POSITION SUMMARY
The Head Baseball Coach at Vanguard University provides visionary leadership for the baseball program while advancing the University's Christ-centered mission of equipping students for a life of leadership and service. The Head Coach is responsible for cultivating a transformational program that develops student-athletes spiritually, academically, athletically, and personally within a faith-based environment rooted in biblical truth, discipleship, integrity, and competitive excellence.
The Head Coach will lead and sustain a dynamic baseball program where student-athletes demonstrate exceptional athletic skill, Christian character, servant leadership, and commitment to the mission and goals of the University. This position is responsible for ensuring full compliance with all institutional, conference, and NCAA Division II regulations while fostering a culture of accountability, discipleship, and holistic student-athlete development.
The Head Coach reports directly to the Director of Athletics and serves as a visible ambassador for the University, Athletics Department, and baseball program within the campus community, local community, alumni network, and broader baseball landscape.
POSITION DUTIES
- Program Leadership & Spiritual Development
- Develop and sustain a Christ-centered team culture that reflects the mission, values, and faith commitments of Vanguard University.
- Demonstrate spiritual leadership through mentorship, discipleship, prayer, service, and intentional investment in student-athletes' personal and spiritual growth.
- Foster an environment that promotes integrity, humility, accountability, servant leadership, and competitive excellence.
- Encourage team participation in chapel, worship, community service, mission opportunities, and athletic department spiritual formation initiatives.
- Lead a program that emphasizes the total development of student-athletes academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and athletically.
- Model Christian conduct and professionalism consistent with the University's faith-based mission and community standards.
- Coaching & Competitive Excellence
- Utilize advanced baseball knowledge, player development strategies, and leadership skills to build and maintain a competitive NCAA Division II baseball program.
- Organize and conduct practices, conditioning sessions, player development activities, and competition preparation throughout the year.
- Develop and implement effective game strategies, player evaluation systems, and team performance standards.
- Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate assistant coaches and support staff.
- Promote sportsmanship, professionalism, and respect for opponents, officials, and the game.
- Student-Athlete Development & Academic Oversight
- Monitor academic progress and support initiatives that lead to strong retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes.
- Promote accountability and academic excellence among student-athletes.
- Counsel student-athletes regarding eligibility requirements, personal development, and leadership expectations.
- Build meaningful relationships with student-athletes that contribute to their long-term growth and success beyond athletics.
- Recruiting Responsibilities
- Lead all recruiting efforts in collaboration with Admissions and Athletics Administration.
- Recruit student-athletes who align with Vanguard University's academic expectations, Christian mission, lifestyle standards, and competitive goals.
- Maintain full compliance with NCAA Division II, Pacific West Conference, and institutional recruiting policies and procedures.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with high school, junior college, travel ball, and club coaches.
- Ensure all recruiting activities are accurately documented within Teamworks and other institutional systems.
- Facilitate the collection and submission of all information necessary to determine prospective student-athlete eligibility.
- Achieve roster management and enrollment goals established by the University and Athletics Department.
- Administration & Compliance
- Accepts responsibility to know, understand, and maintain complete knowledge of NCAA Division II, Pacific West Conference, and institutional rules and regulations.
- Promote and uphold a culture of compliance within the baseball program.
- Monitor playing and practice seasons in accordance with NCAA regulations.
- Coordinate scheduling in compliance with conference requirements and missed class policies.
- Submit required reports, documentation, rosters, schedules, financial aid information, and compliance materials by established deadlines.
- Work collaboratively with Athletics Administration, Compliance, Sports Medicine, Communications, Advancement, and other campus departments.
- Maintain CPR, AED, bloodborne pathogens, and First Aid certifications.
- Budgeting, Fundraising & External Relations
- Develop and manage the baseball program budget responsibly and within departmental guidelines.
- Actively participate in fundraising initiatives and donor engagement opportunities to support the enhancement of the baseball program.
- Collaborate with University Advancement and Athletics Leadership to cultivate alumni, community, and donor relationships.
- Represent the University and baseball program positively within the community and at professional events.
- Support camps, clinics, community engagement activities, and outreach initiatives that strengthen the program's visibility and impact.
- Operations & Program Management
- Coordinate team travel, equipment, apparel, scheduling, and operational logistics.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of facilities, equipment, and University resources.
- Supervise program personnel in accordance with University hiring procedures and budget approvals.
- Maintain accurate financial records and timely expense reconciliation.
- Work collaboratively with Athletics Communications regarding team publicity, website updates, social media, and promotional efforts.
- Attend departmental meetings, conference meetings, and professional development opportunities.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Accept responsibility for student-athlete conduct during practices, competitions, travel, and team activities.
- Address conduct concerns in collaboration with Athletics Administration and appropriate University personnel.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of collegiate baseball coaching experience or equivalent competitive coaching experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to Christian higher education and student spiritual development.
- Strong understanding of NCAA rules, bylaws, and compliance expectations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience in mentoring and discipling student-athletes within a Christian faith-based environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant recruiting and team management software platforms.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
- CPR, AED, and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain upon hire.
- Demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith and the mission, values, and Statement of Faith of Vanguard University required, including evidence of personal discipleship and a lifestyle consistent with the University's Christ-centered community standards.
Preferred
- Master's degree preferred.
- Collegiate head coaching experience.
- Experience recruiting and retaining student-athletes in a private Christian university setting.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, alumni engagement, and program development.
- Strong network within high school, junior college, and travel baseball communities.
- Experience leading culture transformation and student-athlete leadership development initiatives.
SALARY
This is a full-time, Exempt, 12-month position.
Salary range is $72,000-$75,000 per year.
Placement within the salary range is commensurate upon education and experience. Posted salary range reflects anticipated hiring scale for the position. Vanguard University also offers a very competitive and generous benefits package.
