Athletics - Assistant Equestrian Coach
Sacred Heart University.com
Office
Fairfield, CT, 06825, US
Full Time
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program, and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here
To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
Assist and support the development of an infrastructure for recruitment and retention plan directed at solidifying a solid roster of quality student-athletes. Assist with the cultivation of a recruiting plan to support the University's Strategic Plan as directed by the head coach. The Assistant Coach has considerable secondary responsibility in successfully developing a solid roster of quality students that will represent the University in a positive way in the community; at the same time supporting and encouraging a community outreach attitude in advancing the university's Strategic Plan.
This is a full-time, 12-month position.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
• Assist and support in the promotion of the educational values of athletics consistent with the educational values of the University as outlined in the University and Athletic Department Mission Statement.
• Assist and support in managing all aspects of a NCAA DI equestrian program.
• Assist with recruitment and maintaining a recruiting database. Meet with potential student-athletes in person and virtually.
• Support and provide guidance and mentorship to current student-athletes. Must be committed and accessible to serve the needs of our student-athletes.
• Develop practice plans and provide skill instruction and development.
• Assist with and conduct individual and team practices, facility set-up, equine care, and competition management.
• Maintain fitness of horses during vacation periods.
• Organize and manage team travel arrangements.
• Create content and manage all social media accounts.
• Assist with fund raising, community service, and team building events.
• Maintain and submit practice logs to compliance.
• Participation on NCEA committees and conference calls as directed.
• Serve in the role of steward at IHSA competitions.
• Participation in team and department functions, events, and meetings.
• Development and management of camps.
• Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
• Bachelor's degree.
• Four to five years of playing and/or coaching experience in jumping seat equitation at the intercollegiate level with preferred experience and knowledge at the NCAA DI level.
• Must be able to ride unfamiliar horses at the 3’ level.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Impeccable integrity with a working knowledge of the NCAA, US Equestrian, and IHSA rules and regulations.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Must pass the IHSA Coaches Exam and US Equestrian Safe Sport requirements upon employment.
• CPR and First Aid Certified or the ability to get certified in a timely manner
Unusual Working Conditions
Ability to work weekends as needed.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here
To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
Assist and support the development of an infrastructure for recruitment and retention plan directed at solidifying a solid roster of quality student-athletes. Assist with the cultivation of a recruiting plan to support the University's Strategic Plan as directed by the head coach. The Assistant Coach has considerable secondary responsibility in successfully developing a solid roster of quality students that will represent the University in a positive way in the community; at the same time supporting and encouraging a community outreach attitude in advancing the university's Strategic Plan.
This is a full-time, 12-month position.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
• Assist and support in the promotion of the educational values of athletics consistent with the educational values of the University as outlined in the University and Athletic Department Mission Statement.
• Assist and support in managing all aspects of a NCAA DI equestrian program.
• Assist with recruitment and maintaining a recruiting database. Meet with potential student-athletes in person and virtually.
• Support and provide guidance and mentorship to current student-athletes. Must be committed and accessible to serve the needs of our student-athletes.
• Develop practice plans and provide skill instruction and development.
• Assist with and conduct individual and team practices, facility set-up, equine care, and competition management.
• Maintain fitness of horses during vacation periods.
• Organize and manage team travel arrangements.
• Create content and manage all social media accounts.
• Assist with fund raising, community service, and team building events.
• Maintain and submit practice logs to compliance.
• Participation on NCEA committees and conference calls as directed.
• Serve in the role of steward at IHSA competitions.
• Participation in team and department functions, events, and meetings.
• Development and management of camps.
• Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
• Bachelor's degree.
• Four to five years of playing and/or coaching experience in jumping seat equitation at the intercollegiate level with preferred experience and knowledge at the NCAA DI level.
• Must be able to ride unfamiliar horses at the 3’ level.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Impeccable integrity with a working knowledge of the NCAA, US Equestrian, and IHSA rules and regulations.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Must pass the IHSA Coaches Exam and US Equestrian Safe Sport requirements upon employment.
• CPR and First Aid Certified or the ability to get certified in a timely manner
Unusual Working Conditions
Ability to work weekends as needed.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
Athletics - Assistant Equestrian Coach
Office
Fairfield, CT, 06825, US
Full Time
September 11, 2025