What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Football Coach position at Lawrence University?
Reports To: Director of Athletics
Location: Alexander Gymnasium
Location: Alexander Gymnasium
Department: Athletics
Status: Full-Time (12-month position), Exempt
Lawrence University invites applications for the position of Head Football Coach. We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader who will build upon the program’s foundation and usher in a new era of growth, success, and academic excellence. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated coach to lead a program poised for transformation and to make a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes.
The Head Football Coach will be expected to advance the program through sustainable roster growth, strong retention practices, and unwavering support of student-athlete academic achievement. This individual will foster a culture of excellence, discipline, and resilience aligning team values with the broader mission of Lawrence University.
Lawrence University is committed to investing in its athletics programs and providing the tools needed to help student-athletes thrive on and off the field. The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking leader who embraces innovation, collaboration, and student development.
Lawrence is a proud member of NCAA Division III and competes in the Midwest Conference, with additional conference affiliations across its 24 intercollegiate teams. Located in Appleton, Wisconsin—a vibrant and growing community in the heart of the Fox Cities—Lawrence offers a collaborative and enriching environment for student-athletes and coaches alike.
Job Responsibilities:
- Recruit and retain student-athletes who are academically and athletically prepared to thrive at Lawrence University.
- Expected to be familiar with and abide by the rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Midwest Conference, and Lawrence University.
- Responsible for planning, communicating, and executing all aspects of competitive NCAA Division III football program.
- Organize and conduct effective practice sessions, promoting player safety, fundamentals, and team development.
- Responsible for the academic progress of student-athletes, assisting in the development of each student-athlete’s graduation plan, and ensuring academic accountability by continually monitoring progress reports during the entire academic year.
- Works with Director of Athletics on scheduling.
- Responsible for annually preparing a zero-based operational budget for their sport and ensures fiscal accountability by continually monitoring the budget during the year.
- Expected to work with Compliance Director on all eligibility and compliance regulations.
- Responsible to know current Lawrence University rules and policies.
- Orders equipment/supplies following proper athletics department and University policy and procedures.
- Responsible for an inventory of university-owned equipment / uniforms and for issuing and retrieving equipment / uniforms from student-athletes.
- Enhances professional growth by attending clinics, workshops, etc.
- Works with Sports Information Director regarding team pictures, publicity, and statistics for reporting to the conference and local media.
- Works with Head Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine representative as needed.
- Responsible for team travel – making appropriate reservations for vehicles, hotel, and meal service well in advance.
- Complete travel arrangements form prior to leaving for away games or other trips and communicate with athletics administration when student athletes will be traveling or absent due to meets.
- Work with alumni, student groups, University administration, and community groups to seek support for the team.
- Assist with game day management of an assigned sport. Responsible for any other details of their sport or any other additional duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
Minimum Requirements
- 3-5 years of successful coaching experience at the collegiate level.
- Established recruiting based.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- First aid and AED certification needed prior to conducting athletics related activities.
- Must have successful completion of criminal and MVR background check, meet University Authorized Driver Policy requirements, and favorable completion of reference checks.
