About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. 

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

To teach, mentor, and coach student-athletes in an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program.  The primary responsibility is to develop the required infrastructure for a successful program, as defined by competitive success, student-athlete recruitment and graduation rates, and enhancing the program’s reputation among both internal and external publics.  Responsibility for recruitment and retention is focused on solidifying a stable roster of high-quality student-athletes.  Organizational elements of the recruiting plan must be directed to the principles, goals, and objectives of the University’s Strategic Plan while teaching and coaching young people to develop skills and personal qualities that will serve them well after graduation.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Academics:

• Oversee the academic progress of the program and each student-athlete in a focused way.  Responsible for student-athlete retention.

 Budget:

• Coordinate with the sport administrator regarding the annual budget process for programs.
• Review monthly reports, fundraising, and operating, and address issues as needed.
• Participate in budget meetings with the sport administrator and the Associate AD of Business.

Fundraising: 

• Assumes responsibility for achieving team fundraising goals
• Ensure that the gap between the “optimal budget” and the institutional dollars provided is planned for in a comprehensive fundraising plan.
• Provide updates regarding fundraising activities to the Director of Athletic Advancement
• Oversees proper stewardship of fundraised dollars
• Meet with sport administrator and the Director of Athletic Advancement on the annual fundraising strategic plan

Marketing/Promotions:

• Contribute to the sport’s external functions, e.g., advertising, marketing, promotion, merchandising (if applicable).  Promote and enhance the image of the sport. 
• Work with the Director of Fan Engagement on fan experience, community outreach, and in-game promotional plans

Policies/Procedures:

• Supervise all coaches/staff in your assigned sports in accordance with University, NCAA, and applicable conference policies, rules, and regulations.
• Stay current on policies and procedures, both University and NCAA. Attend league meetings where required.
• Report any potential NCAA, Conference, University or departmental rules issue for review to the Executive Director of Athletics and Director of Compliance without fail.

Scheduling:

• Scheduling and contracts of athletic contests, tournaments, and events.  Coordinate with the administration to resolve scheduling conflicts and ensure the best schedule.
• Promote attendance at both home and away contests.
• Encourage excellent sportsmanship and assist in resolving sportsmanship issues should they occur in-game.

Revenue:

• Responsible for securing guaranteed revenue, working with the Sport Administration on contract negotiations to secure the largest guarantee available. Do multi-year scheduling to achieve revenue goals.

Roster Management:

• Responsible for maintaining a roster to support overall enrollment goals.

Personnel:

• Oversee searches for assistant coaches. Set annual expectations for assistant coaches. Review performance, take action as needed, and provide training and developmental opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Masters degree preferred, bachelor’s degree required. 
• Minimum of 1 year coaching at the college level; priority given to coaches with recruiting experience at the collegiate level. 
• Impeccable integrity with a thorough knowledge of and commitment to compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. 
• Must possess excellent communication skills, be a positive motivator, have demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities, and be able to clearly articulate a coherent plan and vision to build and enhance an emerging NCAA Division I program within the operational parameters of the NCATA, the NCAA, and the University.

Unusual Working Conditions

• Must possess the organizational and interpersonal skills to recruit, supervise, and teach Division I student-athletes. 
• A positive track record for recruiting, retaining, and graduating academically and athletically qualified student-athletes within a competitive academic environment and a program committed to academic and athletic excellence. 

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.