Waterloo United Head Softball Coach

Title: Waterloo United Softball Head Coach

Classification: Athletic Coach

Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal/Athletic Director

Waterloo Schools is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Position Overview

Waterloo Schools is seeking a visionary, growth-minded Head Softball Coach to lead, structure, and advance the Waterloo United High School Softball Program. The Head Coach is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive athletic program that emphasizes student-athlete personal growth, academic achievement, physical skill development, and competitive success while actively promoting sportsmanship and team unity across all program levels.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

1. Program Vision & Technical Leadership

• Establish & Drive Vision: Define, communicate, and implement a clear, unified strategic vision for the entire softball program (Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman levels).

• Skill Development & Instruction: Teach fundamental and advanced sport-specific techniques (hitting, pitching, fielding, base-running, and situational game strategy) adapted to varying student skill levels.

• Practice & Game Planning: Plan, organize, and execute structured, high-energy daily practices, pre-game strategies, and post-game analysis.

2. Culture, Mentorship & Student Success

• Positive Leadership: Model high ethical standards, emotional maturity, integrity, and positive sportsmanship at all times.

• Character & Life Skills: Utilize athletics as a tool to instill core life skills - including discipline, resilience, accountability, teamwork, and a growth mindset.

• Academic Priority: Monitor the academic standing and behavior of student-athletes, encouraging personal accountability to ensure academic eligibility.

• Support Multisport & College Aspirations: Encourage multi-sport participation and assist prospective student-athletes with college athletic recruitment processes.

3. Stakeholder Communication & Community Engagement

• Multi-Channel Communication: Maintain regular, transparent, and professional communication with student-athletes, parents/guardians, school administrators, and opponent staff regarding schedules, expectations, and team policies.

• Stakeholder Involvement: Host pre-season player/parent meetings, organize end-of-season award banquets, and collaborate with athletic booster clubs or local youth softball organizations to support long-term feeder program growth.

• Public Representation: Serve as a positive ambassador for Waterloo United Athletics when interacting with media, community members, and opposing schools.

4. Safety, Administration & Compliance

• Injury & Safety Management: Maintain a safe practice and playing environment; ensure adherence to heat, weather, and injury protocols in coordination with the Athletic Trainer.

• Equipment & Inventory: Manage, inventory, distribute, and care for team equipment, uniforms, and facilities; report maintenance or replacement needs promptly to the Athletic Director.

• Travel & Operations: Oversee student-athlete behavior during bus transportation, away games, and team events.

• Regulatory Compliance: Strictly adhere to all Waterloo Community School District policies, board governance, league bylaws, and Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA/IGHSAU) regulations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge & Technical Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of high school softball rules, positional skills, conditioning principles, and competitive strategy.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with an ability to build trusting, constructive relationships with diverse student-athlete populations

• Organizational Ability: Strong time management, delegation, and administrative reporting capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Experience: Prior coaching experience at the high school (varsity/assistant) or collegiate level, or extensive playing experience preferred.

• Certifications: Valid State Coaching Authorization/License (Iowa Department of Education coaching endorsement or equivalent).

Physical Requirements:

NEVER

0%

OCCASIONAL

1-32%

FREQUENT

33-66%

CONSTANT

67%+

A.

Standing

X

B.

Walking

X

C.

Sitting

X

D.

Bending/Stooping

X

E.

Pushing/Pulling

X

F.

Reaching

X

G.

Climbing/Stairs

X

H.

Driving

X

I.

Lifting

Up to 30-50 lbs.

J.

Carrying

Up to 30-50 lbs.

K.

Manual Dexterity Tasks

Telephone

X

Computer

X

Other

L.

Working Conditions

Inside

X

Outside

X

Extremes in temp/humidity

X

Time Commitment:

• Requires flexible working hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, and weekend travel during the active season.