The Head Men's Basketball Coach within the Department of Athletics & Physical Education reports directly to the Director of Athletics & Physical Education. This role is primarily responsible for leading and directing all phases of a competitive NCAA Division III men's basketball program. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of NCAA regulations and a strong commitment to the student-athlete experience in a liberal arts educational setting. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at recruiting quality student-athletes, developing and implementing game strategies and practice schedules, managing the men's basketball program budget, and promoting the academic, personal, and athletic development of student-athletes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
1. Program Leadership and Development - Direct all aspects of the NCAA Division III men's basketball program, ensuring compliance with all College, Northwest Conference (NWC), and NCAA rules and regulations. Develop strategic plans that aim to enhance team performance and achieve competitive
2. Recruitment and Retention - Design and implement a comprehensive recruiting plan to identify and attract potential student-athletes who align with the academic and athletic standards of Lewis & Clark College. Maintain retention strategies that support the academic and athletic success of student-athletes.
3. Coaching and Team Management - Conduct daily practices and coordinate game strategies to maximize team performance. Oversee the physical and skill development of student-athletes through well-planned and executed training programs.
4. Administrative Duties - Manage the men's basketball program budget, ensuring funds are allocated effectively and expenses are tracked meticulously. Schedule games and coordinate logistics for team travel, accommodations, and equipment needs. Hire, mentor, and supervise assistant coaches and support staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
5. Community and Stakeholder Engagement - Serve as an ambassador for the Lewis & Clark men's basketball program, engaging with alumni, donors, and community members to build support and enhance the program’s visibility. Collaborate with the Director of Athletics & Physical Education and other college departments to support the mission and vision of Lewis & Clark College.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS
1. Proficient understanding of NCAA Division III regulations and compliance requirements.
2. Proficient in budget management and financial tracking software to oversee program finances.
3. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, for effective interaction with student-athletes, staff, college administration, and external stakeholders.
4. Excellent strategic planning and organizational skills to manage multiple aspects of a men's basketball program.
5. Superior coaching abilities to develop and execute game strategies that maximize team performance.
6. Superior leadership abilities to mentor and develop assistant coaches and program staff.
7. Committed to promoting inclusion and diversity within the men's basketball program and the broader athletic community.
8. Demonstrates sensitivity and awareness in managing a culturally diverse team.
REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of coaching experience at the collegiate level.
Current CPR/AED certification.
PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in Sports Management, Athletic Administration, or a related field.
Previous head coaching experience in NCAA Division III men's basketball.
Experience with recruitment management software and athlete performance analytics tools.
Directions for Cover Letter
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.
Working at Lewis & Clark College
The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.
Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.
Lewis & Clark is a private institution with a public conscience, a residential campus with global reach. Students and faculty throughout all three of Lewis & Clark’s schools—the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Education and Counseling, and the School of La...w—pursue new ways of knowing by combining classic liberal learning with pioneering collaboration.
Our students represent the next generation of global thinkers and leaders, unafraid to discard conventional thinking, civic complacency, and outmoded preconceptions. Yet they value what Lewis & Clark offers: an education built from the time-tested elements of careful study, original research, and spirited debate.
So what makes the experience of our students unique? How about the inspiring beauty of our natural setting, on 137 wooded acres in Portland’s southwest hills. Or our rich history and our diverse, multicultural present. Or our commitment to interdisciplinary academic learning, as well as community engagement here in Portland and around the world.
Add to this our well-stocked libraries, award-winning green buildings, and outstanding athletic facilities; our implementation of technology and the innovative research it allows; and above all our committed and engaged students, teachers, mentors, staff, alumni, donors, and friends. It all adds up to Lewis & Clark, a place where agile minds come to learn, to explore, and to work together.
