Located in the upstate region of South Carolina, Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) sits just minutes from Clemson University of the ACC. SWU is dedicated to the concept that God is the source of all truth and wisdom. Its mission is to create an atmosphere in which members of the university community work together toward wholeness through the integration of personal faith, intellectual pursuits, and practical living. The university seeks to meet the needs of students with various abilities and backgrounds, enabling them to realize their personal and professional educational goals. SWU is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes in the very competitive Conference Carolinas.
This position reports directly to the Director of Athletics and is considered a member of the Department of Athletics and Student Life staff. As a member of these departments, the head coach will participate in Department of Athletics and Student Life functions, as requested.
The projected hire date for this position in January 2024. The Head Men's Soccer Coach is a 10-month, full-time, salaried, exempt position and is eligible for full benefits.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Abide by and comply with the constitution, bylaws, and interpretations of the NCAA D II, Conference Carolinas and University rules and regulations relating to the conduct and administration of the program. Report any known or suspected violations of the NCAA D II, Conference Carolinas and/or University promptly to the Director of Athletics.
Adhere to, respect, and follow the academic standards and requirements of the University in regard to the recruiting and eligibility of prospective and current student-athletes for the program.
Assist student-athletes in obtaining spiritual growth, a quality education, and appropriate academic accomplishments.
Supervise assistant coaches including compliance by such coaches with NCAA DII, Conference Carolinas and University rules and regulations.
Recruit student-athletes who are mission fit, academically solid, and athletically skilled.
Interview prospective student-athletes, their parents and their coaches.
Make every effort to work alongside and with admissions, financial aid and student life offices during the recruiting process.
Organize and supervise all practices, games and special workout sessions. Participate in the instruction and coaching of student-athletes.
Coordinate transportation, game schedule, meals, referees/umpires, equipment and facilities needs for all team contests.
Manage all aspects of the specific sport budget including team and personal travel, equipment, office supplies, and postage.
Actively raise funds to supplement the University budget for team expenses as agreed upon by the Director of Athletics. Assist the Director of Athletics and the coordinator of the Warrior Club in raising funds for the general Warrior Club agency.
Establish and maintain a frequent system of communication with the Director of Athletics, VP of Student Life, faculty, staff, and the student body.
Work to integrate intercollegiate athletics to the University and its mission.
Contact media, alumni and civic groups when necessary.
Assist in the organization and the planning of department events.
Produce reports and paperwork for the local and national awards.
Perform other job related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidates should display commitment to self-motivation, must be born-again Christians, and must be committed to the institution’s mission of Christ-centered higher education. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Needs to passionately support and articulate the University mission and vision for athletics within the context of that mission. In addition, see Mission and Lifestyle Expectations below.
Must have some level of experience in coaching (minimum of 2 years at the college level) that includes recruiting student-athletes, marketing, scheduling, equipment budgeting/management, and facility care.
Must have an earned bachelor’s degree. Preference given to degrees within the fields of Sport and Recreation Management, Health and Physical Education.
Needs to be gifted in supervising and motivating others.
Must subscribe to the principles and lifestyle of the Wesleyan Church.
SWU is committed to maximizing the use of technology in its daily operations and in achieving its strategic goals; the ideal candidate will be familiar with integrated database management systems (Front Rush), including reporting, and have a high comfort level with web-based, mobile and PC applications including but not limited to the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Mission and Lifestyle Expectations. The university is a Christian liberal arts institution in the Wesleyan-Holiness theological tradition. In light of SWU’s unapologetically Christ-centered mission, all employees are expected to embrace the university’s Statement of Faith, respect its Wesleyan heritage, and adhere to its lifestyle expectations. Must demonstrate a mature and expressive Christian faith commitment.
Physical/Environmental Requirements. Must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time, to climb stairs, to walk and to reach overhead. Requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and at times, up to 50 pounds. Must have visual acuity to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels, speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly. Requires ability to work in an outside environment for significant periods of time. Frequent travel and a flexible work schedule are required of this position.
Driving. Must have a clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
Pre-employment Screening. Employment is contingent on the completion a criminal background
Founded in 1906, Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) embraces its mission: “...to serve as a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ.” SWU abides by the belief that every individual has a God-given purpose, brought to fruition by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit and the challenge of scholarship. This belief is manifested in SWU’s Four Outcomes:
Biblical Faithfulness – Regardless of the blowing winds of society’s cultural trends and secular philosophies, faithfulness to God’s Word must be the foundation, the center, and the goal of all Christian higher education. At SWU this means both allegiance to God and submission to Scripture.
Academic Rigor – We pursue wisdom that begins with the fear of the LORD (e.g., Prov. 9:1). We teach our students to think critically and Christianly. Rigor means, regardless of ability, we come alongside students and challenge them to love God with all their mind.
Vocational Effectiveness – We graduate students who succeed in the workplace and graduate school. We equip them in the classroom, throug...h on- and off-campus experiences, mentoring, and internships. More than 90% of SWU graduates express satisfaction in their vocational and educational preparation over five, ten, and fifteen years.
Financial Sustainability – Too many students face insurmountable college debt. A SWU education must be affordable for students and sustainable for our university in the long-term.
In summary, SWU is committed to graduating students who love Jesus, who think critically, who are employable, and who are not in crippling debt.
Southern Wesleyan University, as one of five colleges/universities operated by The Wesleyan Church, has historically held a high view of Scriptural authority. The Wesleyan denominational distinctive of holiness is best expressed at the University as love for God and others. The next Vice President will demonstrate a Wesleyan ethos aligned with this view of Scriptural authority and holiness.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, SWU serves nearly 1,100 students in approximately 40 areas of study, which include both undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus consists of 350 beautiful acres in the town of Central, South Carolina, and offers students access to high quality learning and living facilities, many of which are newly constructed or recently renovated. The University employs 45 full-time faculty members and boasts a robust offering of online degrees in addition to its on-campus offerings. It also offers 12 men’s and women’s sports programs, enjoys dual membership in the NCAA Division II and the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association), and, since 2007, it has won 17 NCCAA national championships. For more information about the University, please visit https://www.swu.edu and/or view the institutional prospectus.