Head Coach, Varsity Field Hockey

Department: Athletics
FLSA:                Non-Exempt
Reports to:     Director of Athletics
Schedule:        Part-time, August through November; variable afternoon practice hours, evenings, weekends, and school vacation periods as required
Designation:  Staff
Travel:              Frequent for Athletic Contests and Recruiting Events

Position Summary

The Hotchkiss School seeks an accomplished, energetic, and student-centered Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach to lead and develop the school's most successful and historic varsity program. The Head Coach is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and success of the varsity field hockey program while fostering an environment that promotes competitive excellence, sportsmanship, character development, and personal growth.

The Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach will mentor student-athletes both on and off the field, develop a positive and inclusive team culture, and support the School's mission by helping students pursue their academic, athletic, and personal goals. The coach will oversee all aspects of the program, including practice planning, player development, game management, recruiting, and collaboration with college admissions and placement efforts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the varsity field hockey program, including planning, organization, and day-to-day operations.
• Design and implement comprehensive practice plans focused on individual skill development, team tactics, physical preparation, and competitive performance.
• Teach and develop field hockey fundamentals, position-specific skills, leadership, sportsmanship, and mental performance.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture that reflects the values and mission of The Hotchkiss School.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for student-athletes, supporting their academic, personal, and athletic development.
• Evaluate player performance and provide meaningful feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with admissions and athletics staff to support enrollment and retention efforts involving prospective student-athletes.
• Guide student-athletes and families through the college recruiting process, including communication with college coaches, evaluation of opportunities, and preparation of recruiting materials.
• Maintain regular communication with student-athletes, families, faculty, and athletics administrators.
• Coordinate team travel, scheduling, equipment management, and operational needs in collaboration with the Athletics Department.
• Ensure compliance with all School, Founders League, NEPSAC, and applicable governing body policies and regulations.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Support multi-sport participation and collaborate with colleagues across the athletic department to promote a positive student-athlete experience.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Athletics Department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success coaching field hockey at the high school, collegiate, youth/club, or comparable competitive level.
• Strong knowledge of player development, skill instruction, practice planning, game strategy, and program management.
• Experience supporting student-athletes through the college recruiting process.
• Proven ability to build and sustain a positive team culture that prioritizes accountability, inclusion, and personal growth.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to the academic, personal, and athletic welfare of student-athletes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, administrators, and alumni.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.
• Eligible for a Connecticut Public Service License or comparable out-of-state license to transport students.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification or ability to obtain certification upon employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Collegiate field hockey playing experience.
• Experience coaching in an independent school or boarding school environment.
• Experience managing and developing assistant coaches.
• Experience organizing clinics, camps, showcases, and recruiting events.
• Familiarity with video analysis platforms and modern player development tools.
• Demonstrated record of helping student-athletes gain admission to and compete at highly selective collegiate institutions.

Additional Information

The essential functions and basic skills have been included.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

 The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities.  The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

 In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.