Head Esports Coach

Purdue University; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University Northwest is seeking a Head Esports Coach to lead their emerging esports program. This role includes coaching and managing the team, overseeing budgets, and expanding the program's visibility. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree and relevant experience in coaching or player development.

Benefits

Full benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision

15 days vacation in the first year

University contributions to Health Savings Account

Tuition remission for employee and dependents

Paid Parental Leave after one year of service

Employee Wellness Programs

10 paid holidays

Qualifications

• One year of Esports coaching/playing experience required.
• Experience in higher education coaching preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instruct and coach the esports team during practice and competitions.
• Construct competition schedules and manage program budget.
• Recruit prospective student-athletes and oversee Esports facilities.

Skills

Coaching

Team Management

Recruitment

Public Relations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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Part of the internationally respected Purdue University system, Purdue University Northwest offers world-class educational opportunities at an excellent value on two culturally diverse, student-centered campuses, located in Northwest Indiana and near Chicago. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away. Purdue Northwest has approximately 8,800 students and offers more than 70-degree programs at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels.Purdue Northwest Athletics consists of 500 student athletes and 23 sports competing in Midwest Esports Conference, NCAA Division II, Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Over the past year, PNW Esports has achieved significant success on the virtual playing field. Highlights include hosting the GLIAC Esports Championship and capturing the GLIAC title in League of Legends. The team also secured the Midwest Esports Conference Regular Season Championship in League of Legends, won the Rocket League Championship at Unified, and earned a Top 12 national finish in League of Legends. Intercollegiate athletic teams are fielded in men’s and women’s ice hockey, baseball, men’s and women's basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, esports, women’s flag football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, softball, stunt, and women’s volleyball. For more information on the Purdue University Northwest athletics program please go toPNWathletics.com

PNW sits between Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan’s sandy shores. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away.

Overview of Head Esports Coach

Purdue University Northwest is seeking a Head Esports Coach to join our growing esports program. In Fall of 2025, PNW was the first public university in Indiana to offer Esports at the varsity level. The arenas feature 30 gaming stations using state-of-the-art equipment. The Head Coach will plan, organize, and coach the esports team as they compete in League of Legends, Rocket League, Call of Duty, Valorant, Super Smash Bros and Marvel Rivals.

Duties and Responsibilities of Head Esports Coach

• Instruct, teach and coach the Esports team during practice and game competition
• Conduct video analysis and instruction as a teaching and preparation tool
• Construct competition schedule and all events concerning the Esports program
• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes
• Manage program budget and effectively use fiscal resources for team travel, recruiting, scholarships and equipment
• Assist with academic progress and monitoring of student-athletes
• Work with Assistant AD for Student Success to ensure student-athletes participate in academic advising and assistance programs
• Responsible for the general oversight of the Esports facilities on the Hammond and Westville campuses
• Assist the Director of Athletics with public relations and fundraising activities
• Expand the visibility of the program including speaking at promotional events, working with Admissions Office on campus visits of potential student-athletes and working with Athletics / University Marketing and Communications Office to promote Esports
• Foster a team environment consistent with PNW Athletics core values
• The position will supervise one full-time assistant coach
• The head coach may also oversee part-time or volunteer coaches and provide annual evaluations of the Esports staff.Direct summer camps and coaching clinics
• Lead student-athletes in annual community service and engagement activities
• Represent PNW at conference and national Esports meetings
• Knowledge of rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA and conference should be maintained, reviewed & practiced ensuring compliance relative to those applicable duties
• This position could require other assignments as assigned by the Director of Athletics
• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
• Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your 2nd year plus rollover
• University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period) University contributions to Health Savings Account –
  • Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiative
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Paid Parental Leaveafter one year of service
• Tuition remission for you,yourspouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We offer two campuses serving approximately 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students. At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity.

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Experience

• One year of Esports coaching/playing experience is required
• Previous Esports coaching in higher education or similar program development is preferred

Additional Information

Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.

Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.