Amherst College invites applications for the Head Coach of Men’s Basketball position. The Head Coach of Men’s Basketball is a full time, year round position. Given Amherst’s distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

The head coach is responsible for the management and administration of all aspects of a successful NCAA Division III men’s basketball program.  The head coach will manage the men’s basketball program to ensure positive team dynamics, satisfactory growth and development of student-athletes, and competitive performance of the team.  The head coach is also responsible for other related duties assigned by the Director of Athletics.  The position requires an understanding of the role of intercollegiate athletics in a highly competitive academic environment.

Summary of Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Coaching

• Teaching, analyzing performance, and coaching game techniques and strategies of basketball in preparation for and during athletic competitions.
• Establish strong relationships with a diverse group of student-athletes and maintain effective lines of communication.
• Monitor academic progress of basketball student-athletes.  Understand academic needs, communicate with faculty liaisons, identify any issues that may occur, and provide direction and guidance when necessary.
• Develop student-athletes of character who are committed to fostering a campus environment of respect and inclusion.
• Schedules and conducts regular practice sessions daily or several times weekly during season.  Maintains detailed statistics and records, evaluation reports, etc. for each student-athlete.  Determines and implements strategy to obtain maximum team level and individual performance.
• Determines competitive event schedule, coordinating with teams both inside and out of the Conference.
• Maintains continual and thorough familiarity with all applicable NESCAC, NCAA, and college rules and regulations, and complies with same.

Recruiting

• Creates a dynamic and inclusive recruiting plan for the basketball program.
• Lead the effort to scout and recruit high-achieving prospective student-athletes from geographically and demographically diverse populations.  Coordinates all phases of recruiting activities.  Coordinates and organizes potential student-athlete on-campus visits.

Department responsibilities

• Attend meetings within the department and conference.
• Maintains positive relations with alumni and friends groups.
• In conjunction with the Office of Advancement, coordinate the program’s fundraising activities and the outreach of alumni.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate assistant coaches.
• Manage program budget, travel, and logistics with Department administration.
• Make efforts to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, collegial environment.

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• A valid US driver’s license and successful credentialing is required in order to operate College vehicles.
• Experience playing or coaching basketball at the college level
• Strong recruiting skills.
• Outstanding organizational, communication, writing, interpersonal, and analytical skills and the capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic planning
• Ability to work independently and to exercise sound judgment and discretion
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting the development of student-athletes from varied backgrounds
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and other non-traditional schedules
• Ability to travel (by car, air, train, bus) domestically and internationally as needed for competition, recruiting, fundraising, or professional development