Head Women's Basketball Coach

The Head Women’s Basketball Coach oversees all aspects of the Division I Women’s Basketball program, including: hiring, supervision, and evaluation of Assistant Coaches; identifying, recruiting, and retaining top prospective student-athletes; establishing a competitive schedule and coordinating team travel; responding to media requests and promoting the team; coordinating practice planning and skill development; designing coaching strategies to prepare the team for success in competition; establishing and enforcing team expectations and rules of conduct as well as mentoring student-athletes to foster athletic, academic, emotional, and social growth; collaborating with admissions, financial aid, medical services, academic support, student conduct, student-athlete services, and compliance offices; guiding the professional development of assistant coaches by providing expanded responsibilities, regular appraisals, and annual performance reviews; supporting community service, marketing, and fan engagement efforts by involving the coaching staff as well as student-athletes; and supporting student-athlete mental health and wellbeing by implementing positive coaching strategies and supporting the utilization of support services. The Head Coach must also demonstrate adherence to university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations while overseeing the activities of assistant coaches, staff, and student-athletes to verify compliance with a clear mandate to self-report any violations; and actively participate in and support friend- and fundraising efforts to build attendance, spirit, and financial support to the program.

Women’s Basketball Success Factors Curiosity: (LISTEN) - Is genuinely curious with a drive to learn and improve - Is accepting of self and others - Demonstrates strong listening skills and discernment - Is flexible and thinks creatively - Is adaptable and is not easily frustrated by structural challenges

Creative, Adaptable Championship Mindset: - Has experience with championship programs - Understands the unique requirements to build championship programs - Has a drive to win with integrity - Energetic, tireless worker - Capable of recruiting and motivating excellent coaches and staff - Is committed to running a disciplined program - Is familiar with optimizing lower resources to achieve program improvement

High Character & Integrity: - Demonstrated commitment to NCAA, conference, and university rules, policies and procedures - Honest and trustworthy across personal and professional domains - Committed to student-athlete welfare and sportsmanship - Demonstrates courage and the capacity to make and execute thoughtful, difficult decisions - Demonstrates a balance of confidence and humility - Committed to recruiting staff and student-athletes of high character and integrity.

Alignment with University and Departmental Mission and Values: - Embraces the primacy of full student-athlete academic engagement - Has experience with a high academic rigor institution - Has a thoughtful strategy to recruit student-athletes who will succeed at Cornell - Identifies as an educator/teacher/coach - to transformation through athletics - Is committed to being a team player within the Athletics Department - Understands and accepts the size of the Department and the role of Women’s Basketball at Cornell

Commitment to Student-Athlete Wellbeing: (LOVE) - Prioritizes physical and mental health, safety and well-being of student-athletes and staff - Embraces position as a positive role model and source of support - Seeks opportunities to learn, develop, and enhance skills and knowledge - Models professional behavior and respect for students, staff, and colleagues - Actively engages and respects professionals in sports medicine, strength & conditioning, equipment, communications, compliance, facilities, and others

Women’s Basketball Expertise: - Is deeply passionate about the sport of Women’s Basketball - Has honed their technical and tactical skills of coaching women’s basketball fundamentals, strategies, tactics, and rules - Holds expertise on offensive and defensive schemes, student-athlete development, and game management - Is adaptable and creative - Has used and has access to excellent mentors - Has built and contributed to a rich network of coaches, or has contributed to the sport broadly in a leadership role - Has demonstrated the ability to implement a wide variety of basketball systems to fit the available personnel and shifting competitive challenges

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: - Has advanced and remains committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging - Is capable of contributing to the diversity of our staff - Is sensitive to the diversity of the campus and community and is eager to interact with diverse constituents

Communication Skills: • Communicates verbally and in writing with high quality • Is clear in their communication • Is tactful and patient with their communication • Can represent the University publicly with distinction • Can communicate with alumni and donors in a manner that inspires their investment in the program • Values relationships and is driven to build and nurture them

Enthusiasm for Cornell: • Understands and appreciates what makes Cornell unique • Is aware of and unafraid of the weather or location • Appreciates the unique opportunity to work in the Ivy League

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

• Bachelor’s degree; 8 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience contributing to a positive student-athlete experience with a commitment to the health and safety of student-athletes and staff.
• Knowledge of NCAA recruiting and compliance rules and procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent communication skills, strong organizational and leadership skills, and an ability to identify, yield and develop high quality student-athletes.
• Proficiency with computers and office software; familiarity with ARMS software, video editing software, and other athletic-specific technology skills preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated success in cultivating relationships with alumni and other program supporters is required.
• This position will require driving; therefore, a clean and valid driver’s license must be held at time of employment and maintained thereafter.
• • Regular engagement with alumni, parents, and fans, building and maintaining relationships with those who support the women’s basketball program.
  • Engagement with the media, conducting press conferences, and representing the team in a positive light to the public.
  • Participate in fundraising events and donor outreach to secure financial contributions for the program.
  • Participate in community events, charity work, and outreach programs to connect the team with the local community.
  • Close concentration with other women’s basketball program staff and student-athletes.
  • Typically lifts 30 to 50 lbs

    Working Environment:

  Working conditions include no or limited exposure to hazardous conditions/materials/equipment but do include inclement weather conditions, as well as typical travel conditions.

• Coaching experience at an Ivy League or other highly academically selective institution strongly preferred