Head Coach Men's Water Polo (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around May 23, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

Please note: This is a 3-year contract appointment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the general direction of the Assistant Athletic Director, the incumbent will manage the team and assume responsibility in the areas of recruiting, retention, coaching, scheduling, game and practice management, providing supervision of assistant coaches, monitoring student-athlete academic progress and eligibility, budget management and fundraising. The incumbent is responsible for the overall management of the team and is responsible for developing and implementing the team vision and goals.

Responsible for supervising, directing, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees, and exercising independent judgment in the administration of department policies and procedures. Responsibility of the coach to transport team to away competitions, this cannot be accomplished with alternative transportation. The coach is also required to recruit across the state and alternative transportation is not feasible in some of the areas in which they would need to travel.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• GAME AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Coordinate team practice schedules within the rules of the NCAA , conference, campus department regulations, and student-athletes schedules. Coordinate competitive schedule to be fairly balanced between home and away contests and respect the student-athletes academic requirements. Ensure student-athletes and assistant coaches comply with NCAA, conference Department, and University rules and regulations. Responsibility of the coach to transport team to away competitions, this cannot be accomplished with alternative transportation. The coach is also required to recruit across the state and alternative transportation is not feasible in some of the areas in which they would need to travel.
• STUDENT ATHLETES WELFARE: Monitor student-athletes academic performance by working with the assistant director, student-services, campus partners and Faculty Athletics Representative. Work closely with the assistant director, student-athlete well-being to monitor the physical well-being of student-athletes. Collaborate with the assigned sports medicine staff to ensure the well-being of members of team. Understand the role of the athletic training staff under NCAA, conference and departmental policies.
• PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: Identify, recruit, and evaluate qualified student-athletes within the rules of the NCAA, conference, and Campus. Develop goals and processes for future growth of the program. Maintain accurate records related to recruit contacts, evaluations, and visits. Must understand and comply with all NCAA Division II rules, regulations and bylaws and expect to be evaluated on the compliance with these items.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
• Advanced degree in a related field from an accredited institution (Preferred)
• Minimum of two years of coaching at the collegiate level in the sport.
• Must maintain NCAA certified recruiter status.
• Must maintain CPR / AED and First Aid certification.
• California Driver's License.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Must have highly advanced and effective inter-personal, motivational and team leadership skills to work effectively with athletic participants, staff and parents of student athletes.
• Must have a clear understanding of, and be committed to, the philosophy of NCAA Division II and the role of athletics within the university's mission.
• Successful experience coaching at the collegiate level. A minimum of two years collegiate coaching experience is required.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations and guidelines established by the campuses' governing national collegiate athletic association (e.g., NCAA Division II) pertaining to student-athletes.
• Knowledge of budget development and maintenance, ensuring team objectives are achieved annually. (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.