Position Summary

Emory & Henry University seeks a dynamic, student-centered leader to serve as Head Coach for the Men’s Rugby program. The Head Coach is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, recruitment, and development of a competitive intercollegiate rugby program consistent with the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Emory & Henry University.

The Head Coach will cultivate a culture of excellence, integrity, and academic success while ensuring compliance with all applicable conference, league, and University regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Administration

• Direct all aspects of the Men’s Rugby program, including planning, organizing, and conducting practices and competitions.

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for competitive and programmatic growth.

• Establish team standards that reflect sportsmanship, discipline, accountability, and respect.

• Manage program budget, equipment, scheduling, and travel logistics.

• Oversee assistant coaches, graduate assistants, and student workers (if applicable).

Recruitment & Retention

• Develop and execute a comprehensive recruitment plan aligned with enrollment goals.

• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who meet academic and character expectations.

• Maintain regular communication with Admissions to support institutional enrollment objectives.

• Support retention through mentoring, academic oversight, and personal development of student-athletes.

Student-Athlete Development

• Promote academic achievement and monitor academic progress in coordination with faculty and academic support services.

• Foster leadership, personal responsibility, and community engagement among student-athletes.

• Encourage participation in campus life and community service initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all University, conference, and governing body regulations.

• Promote player safety, including adherence to strength and conditioning standards and injury prevention protocols.

• Coordinate with Athletic Training staff regarding health and wellness of student-athletes.

Community Engagement & Fundraising

• Promote the program within the campus and regional community.

• Assist with alumni engagement and fundraising efforts in coordination with University Advancement.

• Represent the University professionally at events, matches, and recruiting functions

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Demonstrated experience coaching rugby at the collegiate, high school, or competitive club level.

• Strong knowledge of rugby rules, training methodologies, and player development.

• Proven ability to recruit and mentor student-athletes.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Preferred

• Master’s degree.

• Collegiate head coaching experience.

• Experience with program building and roster expansion.

• CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

• Competencies

• Commitment to the mission of Emory & Henry University.

• Strong ethical standards and integrity.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a small university environment.

• Effective budget and administrative management skills.

• Cultural competence and ability to foster an inclusive team environment.

• Working Conditions

• Evening and weekend work required.

• Travel required for competitions and recruiting.

• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

• Physical Requirements

• Ability to demonstrate skills during practice sessions.

• Ability to stand for extended periods during practices and matches.

• Ability to lift and transport equipment up to 50 pounds

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Demonstrated experience coaching rugby at the collegiate, high school, or competitive club level.

• Strong knowledge of rugby rules, training methodologies, and player development.

• Proven ability to recruit and mentor student-athletes.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree.

• Collegiate head coaching experience.

• Experience with program building and roster expansion.

• CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Competencies

• Commitment to the mission of Emory & Henry University.

• Strong ethical standards and integrity.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a small university environment.

• Effective budget and administrative management skills.

• Cultural competence and ability to foster an inclusive team environment.

Working Conditions

• Evening and weekend work required.

• Travel required for competitions and recruiting.

• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to demonstrate skills during practice sessions.

• Ability to stand for extended periods during practices and matches.

• Ability to lift and transport equipment up to 50 pounds.