MERCED, Calif. — The University of California-Merced seeks a head men’s water polo coach.
Under the general direction of the Assistant Athletic Director, the incumbent will manage the team and assume responsibility in the areas of recruiting, retention, coaching, scheduling, game and practice management, providing supervision of assistant coaches, monitoring student-athlete academic progress and eligibility, budget management and fundraising. The incumbent is responsible for the overall management of the team and is responsible for developing and implementing the team vision and goals.
Responsible for supervising, directing, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees, and exercising independent judgment in the administration of department policies and procedures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- GAME AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Coordinate team practice schedules within the rules of the NCAA , conference, campus department regulations, and student-athletes schedules. Coordinate competitive schedule to be fairly balanced between home and away contests and respect the student-athletes academic requirements. Ensure student-athletes and assistant coaches comply with NCAA, conference Department, and University rules and regulations.
- STUDENT ATHLETES WELFARE: Monitor student-athletes academic performance by working with the assistant director, student-services, campus partners and Faculty Athletics Representative. Work closely with the assistant director, student-athlete well-being to monitor the physical well-being of student-athletes. Collaborate with the assigned sports medicine staff to ensure the well-being of members of team. Understand the role of the athletic training staff under NCAA, conference and departmental policies.
- PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: Identify, recruit, and evaluate qualified student-athletes within the rules of the NCAA, conference, and Campus. Develop goals and processes for future growth of the program. Maintain accurate records related to recruit contacts, evaluations, and visits. Must understand and comply with all NCAA Division II rules, regulations and bylaws and expect to be evaluated on the compliance with these items.
- TRAVEL: Travel to recruit student athletes. Position is responsible for driving vehicles to transport student-athletes and teams to competitions.
Qualifications
EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
- Advanced degree ; Master’s degree in related area. (Preferred)
- Minimum of two years of coaching at the collegiate level in the sport.
- Must maintain NCAA certified recruiter status.
- Must maintain CPR / AED and First Aid certification.
- Valid CA Driver’s License required.
CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Must have highly advanced and effective inter-personal, motivational and team leadership skills to work effectively with athletic participants, staff and parents of student athletes.
- Must have a clear understanding of, and be committed to, the philosophy of NCAA Division II and the role of athletics within the university’s mission.
- Successful experience coaching at the collegiate level. A minimum of two years collegiate coaching experience is required.
- Knowledge of the rules, regulations and guidelines established by the campuses’ governing national collegiate athletic association (e.g., NCAA Division II) pertaining to student-athletes.
- Knowledge of budget development and maintenance, ensuring team objectives are achieved annually. (Preferred)
Background Check
- Background check required.
About University of California, Merced
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region. The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced. The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program. With 12 intercollegiate varsity programs, UC Merced was recently accepted into the NCAA Division II and will begin competition in the 2025-26 academic year and will be fully eligible for postseason in 2026-27. The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.
To apply, CLICK HERE.
