Under the direction of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students. By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student-athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development.

This position assists in planning, directing and coaching the men’s inter-collegiate Football program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program.

This position typically requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience. Comparable experience may include coaching/teaching at the professional level. Particularly for sports that are more prominent on an international level than in the United States, comparable experience may include playing in a professional or other high-performance environment, such as for a national team or at the Olympic level.

This is a one-year term position renewable at the discretion of the Head Coach and the Athletics Director. The role is full-time, with a partial year schedule of 11 months.

1. Athlete Team Management

• Focuses on developing student-athlete skills, helping to plan and execute practices, supporting in-game management, and coordinating a portion of team programming of particular importance. Helps team perform at competitive levels.
• Typically has some impact on developing the skills for a portion of student-athletes.
• Requires the ability to effectively communicate with students by generating enthusiasm through credible coaching.
• Assists in analyzing video for scouting opponents and team development.
• Assists in recruiting and retaining talent consistent with values of excellence and inclusion; assists in developing team enthusiasm for recruitment and retention.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team, as appropriate.

• Typically assists in the execution of strategy, logistics and operational direction of the team, with greater supervision. Where expenditures are permitted, operates within budget.
• Participates in professional activities, as appropriate. With instruction, follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
• Problems faced may be moderately complex.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the coaching staff and athletics administrators.

In addition, the Assistant Coach will:

• Help instruct and develop student athletes
• Assist in making strategic decisions in contest situations
• Support the strength and conditioning of the athletes
• Be responsible for recruiting for a specific geographic area
• Handle administrative responsibilities associated with the program operations

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Requires at least 1 year of football coaching or professional football playing experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Requires substantial sport-specific knowledge and knowledge of relevant issues.
• Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including the ability to work with and relate well to a diverse group of athletes, administrators, and University constituents.  Must be able to establish yourself as a respected coach to students, University administration and faculty, alumni, and media representatives.  Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and a database. Basic video filming, editing and analytical ability. 
• The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of success as a coach and recruiter.  Must be able to respect and comply with guidelines set forth by Harvard, the Ivy League, and the NCAA.  

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid driver's license needed.
• CPR and First Aid required.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift equipment associated with the sport.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend work required.
• Job requires work in extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and high levels of noise.

Work Style: in-person/remote/hybrid

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

About Harvard University

Harvard is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission is to educate citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. The College is a residential institution of nearly 7,000 undergraduates and is located in Cambridge, MA. Harvard is deeply committed to the intellectual, social, and personal transformation of its undergraduates during their four years at Harvard. The Department of Athletics offers 42 varsity programs for men and women, more than any other Division I school in the United States. Harvard employees have access to a wide range of educational offerings, including world-class museums, tuition assistance, and hundreds of web-based learning programs. Our benefits package is superior and provides multiple options for the health and well-being of our employees. Being located in Cambridge is a distinct advantage since Cambridge is a lively, multi-cultural city adjacent to Boston, which is an undisputed hub of college and university life in the U.S. We believe that creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace allows employees from all backgrounds and walks of life to achieve their fullest potential. We also believe an inclusive culture is one that accepts, valu...es, and views the differences we all bring to the workplace as strengths. We actively seek and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups and from those with a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Harvard University