Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

JOB SUMMARY This position oversees all aspects of the Volleyball program at Northeastern State University and is responsible for building and leading a competitive NCAA Division II volleyball program. This position is classified as a 12-month full-time at-will employment appointment with administrative (30%) and coaching (teaching) (70%) responsibilities.

MAJOR DUTIES Provides daily instruction and skill development to student-athletes to increase performance and understanding of the sport. Plans, organizes, and conducts team practices and competitions. Develops and executes physical conditioning programs to prepare athletes for peak performance. Provides strategic direction and leadership to the program and its student-athletes. Educates individuals and teams in the rules, techniques, strategies, and principles of volleyball. Evaluates skill levels and performance data to make decisions regarding individual and team development. Maintains knowledge of evolving rules, trends, and innovations in the sport. Ensures program compliance with all NCAA, MIAA, and NSU policies and regulations. Performs additional duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Leads the recruitment of prospective student-athletes who align with the academic and competitive goals of NSU. Manages team travel, scheduling, practices, and competition preparation. Coordinates with internal departments such as Strength and Conditioning, Athletic Training, and Academic Support to promote student-athlete well-being and success. Works closely with Compliance and Financial Aid offices to administer and manage athletic scholarships. Oversees the volleyball budget and equipment purchasing in coordination with the Coordinator of Athletic Management and Director of Athletics. Implements academic support initiatives and monitors student-athlete academic progress in alignment with NCAA, MIAA, and university standards. Provides regular performance feedback and mentorship to student-athletes. Supports athletics communications and media requests and participates in promotional events, alumni functions, and speaking engagements. Encourages and leads student-athletes and staff in community service and outreach. Demonstrates full knowledge of NCAA, conference, and university rules and regulations and cooperates fully with investigations of any potential violations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes. Knowledge of NCAA, MIAA, and university rules and the ability to apply them consistently. Ability to serve as a positive role model for students and represent NSU with integrity. Experience in game strategy, practice planning, statistics, and program promotion. Capability to manage budgets, coordinate travel, and oversee operational logistics. Ability to prioritize student-athlete academic success, welfare, and graduation outcomes. Understanding of and dedication to creating a team culture of discipline, accountability, and inclusion.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS Reports to the Director of Athletics or designee. Work is reviewed through outcomes, team performance, and compliance with department and institutional policies.

GUIDELINES Work is conducted in accordance with NCAA, conference, university, and department policies and procedures. Independent judgment and interpretation are required for daily operations.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK This role requires balancing responsibilities in teaching, mentoring, compliance, recruiting, and administration. The Head Coach is expected to build a program that supports student-athlete success both on and off the court.

CONTACTS Contacts include student-athletes, coaching staff, university personnel, alumni, prospective student-athletes and families, media, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT Position requires physical activity, including demonstrating volleyball techniques, team travel, and extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work is performed in indoor gymnasiums and related athletic facilities.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY Direct supervision over any assistant coaches, graduate assistants, student managers, and other support personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Demonstrated knowledge of volleyball and the ability to lead a collegiate-level program. Previous coaching experience, including team planning, operations, and athlete development. Must pass NCAA recruiting certification test within 30 days of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree. Minimum of five years of coaching experience, preferably at the collegiate level. Proven track record of competitive and academic success in prior coaching roles.

Compensation: Salary based on experience, with a highly competitive benefits package Anticipated Hire Date: 01/05/2026 Applications Accepted Until: 11/30/2025

About Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University (NSU) is a public university with its main campus in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Northeastern is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Oklahoma as well as the state's 4th largest institution. Tahlequah is home to the capital of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and about 25 percent of the students at NSU identify themselves as American Indian. The university has many courses focused on Native American linguistics, and offers Cherokee language Education as a major. NSU athletic teams are known as the RiverHawks. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II level, primarily competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for most of its sports since the 2012–13 academic year, while the men's soccer team competes in the Great American Conference (GAC). NSU currently competes in 11 intercollegiate sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer and tennis, while women's sports include basketball, golf, soccer, softball, and tennis. The 26-27 season will see the addition of men's wrestling, women's wrestling and volleyball, while the 27-28 season will see the addition of men's & women's cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field.

Connections working at Northeastern State University