Fairfield University Athletics 

Position: Head Coach- Field Hockey   

Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools.  In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City. 

Fairfield Athletics is coming off of a year which included winning the 2023-24 MAAC Commissioner’s Cup celebrating comprehensive competitive excellence for the first time since 2011-12. The Stags were recently recognized as a 2024 Front Office Sports/Sports Innovation Lab Best Athletic Department in the Country. Fairfield’s Field Hockey program has been a consistent example of academic and athletic excellence. The Stags most recently won the 2024 NEC tournament championship advancing to the NCAA tournament, their third NEC tournament championship since 2019. The program also boasted a team GPA of 3.63 in 2023-24.  

Job Description: 

Fairfield University Athletics is seeking applicants for the Head Field Hockey Coach position. The Head Coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Field Hockey program within the NCAA and Northeast Conference, with an expectation to compete and succeed at the regional and national levels. The Head Coach must operate within the framework of NCAA and Conference rules and governance, consistent with the goals and objectives of the University and the Department of Athletics.  

Essential Functions:  

The authority and responsibility for a successful Field Hockey Program includes but is not limited to: 

• Overseeing and participating in the effective recruitment of student-athletes in collaboration with the Office of Admissions and Office of Financial Aid 

• Preparing the team for competition during a traditional and non-traditional season 

• Overseeing and providing counseling, training and conditioning of student-athletes 

• Fostering a supportive team culture that maximizes success on and off the playing field  

• Helping to maintain the academic progress of all student-athletes through interaction with Student-Athlete Success staff and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)  

• Working collaboratively with the Sports Medicine and Sports Performance staff as extensions of the Field Hockey coaching staff to ensure proper and safe student-athlete development  

• Acting as a University representative for alumni and University functions as coordinated by the Athletics Advancement staff  

• Adhering to all University, Conference and NCAA rules and regulations 

• Coordinating travel arrangements with the program sport administrator and business office  

• Managing team in a fair, honest, highly organized/efficient and financially responsible manner 

• Scheduling competitions and obtaining officials 

Responsible for a Field Hockey program that operates within and fosters an atmosphere of compliance with NCAA, Conference, and University rules and regulations:   

• Ensuring compliance with NCAA, Conference, and University rules in the  Field Hockey program with the assistance of university compliance staff  

• Reporting of suspected or confirmed rules violations on a timely basis. 

• Maintaining accurate files and documentation including information for the annual report, recruiting, etc. 

• Continuing education with university compliance staff regarding NCAA and conference rule changes. 

Responsible for the management of staff:  

• Hiring and evaluating performance of assistant coaches and student staff. 

• Communicating effectively with the field hockey staff and administrative staff on all pertinent departmental and university matters. 

• Maintaining a program climate conducive to the professional growth of staff including rules, education, and departmental information 

Responsible for the planning of the Field Hockey program:   

• Planning and arranging the Field Hockey team’s schedule which will be developed in consultation with the program’s sport administrator as well as the Vice President for Athletics.  The schedule shall meet University objectives and comply with obligations under NCAA and Conference rules.   

• Meeting regularly with the program’s sport administrator to ensure a clear understanding and a continuing dialogue regarding all aspects of the program. 

• Engaging in periodic/annual evaluative discussions with the sport administrator and Vice President for Athletics to ensure optimal operation and success of the program. 

• Recommending and effectively implementing proposed improvements to maintain the success of the Field Hockey program.  

Responsible for the preparation and proper control of Field Hockey budget:  

• Planning and forecasting for costs and expenses of assigned budget. 

• Recommending appropriate changes in the annual budget requests. 

• Approving all program expenditures throughout the fiscal year. 

Work in the best interest of Athletics and the University by:  

• Being available for external engagement opportunities including media requests, broadcast interviews etc.   

• Leading a program that has a consistent track record of success. 

• Organizing and conducting a quality summer camp to promote the university and generate additional income each year. 

• In partnership with university advancement, participate effectively in fundraising events and initiatives to enhance visibility of the program and secure financial support for current and future program needs. 

Participates in the professional development of the department. This involves: 

• Monitoring developments in intercollegiate athletics and the sport of field hockey through membership in professional associations, attendance at workshops and seminars, and in the reading of professional literature 

• Promoting a courteous and professional image as a university representative 

• Attending departmental meetings and informing staff regarding relevant information 

• Ensuring student-athletes, individual and team efforts, are recognized 

• Communicating effectively with sport administrator concerning pertinent departmental matters 

• Representing the university in national, regional and local organizations 

• Supporting the university’s mission and athletics department core values including participating in community service activities as possible 

Perform other related duties as directed or dictated by supervisor.

Education  

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.  

Experience

A minimum of 3-5 years of collegiate coaching experience and/or a requisite combination of playing and coaching experience outside the collegiate realm, along with demonstrated management, organizational and leadership skills is required. Demonstrated coaching license/certification is preferred. A Bachelor’s Degree is required.  A Master’s Degree is preferred.  

Disclaimer: 

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.