Assistant Coach - Women's Rugby

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students. By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student-athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development. 

This position assists in planning, directing and coaching the women’s inter-collegiate Rugby program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program. May supervise other Assistant Coaches. 

This position plays a key leadership role for the Women’s Rugby program. Will fill in when the Head Coach is absent. Typically has a significant role as liaison with Athletics administrative departments. Requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience, which may include coaching/teaching at the professional level. Particularly for sports that are more prominent on an international level than in the United States, comparable experience may include playing in a professional or other high-performance environment, such as for a national team or at the Olympic level.   

This is a one-year term position renewable at the discretion of the Head Coach and the Athletics Director.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

1.     Athlete Team Management

• Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competition to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.
• Develops, coordinates and plans assigned portions of practices and game management consistent with Head Coach’s strategic vision.
• Analyzes video to scout opponents and develop strategies for team development.
• Executes a student-athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion.
• Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.

2.      Operational Complexity

• Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics and operational direction.
• Operates within budget.
• Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA and other rules and regulations.
• Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives.
• Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
• Assists head coach in problem resolution.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.

3.     Communication & Influence

• Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the applicable sport.
• Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.

Additional responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Head Coach, the Assistant Coach will help run the inter-collegiate Women's Rugby program at Harvard. This position will help instruct and develop student athletes; assist in making strategic decisions in contest situations; assist in developing and implementing the overall recruiting strategy; and handle administrative responsibilities associated with the program operations, including recruiting logistics and planning, compliance, team travel details, and equipment ordering. This position will also assist in donor relationships and fundraising efforts, as appropriate, as well as running special events.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend work required.
• Frequent travel required.
• Job requires work in extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and high levels of noise.

Work Format: On-Site

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift equipment associated with the sport.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum of 5 years of rugby coaching/playing experience at the collegiate, national, professional and/or Olympic level

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working with Scrum or with Backs, and/or S&C experience preferred.
• Requires substantial mastery of sport-specific knowledge and relevant issues.
• Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).
• Requires moderate management and leadership knowledge.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid driver's license needed.
• CPR and First Aid required.

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): N/A
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, and DMV

NOTE - this role is not eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO).

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. 

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.