Head Coach, Esports

CP15 Keene State College; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire seeks a visionary Esports Coach to organize, develop, and administer all aspects of a new varsity program.

You will lead program growth, recruit student-athletes, align with ECAC/NACE, and collaborate with campus partners to ensure academics and competition thrive.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree and collegiate coaching experience, travel readiness, and a strong commitment to student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Experience coaching or playing esports at a collegiate level is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Organize, develop, and administer all aspects of an Esports team.
• Provide leadership and vision for the implementation and growth of a new varsity program.
• Establish affiliation with ECAC and NACE.
• Develop coaching strategies to build student‑athlete skill and teamwork.
• Recruit and retain players and coordinate scholarships with admissions.
• Supervise supplemental coaches and oversee program promotions via social media and community outreach.
• Develop informational sessions for faculty, staff, students, and the community.
• Seek partnerships between esports and academic programs for internships.

Skills

Esports coaching

Collegiate coaching

Leadership

Recruiting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Experience in higher education

Job description

Job Duties

• Organize, develop, and administer all aspects of an Esports team.
• Provide overall leadership and vision for the implementation and growth of a new varsity program.
• Establish affiliation with the ECAC and National Association of Collegiate Esports.
• Develop coaching strategies and teaching methods to build student‑athlete skill and teamwork.
• Recruit and retain players to meet annual recruitment goals; coordinate scholarship opportunities with admissions.
• Supervise supplemental coaches and provide expertise in designated game titles.
• Oversee promotion of the program through social media, streaming platforms, and community outreach.
• Develop informational sessions for faculty, staff, students, and the community to increase awareness.
• Seek partnerships between esports and academic programs for internships and collaborative projects.
• Ensure academic eligibility and high graduation rates for student athletes.
• Provide health and wellness education and mentorship for student‑athletes.
• Develop rules, policies, and schedules governing team membership and facility use.
• Coordinate technical support and vendor services for the gaming facility.
• Collaborate with campus units to support the program and comply with NACE regulations.
• Prepare budgets, requisition equipment, and engage in fundraising and community service activities.
• Arrange scheduling and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum one year’s experience as an esports coach or athlete with expertise in at least one of the following titles: League of Legends, Super Smash Bros, Valorant, Rocket League, or Overwatch.
• Coaching experience at the collegiate or comparable level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of esports rules and regulations, including NACE guidelines.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.
• Experience working in higher education.
• High ELO ranking in one of the aforementioned game titles.
• Experience recruiting college athletes.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Benefits

Pay range: $50,000.00 - $325,000.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

EEO Statement

The University System of NewHampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Location

Keene, NewHampshire

Collective Bargaining

This position falls within the collective bargaining unit for the Keene State College Staff Association (KSCSA), an affiliate of the National Education Association of NewHampshire (NEA‑NH).