Men's Ice Hockey Club Coach

Position Summary

Albright College seeks an energetic, experienced, and student-centered professional to serve as the Men’s Ice Hockey Club Coach. This full-time position will be responsible for the overall development, administration, and competitive success of the College’s men’s ice hockey club program.

The Men’s Ice Hockey Club Coach will provide leadership for all aspects of the program, including student-athlete recruitment and retention, coaching and player development, team operations, scheduling, budgeting, travel, equipment management, fundraising, community engagement, and the development of a positive team culture consistent with the mission and values of Albright College.

The successful candidate will serve as both a club coach and provide assistance with the NCAA Division III program and their head coach, working closely with the Director of Athletics and other campus partners to establish and maintain a sustainable, competitive, and student-centered hockey program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coaching and Player Development

• Plan and conduct effective practices designed to develop individual skills, team systems, physical preparation, and overall hockey performance.
• Coach all scheduled games and competitions.
• Develop game plans, scouting reports, practice plans, and team strategies.
• Evaluate student-athlete performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, competitive, and academically supportive team environment.
• Support the personal and leadership development of student-athletes.

Student-Athlete Recruitment and Retention

• Develop and implement a comprehensive recruiting strategy for prospective student-athletes.
• Identify, evaluate, and recruit qualified student-athletes who are a strong fit for Albright College.
• Establish relationships with high school, junior, prep, and club hockey programs, coaches, organizations, and other hockey contacts.
• Develop strategies to retain student-athletes and maintain a healthy and engaged roster.

Program Administration

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the men's ice hockey club program.
• Develop and maintain the team's annual competition schedule in coordination with the Director of Athletics.
• Coordinate practices, games, travel, transportation, and other team activities.
• Coordinate with the appropriate campus offices regarding student-athlete eligibility, registration, travel, purchasing, risk management, and other administrative matters.
• Manage program equipment, uniforms, supplies, and inventory.
• Coordinate with off-campus ice facilities and other hockey-related vendors and partners.

Budget and Fundraising

• Develop and manage the annual men's ice hockey operating budget in consultation with the Director of Athletics.
• Monitor program expenditures and operate within established College policies and budget parameters.
• Identify opportunities to generate additional resources for the program through fundraising, sponsorships, alumni engagement, camps, clinics, and other approved activities.
• Assist the Athletics Department with identifying and securing financial resources to support the continued growth of the program.

Student Development and Academic Support

• Promote academic achievement and encourage student-athletes to take full advantage of the academic resources available at Albright College.
• Monitor student-athlete academic progress and communicate concerns appropriately with Athletics and campus personnel.
• Encourage student-athletes to develop leadership, time-management, communication, and other skills that contribute to success beyond athletics.
• Serve as a positive mentor and role model for members of the team.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend Athletics Department meetings and other required College meetings.
• Participate in Athletics Department initiatives and institutional events as assigned.
• Assist with other Athletics Department responsibilities during periods when the hockey program is not competing.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Previous coaching experience in ice hockey.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ice hockey skills, strategy, player development, and team management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recruit, mentor, and develop college-age student-athletes.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as required by the hockey schedule.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet College requirements for driving College vehicles, if applicable.

Preferred:

• Collegiate coaching experience.
• Experience coaching at the junior, prep, high school, or competitive club level.
• Experience with recruiting and roster management.
• Experience developing and managing an athletic program budget.
• Experience with fundraising, sponsorship development, or alumni engagement.
• Hockey coaching certifications appropriate to the level of competition.
• Experience working in a college or university athletics environment.