Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

A member of the NCAA Division III and the Centennial Conference, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

The Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

The opportunity:

The Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach for Women’s Soccer. The successful candidate will understand the mission of Swarthmore College, the role that intercollegiate athletics plays to support it, and will possess a record of successful leadership, preferably as a collegiate student-athlete and/or coach. The Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach will assist the head coach with all aspects of the program, including but not limited to: organization; administration; practice, training, and competition; travel; budget management; programming; alumni relations; recruiting; fundraising; and adherence to College, Department, Conference, and NCAA policies.

The Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach will also have other essential responsibilities within the Department, which will be assigned based on Departmental needs and/or the candidate’s skills and experiences. Additional responsibilities may include serving in other roles, such as Event/Game Manager, and/or assisting various areas, including Athletic Communications, Facilities/Operations, Recreation & Wellness, Equipment Room Operations, Student-Athlete Services, and others, as assigned by the athletic administration.    

Qualified candidates must possess a bachelor's degree, although preference will be given to those who have a master’s degree and previous coaching experience. Candidates will have strong recruiting, teaching, and coaching skills, and an ability to build and maintain relationships with student-athletes, faculty, administration, and community members. Candidates will possess a record of successful leadership in competitive soccer, preferably as a coach, and will understand the role of intercollegiate athletics within the educational framework of a highly competitive academic environment.    

Essential Responsibilities

 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Assist with all aspects of the program including but not limited to: competition, practice, and team activities; travel; budget management; recruitment of student-athletes; fundraising; scheduling; etc. as determined by Head Coach.
• Perform other essential Departmental duties as assigned by athletics administration.
• Foster and promote a healthy, inclusive program culture that prioritizes sportsmanship, integrity, the holistic development of student-athletes, and other core values.
• Adhere to rules, policies, and regulations of the Department, Swarthmore College, the Centennial Conference, and the NCAA.
•  Assist with creating and executing recruitment strategies aimed at building a robust and competitive roster.
• Follow Departmental procedures in an effective and timely manner.
• Promote the mission and values of Swarthmore College and Swarthmore Athletics.
•  Ensure all appropriate safety guidelines and standards are followed during practice, competition, travel, and all team activities.
• Support and collaborate with athletic administration, as well as support areas (e.g., Sports Medicine, Sports Performance, Athletic Communications, Equipment Room, etc.)
• Demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards in all efforts, actions, and decisions.
• Become familiar with campus resources to support student-athletes’ holistic development.

Who you are:

The successful candidate will have leadership/coaching experience with competitive women’s soccer while also committing to NCAA and Division III best practices, as well as the mission and values of Swarthmore College and Swarthmore Athletics. Understanding of and commitment to NCAA, Centennial Conference, Swarthmore College, and Swarthmore Athletics guidelines and policies are paramount. The Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach will prioritize student-athlete safety and well-being, good sportsmanship, compliance, and fostering an inclusive, healthy culture.This Assistant Coach/Associate Head coach position will assist the Head Coach in all aspects of managing the women’s soccer program, and will serve the greater Athletics department through secondary duties as assigned by Athletic Administration.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years related experience coaching at the collegiate level, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for the Assistant Coach coach level.
• 3-5 years related experience coaching at the collegiate level, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for the associate head coach level.
• Knowledge of sport-specific fundamentals, techniques, and safety rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of intercollegiate sports, preferably at the Division III level.
• Ability to work independently and manage primary aspects of the program.
• Understanding of and adherence to NCAA Division III philosophy, policies, and procedures, as well as those of the Centennial Conference.
• Ability to communicate effectively with student-athletes, departmental colleagues, support staff, and various internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to recruit with highly selective academic and athletic standards on a national level, instruct, and motivate student-athletes on sport fundamentals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications
• 4+ years coaching experience at the collegiate level, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Familiarity and/or experience with recruiting within a highly selective academic setting
• Knowledge of and competency with computers/technologies as needed (e.g. word processing, email)

Physical Demands

This position requires moderate-to-significant physical activity (managing practice, drills, etc.), including standing and/or walking for extended periods of time, handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds, and may include the requirement to drive 12- or 15-passenger vans as needed.

Working Conditions

The Assistant Coach/Associate Head Coach must be able to work extended and/or unconventional hours, including evenings and weekends. The Assistant Coach may spend extended periods of time at training/competitions/events, and will have extended exposure to environmental elements. This position will also include travel; the candidate must have the ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally for competitions and/or recruiting.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with an uploaded resume, including a cover letter, by January 20, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled. A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. If you have experience that meets any of the preferred qualifications, please include a detailed explanation of any such experience in your cover letter and how it meets the preferred qualification(s).

The pay for this position is $48,589 per year, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting.

Act 153 Clearance Required by Position 

This position may regularly interact with minors. Under Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, (23 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§6301, et seq.) employees who have direct contact with minors are required to obtain the following background clearances prior to the start of employment:

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint).

MVR Clearance Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Education Verification Required by Position

An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

2026 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.