Assistant Coach, Men's Basketball

Assistant Coach

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

The Assistant Coach is a regular, full-time, benefit-eligible position within the Caltech Department of Athletics, Recreation and Instruction. This role serves three interconnected functional areas that together reflect the department's commitment to the holistic development of its student-athletes and the wellness of the broader Caltech community. Approximately 75% of this position is devoted to intercollegiate coaching responsibilities within the assigned varsity sport program, with the remaining 25% dedicated to athletic facility operations and recreational program support.

During the team's competitive and non-traditional seasonal segments, the Assistant Coach is responsible for assisting in the coaching and instruction of student-athletes, practice and game preparation and execution, NCAA and SCIAC rules compliance, and the appropriate recruitment of scholar-athletes at one of the nation's most academically selective institutions. These efforts are conducted in full alignment with the Division III philosophy, which places the educational mission and holistic development of the student-athlete at the center of every decision.

The residual contributions of this position support the safe, accessible, and welcoming operation of the athletic facility and recreational programming offered to the entire Caltech community. This is a full-time regular, benefit-eligible position.

Essential Job Duties

This position spans three functional areas. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Area 1 — Intercollegiate Coaching & Student-Athlete Development (~75%)

• Coaching, Instruction & Practice Management
  • Demonstrate a high level of teaching and coaching competency in sport-specific skill instruction, tactical strategy, rules application, physical training, and student-athlete motivation throughout all practice and competitive settings.
  • Collaborate closely with the Head Coach in the planning and execution of all practice sessions; capable of leading practice sessions independently as scheduled and needed.
  • Assist with game and competition preparation, including scouting, game planning, in-game adjustments, and post-competition review.
  • Model and uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times, serving as a positive leader and role model reflective of the values of Caltech, the NCAA, and the SCIAC.
• Student-Athlete Welfare & Development
  • Demonstrate a sincere and sustained interest in the social, emotional, academic, and athletic development of each student-athlete under your care.
  • Collaborate with the Head Coach and certified athletic trainers to support student health, safety, and overall well-being; student welfare is the department's highest priority.
  • Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture consistent with the Division III educational mission and the Caltech community's values of integrity, inclusion, and excellence.
• Recruitment of Scholar-Athletes
  • Assist the Head Coach in the identification, evaluation, and appropriate recruitment of prospective scholar-athletes suited to the academic rigor and athletic culture of Caltech.
  • Conduct all recruiting activities in full compliance with NCAA, SCIAC, and Institute rules and regulations, maintaining confidentiality of student and family information at all times.
  • Communicate with prospective student-athletes and their families in a manner that is accurate, ethical, and above reproach in its representation of the Institute.
• Team Administration & General Support
  • Assist with general team-focused administrative duties as assigned, including team transportation and meals, camps and clinics coordination, equipment and facility care, and alumni engagement.
  • Attend and actively contribute to departmental staff meetings, Division of Student Affairs programs, and other relevant institutional initiatives.
  • Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; maintain professionalism, reliability, and collegiality in all interactions.

Area 2 — Athletic Facility Operations & Safety (~12–13%)

• Facility Monitoring & Access Control
  • Serve as a vigilant and welcoming monitor of the athletic facility, providing responsive customer service and stewardship to all patrons who enter the building.
  • Verify appropriate credentials, membership status, or affiliations for all individuals seeking access to the facility, enforcing institutional access policies in a professional and respectful manner.
  • Conduct regular facility rounds to ensure all spaces are safe, secure, properly supervised, and used in accordance with established policies.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment in assessing and responding to a variety of facility situations, including directing individuals to appropriate spaces, addressing policy violations, and de-escalating situations as needed.
  • Serve as a liaison with Campus Safety and Security, communicating promptly and clearly in the event of emergencies, safety concerns, or situations requiring additional support.
• Event Support & Facility Readiness
  • Provide setup and breakdown support for intercollegiate competitions, practices, and departmental events, ensuring spaces are prepared and restored in a timely and organized manner.
  • Assist with the unlocking and securing of facility spaces in accordance with the assigned shift schedule.
  • Assist in the general care and routine maintenance of sport-specific and shared athletic facilities as needed.

Area 3 — Recreation Programs & Game Supervision (~12–13%)

• Recreational Programming & Supervision
  • Supervise and monitor athletic facility usage during recreational programs, undergraduate and graduate open recreation, and club sport leagues and tournaments.
  • Serve as game supervisor for recreational leagues and club activities, ensuring a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for all participants.
  • Manage and enforce proper safety protocols, facility access policies, and operational standards during all club games and recreational events.
  • Provide a welcoming and service-oriented presence that increases the accessibility and utilization of athletic facilities for all members of the Caltech community.
  • Assist with recreational programming initiatives as assigned, which may include club sport oversight, intramural coordination, or other community wellness offerings.

Other duties in the Department of Athletics, Recreation and Instruction as needed and appropriate, including but not limited to: strength and conditioning support, game management, sports information assistance, physical education instruction, group fitness instruction, lifeguard coverage, and additional facility supervision. This position description reflects the primary scope of responsibilities and is not exhaustive.

Basic Qualifications

Experience & Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in all technical and tactical areas of the assigned sport.
• Working knowledge of NCAA Division III and SCIAC rules, regulations, and the Division III philosophy.
• Certifications & Licensing
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout the duration of employment.
  • Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications required; must be maintained throughout employment.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills, including strong teaching pedagogy and the ability to provide clear instruction to student-athletes.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to shifting demands, and work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships across all levels of the organization, including student-athletes, coaching staff, administrators, faculty, and community members.
  • Sound judgment and the maturity to make appropriate decisions in a variety of facility and competitive environments.
  • Unimpeachable personal integrity and a demonstrated commitment to ethical and legal standards in all aspects of the role.
  • Commitment to modeling a positive, enthusiastic, and health-conscious professional demeanor consistent with the values of Caltech Athletics and the Institute.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry sport-specific and general athletic equipment up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Must be able to actively demonstrate sport-specific skills, including participating in physical activity and sport play as needed for instructional purposes.