The William Smith Tennis Head Coach is responsible for the organization and management of a highly competitive NCAA Division III tennis program at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, competing in the Liberty League. The Head Coach of William Smith Tennis will also serve as an assistant coach for the Hobart Tennis team.
This includes teaching and coaching student-athletes for successful competition; recruiting; monitoring and supporting student-athletes’ academic success; civic engagement; planning and managing budgets and schedules; fundraising; and developing positive alumnae and parent relations. Hobart and William Smith Colleges Department of Athletics is committed to maximizing the potential of Heron student-athletes in a learning environment that values and enhances teamwork, competitiveness, respect, discipline, leadership and personal responsibility. Hobart and William Smith coaches are expected to utilize an ethical approach to training, competing, mentoring and recruiting.
Essential Responsibilities:
Coaching Responsibilities:
· Teaching and Coaching:
o maintain an exemplary standard of conduct, which reflects the highest level of professionalism and good judgment on and off the court
o develop strategies and techniques for all phases of the sport to best prepare the team for competitive situations
o operate digital platforms as needed for competitions and to develop training and practice plans
o prepare, implement and evaluate practice and game plans that are effective for the sport and congruent with team/individual ability
o develop and employ a team philosophy that is supportive of the educational mission of the college and the athletic department
o direct players, coaches and support staff to conduct themselves on and off the court in such ways that bring credit to their team and HWS
o be knowledgeable of and compliant with all institutional, department, NCAA and conference policies, rules and regulations
· Counseling and Advisement of Student-Athletes:
o develop and maintain effective communication with team members
o set high standard of ethical and moral conduct on and off the court
o reinforce academic success as a priority
o monitor academic progress
o encourage student-athletes to foster a positive relationship with their faculty, the deans and all support staff
· Recruiting:
o articulate and implement a recruiting plan consistent with the Colleges mission
o cultivate a recruiting network
o maintain the department’s recruiting contact management system
o recruit student-athletes that coincide with the academic profile of HWS students
o maintain open communication with other Hobart coaches regarding shared prospects
o be knowledgeable about admissions and financial aid processes
· Fundraising and Alumnae Engagement
o develop a positive relationship with alumnae and parents of current, former and prospective student-athletes
o plan and oversee all sport fundraising initiatives in conjunction with athletic administration and institutional advancement staff
· Professional Development:
o maintain active membership in professional sport organizations
o pursue formal and informal educational opportunities
o participate in department Peak Performance Plan seminars
· Community Engagement
o promote the sport of tennis in area communities
o establish and maintain a positive relationship with interested segments of the community (e.g. youth groups, civic organizations, media)
· Program Management:
o comply with institutional and departmental policies
o develop a competitive schedule
o be knowledgeable of and comply with all NCAA and conference rules and regulations
o supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaching staff
o work collaboratively with other department members and HWS staff (e.g. peer coaches, support staff, athletic trainers, athletic communications, admissions, human resources)
o effectively manage the sport program within the budget allocation
o responsibly manage equipment, uniforms and facilities
o work collaboratively with other HWS coaches on shared facility use and schedules
o maintain appropriate coach-athlete relationships with players
Other Department Responsibilities (approximately 30% of full time responsibilities):
o serve on Athletics Department operational teams as a game day manager (sport to be assigned by Associate AD for Events)
o assist with department initiatives
o represent the department at college events on and off campus
o represent the department on campus committees, as assigned
Other Information:
This is a full-time, 10-month, benefits-eligible position. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Evening and weekend work are required. Salary range is $60,000 - $65,000
A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree is preferred. Demonstrated successful tennis coaching experience at the collegiate level required. The candidates should have proven success recruiting student-athletes, organizational and management skills, and a recognizable commitment to student growth and academic achievement. An overall knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations is required. The successful applicant must be a person of integrity, high ethical standards, have excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and have a commitment to teamwork.
The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the NCAA Division III philosophy and mission of HWS Athletics. Competence with technology resources and a current U.S. driver’s license are vital to fulfilling the responsibilities of this position. CPR and First Aid certification required. The candidate must be willing to work nights and weekends.
About HWS
A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.
Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.