Head Football Coach

Cornell College, a residential liberal arts college, and a member of the Midwest Conference of the NCAA Division III located in Mount Vernon, IA, is seeking applications for a head football coach. This is a full-time, 12-month coaching position.  The position serves as head coach and manages operations of the Varsity Program. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as head coach; coach and schedule practices and contests; monitor annual operation and recruiting budgets; meet institutional obligations and have a strong knowledge and commitment to NCAA Compliance Rules and Regulations.

• Organize and implement a successful recruiting plan to yield an appropriate number and quality of student-athletes; conduct recruiting efforts including managing communication flow (printed, online, and telephone), participating in Cornell Admissions preview days, and coordinating interviews on campus, in high schools, and at homes or other locations with student-athletes, parents, and high school coaches.

• Responsible for supervising the physical conditioning and development of injury prevention techniques, preseason preparation of student-athletes, and post-season completion of program administrative duties.

• Establish and attain competition goals, including the scheduling of appropriately competitive teams. Coordinate and conduct management of home athletic events, including pre-game and game details regarding facilities, equipment, officials, and personnel. Assign and oversee the accomplishment of team, staff member, and student employee responsibilities.

• Provide general counsel, guidance, and inspiration to students regarding their overall success, particularly including utilizing new student orientation activities, career services, and academic success programs, living successfully in residence halls, and behaving within the College’s student conduct expectations. Promote good sportsmanship.

• Engage in developing positive alumni relations and fundraising efforts to support a competitive Division III athletics program.

• Perform additional departmental administrative duties related to any facet of the conduct of the athletic program as assigned.

• Demonstrate community involvement with active leadership as a positive role model including participation in team-based community service projects and encouragement of student-athlete participation in mentoring or other service projects.

• Other duties as assigned.

Because Cornell College values diversity and strives to create a welcoming community in which all individuals are respected and included, the entire campus community is called upon to engage in dialogue around issues of difference, identity, and ideology. The college is committed to fostering a faculty and staff community that reflects our diverse student body. We encourage applications from candidates who share our vision for a campus that embraces differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and identities, and who will excel at mentoring students who are broadly diverse. 

About Cornell College

Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our Ingenuity curriculum that builds on the strengths of our One Course At A Time schedule. This combination encourages the qualities of being thoughtful, original, and inventive, using the strengths of a liberal arts education to apply ideas to solve problems and meet challenges through hands-on experience in learning. Academic immersion, Division III NCAA athletic teams, and unparalleled flexibility attract an ambitious student body from across the U.S. and worldwide. We are located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, an urban fringe community located in the heart of the ICR Iowa region.

Education, Experience, and Certification

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and a commitment to the values, standards, and expectations of NCAA Division III athletics and a liberal arts college.  An extensive and accomplished coaching background in football, preferably at the collegiate level, and a proven ability to recruit quality student-athletes.  Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, and experience as a head coach. 

Must have valid Iowa driver’s license and insurance coverage (if driving own vehicle) or be insurable.

Preferred Skills

Knowledge of sport techniques and strategies.  Knowledge of NCAA rules and conference policies and procedures.  Knowledge of proper care and preparation of practice and competitive wear.  Ability to work independently and cooperatively.  Excellent communication skills including effective verbal and written abilities.  Strong organizational and leadership skills.  Ability to work effectively with a diverse population.  Ability to work effectively with students, staff, faculty and coaches.  Ability to positively influence public relations between the athletic department, the campus, and the community.  Computer and database skills are helpful.

Working Conditions

Travel is required.  Frequent weekend and evening hours are required.  Working environment includes both indoors and outdoors, exposure to various weather conditions, including temperature extremes. 

All requirements are subject to change over time, with possible modifications made to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability. The position works 100% in person.

Cornell College offers a fantastic benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, HSA & FSA accounts, a TIAA 403(b) retirement account, and tuition remission and exchange for employees and dependents. We also offer life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance. All full-time staff begin with a 4-week vacation accrual along with 14.5 paid holidays per year. 

Application Process

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and list of at least three professional references.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Cornell complies with Iowa's Smoke-Free Air Act. Cornell utilizes E-Verify and requires satisfactory completion of a background check.