Associate Head Coach - Water Polo

Connecticut College; New London (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Connecticut College is seeking an Associate Head Coach for Water Polo to partner with the Head Coach in leading both men’s and women’s programs.

The role combines strategic leadership, recruitment oversight, and compliance with NCAA Division III standards to drive competitive success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required and 1-3 years of collegiate playing and/or coaching experience.
• Ability to work independently and to work evenings and weekends.
• Experience recruiting at the college level is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily practices, training, scouting, and match-day strategies.
• Plan and conduct regular fitness and skill sessions within NCAA regulations.
• Direct tactical development and in-game adjustments for both programs.
• Oversee recruitment databases and coordinate official campus visits.
• Collaborate with Head Coach, Admissions, and CAN to meet roster goals.
• Manage relationships with Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning staff.

Skills

Leadership

Recruiting

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

1–3 years coaching/playing experience

Job description

Position Details Position Information Position Title Associate Head Coach - Water Polo Department Athletic Center -Group Pay Type Exempt Appointment Type (A) Temporary Full-Time Hours Per Week 37.5 Number of weeks 44 weeks per year other - # of weeks 44 Benefits Eligible Full Benefits Geographical Regional Qualifies for Relocation Reimbursement Yes Work Schedule

Job Description

The Associate Head Coach serves as the primary partner to the Head Coach in all aspects of managing the men’s and women’s water polo programs. This high-level leadership role involves significant independent decision-making, including leading tactical implementation, managing program budgets, and directing comprehensive recruitment strategies. The Associate Head Coach shares responsibility for ensuring the programs operate at peak competitive success while strictly aligning with College, departmental, water polo conferences, and NCAA Division III standards and policies. In the absence of the Head Coach, the Associate Head Coach assumes full operational command of the programs.

General Duties and Responsibilities for Assistant Coach (80%)

• Directly lead the planning, preparation, and execution of daily technical practices, dynamic training, scouting, and match-day strategies.
• Prepare student-athletes for competition by planning for and conducting a regular schedule of fitness training, sport skill practices, scouting and competitions within NESCAC and NCAA regulations.
• Conduct oneself with the highest ethical and moral standards in regard to behavior on campus and in relationships with student-athletes and members of the campus community.
• Assume a primary role in the tactical development, skill instruction, and in-game adjustments for both the men’s and women’s programs.
• Maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in interactions with student-athletes and the campus community.
• Ensure a safe environment for all practices, competitions, and team travel.
• Comply with all applicable rules and policies (College, department, NESCAC, NCAA).
• Take a leadership role in fundraising initiatives, working closely with the Camel Athletics Network (CAN) to engage alumni, parents, and donors to meet annual program fundraising targets.
• Oversee and manage team social media and marketing efforts.
• In collaboration with the Head Coach and Admissions, design, implement, and manage a national student-athlete recruitment framework to consistently meet annual roster goals and departmental "competitive success goals."
• Serve as the primary liaison to Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning staff to oversee injury prevention, treatment plans, and rehabilitation protocols.
• Monitor and support student-athlete academic progress and overall well-being.
• Oversee the holistic development and well-being of student-athletes, implementing individualized performance and growth plans through structured check-ins.
• Cultivate and sustain meaningful long-term relationships with program alumni and families.
• Independently evaluate prospective student-athletes, manage recruitment databases, and coordinate official campus visits.
• Communicate with Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning staff regarding injury treatment and rehabilitation.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends during the season and for recruitment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and be able to drive a 15-passenger vehicle.
• Foster a team culture that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and allyship.

Administrative Duties (20%)

• Serve in administrative roles as assigned by the Athletic Directors.
• Provide event support for major athletic events including the Silfen Track & Field Invitational, and NESCAC or NCAA championships, as needed.
• Additional administrative responsibilities may be assigned based on departmental needs.

Education and Skills

Bachelor’s Degree required and 1-3 years of collegiate playing and/or coaching experience. Individual must possess the skills and abilities or be able to teach and demonstrate all aspects of the sport they are coaching. The candidate must be able to work independently and have the ability to work evenings and weekends. Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The candidate should be considering a career in college coaching. Experience recruiting at the college level is also preferred.

Job Expectations

• Work Location: This is an on-campus position and your office is located in the athletic center. Regular attendance at work is an essential job function
• Remote Work: Not permitted for full-time assistant coaches.
• Calendar Management: Maintain an updated Google Calendar reflecting all practices, competitions, recruiting, vacations, and PTO. The calendar must be shared with all athletic directors.
• Compensatory Time: If traveling for competition over a weekend (with Head Coach approval), you may take a comp day during the following week. This must be logged on your calendar and cannot be carried into future weeks.
• Time Reporting: All sick days, PTO, vacation, and Presidential Award days must be recorded in the DayForce timesheet system. Noncompliance may lead to disciplinary action.

PTO Leave Policy

• Annual Leave: 10 PTO days per academic year must be taken per the below guidance: Fall & Spring Coaches: PTO must be used during non-holiday winter or spring breaks; otherwise, coaches are expected to work 37.5 hours per week.
• Winter Coaches: PTO must be taken during the designated two-week spring break period.

Mandatory Reporting

As a full-time Assistant Coach and Connecticut College employee, you are a mandated reporter. All concerns must be reported to the Athletic Directors or appropriate college authorities. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands Driving Required Yes Salary Range $50,000-$55,000 Note Connecticut College is committed to fair and competitive compensation. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s experience, education, and the institution’s pay structure to ensure internal equity.

Applicant Credentialing

Thorough applicant credentialing will be conducted on the selected candidate which will include criminal records check, DMV check and depending on the position psychological exam and pre-placement physical.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date 08/04/2026 Applications accepted through Open Until Filled Yes