FRESNO, Calf. — Fresno Pacific University, located in Fresno, Calif., seeks a head men’s water polo coach.
The head men’s water polo coach is responsible for all phases of a highly competitive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II water polo program including, but not limited to, practice and game preparation, recruiting, hiring and supervision of assistant coaches, budget management, alumni and public relations, coordination of off-season conditioning, fundraising, all aspects of program administration, and adherence to the rules of the NCAA, the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) and Fresno Pacific University. The head Coach must be committed to student-athletes’ academic, personal, and athletic growth and development, and demonstrate the ability to successfully recruit and motivate NCAA Division II student-athletes.
Essential Functions
- Developing and maintaining a men’s water polo program that is athletically competitive
- Works to maintain an atmosphere within the FPU Department of Athletics that is consistent with the mission of Fresno Pacific University including the active demonstration and modeling of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- Operates the men’s water polo programs within the mission, policies, bylaws, regulations, and interpretations of Fresno Pacific University, the Department of Athletics, the Western Water Polo Association, and the NCAA Division II
- Actively engages the members of the program in meaningful and verifiable community service and community engagement
- Actively guides and mentors student-athletes into successful life patterns and choices including those represented by the faith and life commitments of the University
- Actively supports and monitors the academic progress of student athletes, resulting in high GPAs, graduation rates and retention rates
- Is responsible for all administrative aspects of the men’s water polo programs including scheduling, off-season conditioning, program equipment, program budget, and the direction of the FPU-identified water polo camps
- Oversees, organizes, and conducts effective practice sessions including sessions involving individual work
- Oversees, organizes, and conducts an effective recruitment strategy that, in good faith, focuses on student-athletes who are eligible under the NCAA Division II and the conference and who understand and agree to abide by the faith and life commitments of the University
- Actively supports and engages in FPU fundraising efforts for the men’s water polo programs, the Sunbird Club, plus other FPU fundraising efforts as appropriate or needed
- Engages in the promotion of the University, the Department of Athletics, and the program as requested by the Athletics Communications Office, the Director of Athletics, or the University President
- Works in support of FPU staff, faculty, and administration in all areas including facilities, athletics administration, communications, sports medicine, student life, and academic efforts
- Attends Department of Athletics meetings and major events (e.g. department meetings, workdays, athletics professional development session, Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet, Sunbird Golf Classic, and End-of-Year Athletic Awards Celebration) unless excused
- Provides an annual, approved academic plan and professional development plan for the program
- Demonstrates a professional commitment to involvement in local, regional and national program-related organizations as needed
- Reviews NCAA rules with student-athletes when necessary and reinforces the importance of compliance
- Facilitates the provision of all information necessary to determine prospective student-athlete eligibility
- Provides complete off-campus contact and evaluation request logs and forms
- Monitors the permissible number of contacts and evaluations per NCAA bylaws
- Provides complete and accurate expense reports and follows all University and Department of Athletics financial procedures
- Declares play and practice seasons and submits to the Director of Athletics for review and approval
- Ensures team’s compliance with NCAA rules related to playing and practice seasons including monthly athletically related activity logs
- In cooperation with the Director of Athletics, monitors the scheduling process, verifying that the schedule meets NCAA and conference scheduling requirements
- Develops a competition schedule with the impact of athletic-related activity on class time and the overall student-athlete experience with Life in the Balance as a major focus
- Educates student-athletes regarding NCAA regulations governing employment
- Annually passes the NCAA Coach’s Certification Exam
- Follows the established process for renewal and non-renewal of athletically related financial aid
- Annually declares and receives approval from the Director of Athletics and President for athletically related income
- Ensures compliance for student-athlete participation in exit interviews as needed and requested
- Ensures that student-athletes and assistants abide by the University’s ethical conduct and sportsmanship requirements
- Responds to requests for information from the Athletics administration in a timely manner, especially when deadlines are indicated
- Strong organizational and administrative skills
- Demonstrated commitment to following NCAA, conference and institution legislation and rules
- Proven commitment to athletic and academic success
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated success in recruiting at the collegiate level
- Demonstrate a commitment to serving and inspiring students and colleagues in a context of a Christian University, integrating your Christian faith into your role and responsibilities.
- Embrace the mission, vision, and values of Fresno Pacific University, affirm the FPU Faith Expectations (Download PDF reader), and support the ideals and practices articulated in “The Fresno Pacific Idea”
- Uphold and advance Fresno Pacific University’s commitment to Christ-centered higher education, holistic student development, and serving diverse communities.
- Complete tasks timely with work that is comprehensive, complete, and accurate
- Communicates clearly, listens attentively, and seeks to understand others
- Collaborates productively with colleagues of varying skillset
- Other job duties as assigned
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience in intercollegiate coaching
Preferred:
- Master’s degree
- Experience in fundraising
Environmental Conditions:
- In-Water Conditions: The coach will regularly be on the pool deck during practice sessions and competitions, potentially exposed to wet, humid, and occasionally chlorinated environments. This may include standing for extended periods, actively demonstrating techniques, or providing direct coaching in the water during drills or games.
- Outdoor & Weather-Dependent: The position requires outdoor work, which means the coach may be subject to various weather conditions, including heat, rain, and wind. Practices and competitions will take place in varying conditions, so the ability to adapt to different environments is necessary.
- Indoor/Office Conditions: When not on the pool deck, the coach will work in an office setting, which may include tasks such as administrative duties, recruitment, planning, and meeting with other staff members. This work is typically conducted in a temperature-controlled indoor environment.
- Physical Demands: The role involves some physical exertion, especially during practices and games, where the coach may need to move quickly and actively engage with the team. The coach will also be expected to manage the logistical aspects of the team, including equipment handling and setup, which may require lifting and physical movement.
- Travel: The position may involve travel for competitions, training sessions, or recruiting events, which could include extended periods of time away from the campus. Travel may involve varying climates and conditions depending on the location of events.
Physical Demands:
- Standing for Long Periods: Required to stand on the pool deck during practice sessions, games, and events, which may last for extended periods.
- Walking/Movement: Frequent walking and moving around the pool deck, along with monitoring different areas of practice and interacting with players.
- Physical Demonstrations: Ability to demonstrate drills, techniques, and in-water movements, which may involve bending, reaching, or extended physical exertion.
- In-Water Activity: The ability to occasionally enter the water to assist with coaching during practice or competitions, which may involve swimming or engaging directly with student-athletes.
- Lifting and Carrying Equipment: May involve the lifting, carrying, and transporting of water polo equipment (balls, goals, training aids) and other program materials, sometimes requiring physical strength.
- Handling and Adjusting Poolside Equipment: Setting up and adjusting equipment such as goals, nets, and training tools during practices or events.
- Outdoor Exposure: Ability to work in varying weather conditions, including heat, sun, rain, and wind, for extended periods during practices, games, and travel.
- Travel Requirements: Ability to travel for competitions, which may involve physical endurance for long drives, flights, and time away from the office and campus.
- Fast-Paced Environment: Ability to move quickly and remain alert during high-intensity practices and competitive games, requiring physical agility and stamina.
- Team Interaction: Engaging physically and verbally with athletes, which may include providing hands-on coaching or moving around the pool to monitor players effectively.
- Reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities will be provided in accordance with law.
University Information
$68,640.00 – $78,640.00 is the annual starting salary for this role and reflects what Fresno Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, FPU offers a competitive benefits package.
To apply for the position, CLICK HERE.
Reserving its rights as a religious institution, Fresno Pacific University is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age or disability, or other classes protected by applicable law. Committed to excellence and actively supportive of cultural diversity, FPU invites individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you should contact FPU’s Human Resources Department at hr@fresno.edu. As a religious institution, the University will administer the equal opportunity employment policy consistent with the Fresno Pacific University statement of faith, the FPU Idea and the University’s governance by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
*This information, including salary, is accurate as of February 05, 2025.*
