Head Coach, Golden Bears Football

Competition 1735

While this position welcomes applications from individuals external to the university, current Academic Teaching Staff are first notified of available positions and will receive first consideration in accordance with the terms of Schedule D of the Academic Collective Agreement prior to considering external candidates. Please indicate your internal status using the "Advertisement" drop down menu when applying.

This position has an end date of June 30, 2027, with the possibility of an extension. Salary will be commensurate with experience in accordance with the Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) agreement.

Location - Work primarily takes place at South Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics

Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics provides a comprehensive Athletics program worthy of a large, highly ranked, research institution in Canada. Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics provide an impactful and meaningful experience in 13 different sports and 24 varsity teams for over 500 student-athletes across campus and academic disciplines each year.

In addition to the opportunities provided to student-athletes directly, Athletics is a multi-faceted organization, delivering equitable, diverse and inclusive services designed to impact important aspects of the University community and the community at large.

• domestic and international student recruitment
• enhancing the student experience
• campus community building
• university brand enhancement
• broad community engagement 
• work integrated learning

Position Summary

Athletics is searching for a Head Coach capable of leading and sustaining a high-performance football program, who has the ability to attract and retain the best football student-athletes in Canada. The successful candidate has the leadership skills required to deliver a program with a rich history and tradition to a championship-winning program in Canada West and U SPORTS competition. 

Reporting to the Director of Athletics, the Head Coach will be responsible for all duties associated with the successful operation of a highly competitive university football program inclusive of activities related to coaching, teaching/mentorship, and service. 

The Head Coach of the University of Alberta football program is responsible for creating a team culture that reflects Athletics’ values including the holistic development of the student-athletes (e.g., academics, well-being), engagement of alumni, and a program that positively contributes to the greater community.

Coaching will involve traditional coaching duties, but will also include program planning, development and logistics, technical research and development, financial management, generation and stewardship of annual revenues inclusive of the extensive Golden Bears football development programming and summer sports camps, alumni development, recruitment and retention of top-level student-athletes, public relations and communications, athlete evaluation, and the supervision and/or mentorship of assistant and developing coaches. In addition, the Head Coach must at all times ensure compliance with Canada West Regional Association and U SPORTS rules and regulations.

Service responsibilities include the provision of service to the coaching community, particularly at the University of Alberta, Canada West and U SPORTS level and as required by Football Alberta and Football Canada. They also include participation in the governance of the University, being a contributing member of the greater Dean of Students and Athletics communities and dissemination of knowledge to the football community by making available the coach’s expertise and knowledge.

Duties 

Head Coaching Duties

• Create practice and competitive schedule for the team
• Booking of required facilities 
• Ensure travel, accommodations, and per diem are handled through appropriate University staff
• Handle day-to-day team operations as necessary
• Preparation of seasonal plan, including off-season training/competition
• Selection, supervision and/or direction of assistant coaches
• Attend Canada West and U SPORTS coaches' meetings
• Handle administrative requirements for eligibility, awards and scholarships, and learning resource seminars in cooperation with Athletics administration staff.
• Recruit throughout the province, country and internationally as required 
• Act as liaison with appropriate clubs, provincial and national sports associations
• Financial management of the program
• Fundraising, including liaising with Golden Bears Football Alumni Association, Support the Sport, dinners, etc.
• Liaise with the Associate Director re: new equipment and facility upgrades.
• Involvement in sports development programs through the Green & Gold Sport Development system including summer camps where appropriate
• Build the brand for the sport through social media, traditional media, public appearances, etc.

Service Contributions

Service contributions through one or more of the following:

Contributions to the Profession:

• U SPORTS and Canada West coaches committee participation
• Contributions to coaching development including:
  • Mentorship;
  • National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP);
  • Clinics and workshops;
  • International, National and Provincial Sports involvement; and
  • Writing, publishing, and speaking appearances.

Contributions to Athletics, Dean of Students and University of Alberta:

• Involvement in Standing and Ad/Hoc committees;
• Involvement in coach/staff members committee; and
• Administrative responsibilities
• Teaching contributions (mentorship, academic courses, MCoach supervision, practicum)
• Support to research projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Health, Sports Administration or related field
• Recent experience, minimum of three (3) years, in University or professional level coaching
• Demonstrates currency and competency in the profession of coaching
• Maintains registration and is in good standing with their professional body (e.g. National Coaching Certification Program and/or Coaches of Canada)
• Ability to employ varied coaching strategies
• Ability to design or select and administer effective assessments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication style and to collaborate with colleagues
• Critical thinking and organizational ability
• Facilitation, negotiation and problem-solving skills and an ability to handle challenging student situations
• Technically proficient in the computer environment and a working knowledge of various applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Master or PhD Degree in a related field is preferred
• A minimum of three years of head coaching experience at the University or professional level preferred