Reporting to the Head Coach, the incumbent is responsible for assisting with the planning and implementation of the Women’s Rugby program at Queen’s University.
In order to address the unique needs and concerns of equity-deserving communities, this opportunity is open only to qualified individuals who self-identify as a Woman. This position supports the development of Women in coaching and is supported by specific funding to increase access for Women to high performance coaching roles. This initiative follows the provisions of a special program and special employment as outlined by the Ontario Human Rights Commission Special Programs – Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Under the direction of the Head Coach, this position collaborates with other members of the Athletics and Recreation department to ensure the appropriate level of service and support is provided to the team. Participating as a member of the High Performance Sport unit, the incumbent works in close cooperation with the Manager, High Performance Sport Operations and Compliance and Manager, Athlete Education, Training and Leadership Development on the day-to-day operation of the program.
The incumbent assists in creating a departmental culture that embraces and supports athletes, coaches, and teams in the pursuit of excellence and contributes to the formulation of programs and services that support general program development and the holistic needs of inter-university athletes.
In addition to sport specific coaching duties, the incumbent will assume supporting roles in the development and implementation of education, training, special projects and/or administrative functions that support evolving sport trends, programs, and services within high performance sport, which enhance the holistic needs of student-athletes and the overall high performance environment.
Community interaction and revenue generation is a key strategic priority for Athletics and Recreation (A&R) and the Assistant Coach will work in collaboration to expand program development.
This position is located in Kingston, Ontario and flexible hours, including evening and weekends are required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coaching
- Promotes a culture of inclusion that embodies A&R values, with a commitment to the University’s equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives designed to foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming work environment for individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities.
- Under the direction of the Head Coach, perform coaching duties as assigned in a manner that is consistent with the operation of a successful inter-university sport program including involvement in: team selection, team and individual goal setting; individual skill acquisition and refinement programs; in/off season strength and conditioning programs; input into season planning, tactical and technical preparation; practice planning, preparation and implementation; game preparation, management and evaluation; scouting, tape breakdown and evaluation; establishing athlete performance targets, evaluation framework and feedback mechanism; program evaluation, maintenance of regular contact with athletes, etc.
- Assist with the implementation of a comprehensive and effective national athlete recruitment strategy and plan.
- Provide administrative assistance and support, attending meetings, and where requested, assist on the day-to-day requirements of the program.
- Under the direction of the Head Coach, ensure that training, competition and use of equipment is conducted in a safe manner.
- Maintain a high profile in the sport locally, provincially, and nationally acting as an ambassador and resource representing the team and university in public speaking appearance, clinics, camps (etc.) Enhance the visibility and image of and the program and university to contribute to the overall sport development in the community, region, province.
- As directed by the Head Coach, assist other members of the A&R units to support athlete performance in each of their respective areas, such as injury prevention, management and rehabilitation, development of individual strength and conditioning programs, academic support programs (Student-Athlete Academic Mentoring), etc.
- Assist in fundraising activities and programs in support of the program (i.e. summer camps, technical clinics, summer leagues, fundraising tournaments, alumni fundraising initiatives, participate in events that promote and raise revenues, etc.).
- Other duties as assigned by the Head Coach.
Leadership and Services
- The assistant coach is an integral member of the A&R team and as such is expected to support the priorities and initiatives of the department, participate in department activities, attend events and contribute to the work of the department.
- At the request of the Director, assumes supporting roles in the development and implementation of education, training, special projects and/or administrative function that support evolving sport trends, programs, and services within high performance sport, which enhance the holistic needs of student-athlete and the overall high performance
environment. (i.e., A&R priorities I-EDIAA/Safe Sport, academic mentoring & support, S&C, coach professional development, varsity sports operations, A&R operations, etc.) - Other duties as assigned by the Director of High Performance, or Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must self-identify as a woman and have lived experience as a woman.
- Post-secondary education completion. University degree preferred.
- Previous coaching/playing experience within university, provincial, national, academy or professional environment.
- Knowledge of sport coaching systems and strategies, the ability to teach/coach/prepare for practice and competitions at an elite level in Rugby.
- Experience coaching and developing 18-25 year old high performance athletes towards provincial, national, and international standards an asset.
- Fully certified at the NCCP Competition-Introduction/World Rugby Level 2 (or actively pursuing.
- Demonstrated leadership, program development and athlete development skills at a high performance level.
- The successful candidate must be (or become upon hiring) a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPCs) or Registered Coach with the Coaching Association of Canada, preferred.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
- Valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s license required.
- Consideration may be given for the equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
- Advocates/lives A&R’s core values of integrity, inclusivity, accountability, collaboration, and service.
- Demonstrates commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where there is mutual respect and collaboration amongst all stakeholders.
- Strong customer service orientation with a demonstrated passion for the university and its people.
- Must have full technical knowledge, a demonstrated ability to analyze, and be current in all of the rules and regulation that govern the sport they are coaching.
- Knowledge and experience with game analysis programs and equipment.
- Demonstrated skills/abilities in planning and organizing, taking initiative, problem solving and exercising good judgment. Ability to maintain tact and composure in a highly competitive environment.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and team building skills. Teamwork and team building are essential to this role and the ability to collaborate within a collegial environment is paramount.
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; instructional, coaching and motivating skills; influencing and team building skills. Including the ability to think creatively and work in a team-based environment.
- Must be service-oriented and capable of dealing with a wide variety of constituents.
- A proven ability to elicit and foster trust, develop positive working relationships and work effectively with other coaches and athletes.
- Ability to facilitate groups of people to work towards, and succeed with, shared goals.
- Ability to exercise discretion, good judgement, and solid decision-making.
- Organizational skills and time management abilities are essential. The incumbent must be result oriented, assuming responsibility for development, implementation, and completion of projects/initiatives.
- Knowledge of the university environment, rules, regulations, process and administration is desirable.
- Proficiency in computer software applications, including all Microsoft programs.
DECISION MAKING:
- Athlete identification, recruitment, selection, playing time.
- Team tactics, strategies, practices and competition schedules.
- Athlete development principles, skill progression, on/off season training and conditioning.
- Must become knowledgeable in the OUA and U SPORTS rules that govern the sport programs around recruiting, athletic scholarship, eligibility compliance rules.
- Setting and monitoring individual/team goals, expectations, conduct, and discipline.
- Decision on prioritizing one’s own duties and responsibilities.
- Must be able to act in the absence of the head coach.
- Make recommendations regarding risk management and sport promotion plans.
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.