Head Coach, Equestrian

Primary Function:

Assist the Equestrian Director in planning, organizing, and directing the University-sponsored equestrian team, as well as in the management of university-owned and boarder horses

This position will report to the Athletic Director for all responsibilities related to coaching and intercollegiate team operations. This position will report to the Director of the Equestrian Program for all other responsibilities, including equestrian center operational support and horse-related management responsibilities.

Position Appointment Details:

1. Career Band: AT3
2. Full-Time
3. Significant travel is required for recruiting and competition. 

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

Head Coaching Responsibilities: 

1. Serve as head coach of the varsity intercollegiate riding teams 
2. Instruct physical education riding classes.
3. Participate in scheduling, planning, and coordination of travel for away competitions.
4. Manage recruitment of prospective students.
5. Collaborate with the Equestrian Director to host horse shows and equestrian events, including planning and coordination.
6. Manage and monitor the equestrian team budget. 
7. Equestrian Center Responsibilities: 
8. Assist with fundraising initiatives at the equestrian center
9. Enforce and monitor equestrian center policies and procedures.
10. Collaborate with the Director of Equestrian Program in the management of routine and emergency care of all horses.
11. Work with boarders to maintain a proper feed and turn-out schedule for their horses as well as manage any problems/conflicts/issues that may arise.
12. Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. 

Judgment Required: 

Performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon independent ingenuity and developmental efforts.

Budgetary Responsibility: 

The head coach oversees the team budget, while the director oversees the Equestrian Center budget. 

Machines & Equipment Used: 

Farm equipment and horse trailers

Personal Interaction/Communications: 

Student Contact: Frequent; assisting visitors, answering questions, resolving problems.

Internal: Frequent; assisting visitors, answering questions, resolving problems.

External: Periodic; assisting visitors, answering questions, resolving problems; interacting with vendors and contractors; planning and coordinating the travel arrangements for intercollegiate athletic teams.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Education:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience:

3-5 years of related experience

Job-Related Skills:

Operate farm equipment 

Licenses/Certification:

Valid Driver’s License; CPR & First Aid Certification

Supplemental Information

Confidential Information:

The position involves handling confidential information, including equestrian program and team budget details, salaries/compensation, and student-athlete information, and requires strict discretion at all times.

Working Environment:

The position requires a fast-paced, hands-on environment that includes frequent interactions with student-athletes, boarders, horses, and university staff, with a schedule that may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements: 

1. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. 
2. Must be able to walk for extended periods of time. 
3. Must be able to climb (many stairs, ladders)
4. Must be able to crawl and/or kneel.
5. Must be able to push and/or pull objects. 
6. Must be able to navigate steep and rough terrain. 
7. Must be able to use feet for repetitive tasks. 
8. Must be able to use hands for repetitive tasks
9. Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds (Sedentary work)
10. Must be able to carry up to 10 pounds (Sedentary work)
11. Must be able to lift between 11-20 pounds (Light work)
12. Must be able to carry between 11-20 pounds (Light work)
13. Must be able to lift between 21-50 pounds (Medium work)
14. Must be able to carry between 21-50 pounds (Medium work)
15. Must be able to lift between 51-100 pounds (Heavy work)

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The University of the South, familiarly known as “Sewanee,” is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities—Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose.

Support in the Hiring Process

If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.