Gustavus Adolphus College invites applications for the position of Head Softball Coach within a highly successful and nationally respected NCAA Division III athletic department. In the past year, Gustavus captured the MIAC All-Sports Trophy for both men’s and women’s programs, earned 16 conference championships, and continued to build on a legacy of success. Historically, the department has maintained a tradition of excellence, averaging a Top 40 finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings since the award’s inception. Dedicated to providing a first-class student-athlete experience, the department values leadership, collaboration, and innovation—and this position plays a key role in supporting and enhancing those efforts across 23 varsity sports.

The Head Coach will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program, including recruitment, training, competition, staff management, and administrative duties, while upholding the college's commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and sportsmanship. Full-time coaches in Gustavus Athletics also have the responsibility to serve another administrative role as assigned. Gustavus Adolphus College competes in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as an NCAA Division III member.

Employment Type: Full-time (.83 FTE), Exempt (Salaried), Benefits-Eligible

Salary Range: $48,000-52,500

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct the recruitment of prospective softball student-athletes to continue to build a competitive and high-performing team.

• Develop and implement training programs to enhance player skills, athletic performance, and team cohesion during both traditional and non-traditional seasons.

• Scout opponents, analyze game film, and create detailed match strategies to ensure team readiness for competition.

• Foster a positive and competitive practice environment focused on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

• Design and implement leadership development programs to empower student-athletes and promote effective team dynamics.

• Serve as a mentor and provide ongoing support to student-athletes in both their athletic and academic pursuits.

• Hire, supervise, and manage coaching staff, including a graduate assistant, part-time assistants, and student managers/coaches.

• Ensure staff are well-equipped to deliver high-quality training and support to student-athletes.

• Oversee all administrative aspects of running a Division III softball program, including:

o Coordinating team schedules, travel arrangements, and operational budgets

o Leading fundraising initiatives

o Alumnae engagement

o Managing day-to-day program operations with efficiency and attention to detail

• Develop and coordinate community service projects and outreach opportunities for student-athletes, strengthening the program's connection to the broader community.

• Adhere to and ensure compliance with all NCAA, MIAC, and Gustavus rules and regulations.

• Promote and exemplify high standards of sportsmanship and ethical behavior both on and off the field.

• Stay current with trends in coaching, training methods, and recruiting strategies to continually improve the program and enhance team performance.

• Direct and manage all softball clinics, summer programs, and satellite camps to provide developmental opportunities for athletes and expand the visibility of the program.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Proven experience coaching softball at the collegiate level, with a demonstrated ability to recruit and develop student-athletes.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate with colleagues, student-athletes, and the community.
• Commitment to the academic success, personal growth, and well-being of student-athletes.
• Knowledge of NCAA Division III rules and regulations, and a commitment to ethical coaching practices.

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