Head Football Coach

The Head Coach provides vision leadership and direction for the football program serving as an educator and mentor within the Ithaca College community. This role leads all aspects of a highly competitive Division III football program including the teaching of strategy skill development and holistic student athlete growth. The Head Coach recruits student athletes who reflect the academic excellence and values of Ithaca College while ensuring full compliance with NCAA Division III and conference expectations. As the leader of a program that participates in the greatest Division III rivalry game in the country the Cortaca Jug widely known as the biggest little game in the nation by Sports Illustrated the Head Coach embraces a tradition that has set national attendance records. Ithaca and Cortland drew record crowds at MetLife Stadium in 2019 and at Yankee Stadium in 2022 and the rivalry will return to Yankee Stadium in 2026. Stewarding this legacy includes preparing the team for the magnitude of Cortaca while representing Ithaca College with pride and professionalism. A visible ambassador for the program the Head Coach builds strong relationships with alumni and campus partners and actively supports fundraising initiatives that elevate the football program and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation.

Essential Duties:

Program Leadership and Team Performance

• Plan and direct all aspects of in-season non-traditional season and post-season practices and competitions.
• Teach sport-specific skills strategy and techniques that support the development of individual players and the team as a whole.
• Analyze opponent performance and develop competitive strategies.
• Promote safety in all training conditioning and competition activities.
• Manage roster decisions including identification selection retention and evaluation of student athletes.

Student-Athlete Development

• Foster an environment that prioritizes academic success personal growth character development and well-being.
• Mentor student athletes on academic planning goal setting leadership communication skills and responsible citizenship.
• Support the balance between athletics and academics through intentional scheduling and communication with academic support staff.
• Promote an inclusive team environment that respects diversity and supports belonging for all student-athletes.

Division III Recruiting

• Recruit student athletes who demonstrate the academic readiness personal character and values consistent with Ithaca College and the Division III model.
• Develop and execute a year-round recruiting plan that aligns with institutional enrollment and departmental goals.
• Maintain consistent communication with prospective student athletes families high school coaches and campus partners.
• Educate prospects and families on the Division III experience including the philosophy of academic integration and the absence of athletic scholarships.

Campus and Community Engagement

• Build strong working relationships with campus partners including enrollment management student affairs faculty alumni affairs and institutional leadership.
• Represent Ithaca College and the football program at campus events community programs and departmental activities.
• Encourage student-athlete participation in community service and engagement initiatives.

Alumni and Advancement Partnerships

• Collaborate with Alumni Affairs and Institutional Advancement to strengthen relationships with football alumni parents and supporters.
• Participate in stewardship cultivation and engagement opportunities that promote philanthropic support.
• Support fundraising campaigns and sport-specific initiatives in partnership with Advancement and Athletics Giving.
• Serve as a visible representative of the program at alumni events reunions and donor gatherings.

Administrative and Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with NCAA Division III rules Liberty League policies and Ithaca College standards.
• Manage the football program budget including travel equipment supplies and operational planning adhering to all Ithaca College policies and procedures.
• Evaluate select and recommend for purchase sport-related equipment uniforms and supplies. Oversee the distribution and recovery of all equipment uniforms and supplies. Ensure and monitor an inventory control system for all equipment uniforms and supplies.
• Collaborate with appropriate administrators on practice and competition scheduling.
• Oversee the arrangement of officials for all appropriate home competitions.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings unless excused by immediate supervisor.
• Hire supervise and evaluate assistant coaches graduate assistants and volunteer staff in coordination with appropriate athletic administrators.
• Meet annually with immediate supervisor and/or the Director to review student athlete and administrative evaluations and establish personal and professional goals and objectives for the following year.
• Perform other duties as assigned including serving as event supervisor teaching PALS courses and/or managing an administrative assignment in the athletics program.

Leadership Expectations

• Model integrity professionalism and sportsmanship in all aspects of representation.
• Promote an environment that values academic achievement personal responsibility equity and respect.
• Demonstrate continual growth through professional development and engagement with national coaching organizations.
• Contribute to the overall mission and success of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelors Degree
• 3-years of collegiate coaching experience
• Demonstrated success in football coaching with an understanding of NCAA Division III values.
• Strong commitment to academic integration student-athlete development and inclusive team culture.
• Ability to lead mentor and develop student-athletes.
• Excellent organizational interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty staff alumni and campus partners.
• Experience managing budgets scheduling and administrative operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree.
• 5-7 years of collegiate coaching experience.
• Experience as a head coach or coordinator at the collegiate level.
• Demonstrated success in recruiting students in an academically rigorous setting.
• Familiarity with Ithaca College or peer Division III institutions.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume cover letter and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at or

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range:

$115000 - $125000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits including:

Healthcare including vision and dental

Generous Paid Time Off Policies

403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution

EAP

Flexible Work Plans

Educational Benefits

Career-Enhancing Trainings

For an overview of our benefit offerings please visit an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources Ithaca College will consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon review of the criminal background check.