HEAD WOMEN'S SOFTBALL COACH/RETENTION COORDINATOR

Position Summary The Head Women’s Softball Coach / Retention Coordinator is a 12-month, full-time position reporting directly to the Director of Athletics. This position is responsible for leading all aspects of the women’s softball program at the NCAA Division III level, including recruiting, coaching, student-athlete development, program administration, and compliance with university and NCAA policies. In addition to serving as Head Softball Coach, this position will serve as the Athletics Department Retention Coordinator, leading and coordinating student-athlete retention initiatives in collaboration with campus partners. Responsibilities include serving as a liaison between Athletics and Student Support Services, supporting academic success initiatives, coordinating retention efforts, and advising the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The position will contribute to creating and maintaining an environment of equity, inclusion, academic success, and student-athlete development within the Athletics Department. The position will also assist with departmental operations, including game management responsibilities and other duties as assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Head Softball Coaching Responsibilities Recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes while maintaining a competitive roster capable of meeting NCAA minimum contest requirements. Develop and implement a comprehensive recruiting plan for identifying, evaluating, contacting, and communicating with prospective high school and transfer student-athletes. Conduct campus visits and assist prospective student-athletes throughout the recruitment process in collaboration with Admissions. Establish and maintain positive relationships with local schools, community organizations, alumni, media, and other external partners to increase program and university visibility. Plan and conduct daily practices, competitions, preseason preparation, and postseason activities. Utilize current coaching theories, techniques, and training methods to develop student-athletes’ athletic abilities and maximize individual and team performance. Teach softball skills, strategies, game tactics, and position‑specific techniques while providing effective instruction and feedback. Make sound coaching decisions during competitions. Develop annual practice plans, game plans, strength and conditioning programs, and competitive schedules within established budget parameters. Motivate, mentor, discipline, and lead student-athletes while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, accountability, and personal growth. Maintain a positive, professional, and disciplined team environment both on and off the field. Build positive relationships with student‑athletes, coaches, officials, conference personnel, alumni, parents, and other stakeholders. Monitor student‑athlete academic progress, eligibility requirements, and overall well‑being. Maintain and distribute statistics, records, and program information as required. Work toward team goals, including continued improvement, competitive success, conference achievement, postseason opportunities, and overall program development. Athletics Retention Coordinator Responsibilities Serve as the Athletics Department liaison to Student Support Services, Academic Advising, and other campus resources to support student‑athlete retention. Coordinate retention efforts and serve on university retention committees. Participate in the early alert process by helping identify student‑athletes requiring academic intervention and additional support. Collaborate with campus partners to document academic interventions, meetings, and student support efforts. Assist student‑athletes in developing academic success plans through communication with faculty and access to university resources. Support communication between student‑athletes, coaches, and university offices, including Financial Aid, Advising, Housing, and other departments. Serve as the advisor for the Student‑Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Serve on the University CARE Team. Promote an academic-priority approach to student‑athlete development. Assist with athletics operations, including game management responsibilities for assigned fall and winter athletic events. Assist with softball facility preparation, field maintenance coordination, and home game/practice setup as needed. Manage program‑related administrative responsibilities, including: Budget management and expense reporting. Travel planning and documentation. Equipment purchasing and inventory. Scheduling and meeting attendance. Timely completion of required paperwork and compliance documentation. Conduct team fundraising activities as appropriate. Attend department meetings, sport‑related meetings, professional development opportunities, clinics, conferences, and workshops. Coordinate with Student Support Services, Academic Advising, Admissions, Facilities, Athletics staff, faculty, local schools, community organizations, alumni, and other university departments and external partners. Participate in departmental committees and university initiatives as assigned. Coordinate community service opportunities for student‑athletes. Maintain knowledge of and comply with the UMPI Staff Handbook, NCAA Division III regulations, conference requirements, and university policies. Complete required onboarding, training, and compliance requirements within established timelines. Perform other duties as assigned based on university and departmental needs. Supervises softball assistant coaches and, when applicable, student employees and work‑study students. Demonstrate commitment to professionalism and personal excellence. Fairness, honesty, integrity, and ethical decision-making. Diversity, inclusion, and gender equity. Positive representation of the university and Athletics Department. Academic success and holistic development of student‑athletes. Safety and well‑being of all participants. Planning and preparation that promotes sportsmanship, motivation, teamwork, positive experiences, and effective instruction. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Previous softball coaching experience. Ability to recruit, retain, and develop a competitive softball roster. Strong knowledge and understanding of softball. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to document retention efforts. Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student‑athlete success. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of athletic recruitment methods and techniques. Knowledge of NCAA Division III rules, regulations, and compliance expectations. Ability to foster a cooperative and inclusive work environment. Ability to interpret, follow, and enforce safety procedures. Ability to lead, mentor, and develop student‑athletes. Ability to make sound administrative and procedural decisions. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of university and community constituencies. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with student‑athletes in an academic support or retention setting. Previous NCAA head coaching experience. Collegiate softball playing experience. Familiarity with NCAA Division III standards, rules, and regulations. Working Conditions Must be able to travel for extended periods of time for athletic contests and related activities. Work Schedule Schedule varies and includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional extended hours based on athletic schedules and departmental needs. Evaluation Schedule Performance will be evaluated at six months and annually thereafter based on the employee’s start date. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Maine at Presque Isle