Head Coach – Drake Hockey Club (997211)

Department Summary:

https://www.drake.edu/recservices/

Job Summary:

Working collaboratively with club leadership and the Sport Club Director, the Head Coach for the Drake Hockey Club will provide leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day management of the team. Drake has recently launched Premier Sport Clubs, offering an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven individual to help build and elevate the Hockey Club to competitive success within the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

This is a part-time, stipend position reporting directly to the Associate Director of Recreational Services & Sport Club Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Minimum of five (5) years of coaching experience at the high school or collegiate level (highly preferred).

· Proven ability to work effectively with students, parents, and campus partners to support recruiting and program development.

· Experience with fundraising and program advancement efforts.

· Bachelor’s degree required.

· Availability to work evenings and weekends (most games occur Friday and Saturday).

· Demonstrated experience working with college-age students.

· Must hold or be willing to obtain required coaching certifications in accordance with league and university compliance standards.

· Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills with a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture on and off the ice.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Minimum of five (5) years of coaching experience at the high school or collegiate level (highly preferred).

· Proven ability to work effectively with students, parents, and campus partners to support recruiting and program development.

· Experience with fundraising and program advancement efforts.

· Bachelor’s degree required.

· Availability to work evenings and weekends (most games occur Friday and Saturday).

· Demonstrated experience working with college-age students.

· Must hold or be willing to obtain required coaching certifications in accordance with league and university compliance standards.

· Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills with a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture on and off the ice.

Job Duties:

• 40% - Develop and implement effective practice plans, game strategies, and overall team management approaches to enhance team performance. - (Essential)
• 20% - Focus on player development by providing individual and group instruction to improve skills, conditioning, and game awareness. - (Essential)
• 15% - Assist in identifying and recruiting talented players; attend games and evaluate prospective student-athletes in collaboration with the Associate Director and Drake Admissions - (Essential)
• 15% - Manage the team during games, making real-time strategic decisions and ensuring clear communication among players. Promote athlete safety, support injury prevention and management, and foster overall well-being. - (Essential)
• 5% - Oversee logistical operations including scheduling, travel, equipment management, budgeting, and compliance with university and league regulations, in coordination with student leadership and the Sport Club Director. - (Essential)
• 5% - Represent the program at community and university events, fostering positive public relations and building visibility and support for the team. - (Essential)