations, and those set by the NCAA, SCIAC, University, following established protocols.
To apply, CLICK HERE.
