Athletics - Assistant FOIL Coach, M/W Fencing

As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

Position Summary

Responsible for recruiting quality student-athletes who are a good fit for the University athletically, academically, and personally.  Direct, coach, and promote sportsmanship in all phases of a successful intercollegiate men’s and women’s fencing program. Teach, mentor, and coach student-athletes by supporting the required atmosphere and culture defined by competitive success, student-athlete recruitment, and graduation rates, and enhancing the program’s reputation to both internal and external publics. 

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with the recruitment and selection of prospective student-athletes in accordance with clearly documented roster goals and compliance with the standards and principles of the operating codes of the NCAA and Sacred Heart University.
• Adheres to and enforces all policies and procedures of Athletics as well as the rules and regulations of the NCAA and NFC, including the successful annual completion and passing of the NCAA recruiting test.
• Conduct regular practices and give lessons in and out of season within the guidelines set forth by the NCAA and NFC.
• Develop appropriate strategies to motivate and encourage student-athletes to comply with the Code of Ethical Conduct (Bylaw 10.1-10.4).
• Follow the administrative procedures established by the University as published in the Athletics Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Enforce team travel standards for behavior and appropriate dress.
• Oversee training and care of student-athlete team members, including full cooperation of medical advice of the Department of Athletics Training staff.
• Promote the educational values of intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational values of the University as outlined in the University and Department of Athletics Mission Statements.
• Have a focused commitment to fundraising, public relations, and the general administration of the program in full compliance with the NCAA and University rules and regulations.
• Support and cooperate in the implementation of required marketing strategies as directed.
• Develop specific communications strategies to ensure the program's success, such as professionally drafted recruiting letters, use of available collateral materials to support recruiting efforts, presentations, campus visit itineraries, etc.
• Must be able to repair foil fencing equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• Previous successful Men’s and Women’s Fencing coaching or playing experience at the collegiate level.
• Experience in recruiting, administration, and coordination of a collegiate Fencing program that focuses on the total development of the student-athlete.
• Impeccable integrity with a thorough knowledge of and commitment to compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, be a positive motivator, have demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities, and clearly articulate a coherent plan and vision to build and enhance the University’s NCAA Division I program.
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Unusual Working Conditions

Nights, weekends, and travel required.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.