1. Serve as Head Coach for the assigned intercollegiate athletic program.
2. Recruit and recommend the acceptance of prospective student-athletes.
3. Plan and supervise practices, training sessions, and competitive events.
4. Teach sport-specific skills and strategies while fostering teamwork, integrity, and inclusion.
5. Coordinate all travel arrangements for scheduled intercollegiate competitions.
6. Work with the Athletic Director to schedule games and matches in accordance with NJCAA and Region IX policies, prioritizing minimal disruption to academic schedules.
7. Monitor academic progress and eligibility of student-athletes; implement study sessions and tutoring support when needed.
8. Provide program data and reports to the Athletic Director as requested.
9. Hire, train, and supervise assistant coaches and support staff.
10. Operate the program with integrity in compliance with NJCAA, Region IX, and institutional regulations.
11. Stay informed and compliant with NJCAA Handbook rules, eligibility standards, and procedures.
12. Work in partnership with the Athletic Trainer for injury management and ensure timely documentation of incidents.
13. Oversee the setup and logistical arrangements for home contests.
14. Support and collaborate with other athletic programs and coaching staff.
15. Organize and direct youth camps, clinics, or outreach events.
16. Promote equity and inclusion by mentoring a diverse group of student-athletes in a culturally competent manner.
17. Engage the team in meaningful community service projects.
18. Provide annual Title IX and sexual assault training to all student-athletes and ensure accountability to behavioral standards.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Serve as a point of contact for prospective athletes and their families regarding the recruitment process, campus visits, and program structure.
2. Guide student-athletes on expectations for class attendance, behavior, and accountability; report violations to the Athletic Director.
3. Maintain discipline within the program to ensure compliance with athletic and institutional expectations.
4. Collaborate with the Recruitment and Social Media Coordinator to provide team information for media guides, promotional materials, and the college website.
5. Participate in fundraising initiatives and corporate sponsorship activities.
6. Foster strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, media, and community stakeholders.
7. Promote and represent the program through active community involvement and outreach.
8. Establish and maintain connections with local high schools and community organizations.
9. Assist in marketing and outreach efforts, including team branding and partnership development.
10. Coordinate facility usage with other campus and community groups; communicate needs and scheduling with the Athletic Director.
11. Obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); drive college vehicles for team travel and events, completing pre- and post-trip safety checks.
12. Regularly update local and regional media outlets with team results, highlights, and news.
13. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Athletic Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of experience, training, and education
• Coaching experience at the high school, club, or collegiate level
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license with the ability to obtain a CDL with passenger endorsement. Proof of a valid driver’s license must be provided upon hire.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, and travel

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree
• Recruiting experience
• Familiarity with NJCAA rules and eligibility compliance
• Successful coaching experience at the college level
• Playing experience at the college level
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse student populations
• Educational philosophy in alignment with that of a small rural, comprehensive Community College and enthusiasm for this type of environment and the aspirations of its people.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For consideration, an applicant file must contain:

1. Cover letter that addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications
2. Resume
3. Copies of transcripts (A.A., B.A., and M.A.) (Official transcripts requested upon hire) - As part of our commitment to a fair hiring process, we invite you to redact any information from your transcripts that may be confidential/protected under law, including your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation.
4. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of 3 professional references

APPLICATION DEADLINE

            Open Until Filled – Priority will be given to applications received by November 28, 2025

POSITION START DATE:

            January/February 2026

Submit Application Packet To:

Otero College

Attn:  Kelsey Barbee

Executive Director of Human Resources

1802 Colorado Ave

La Junta, CO  81050

FAX:  (719) 384-6947

Or Email To:  kelsey.barbee@otero.edu

Inquiries May Be Directed To:

About Otero College

Founded in 1941, Otero Junior College is a state two-year community college with approximately 1500 students (1250 FTE) made up of traditional, non-traditional and international students. The college is governed by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. OJC is located on an attractive 40-acre campus on the southern edge of La Junta, Colorado. The college is a full-service campus with dormitory housing, food service, men’s and women’s varsity intercollegiate athletics, and state-of-the-art educational technology. The city of La Junta has a population of approximately 8,000 and is located on Highway 50, sixty miles east of Pueblo. The college serves the residents of Otero, Bent, and Crowley counties. This rural geographic area in southeast Colorado is primarily agriculture based and has a population of approximately 33,000 people. Students at OJC can earn degrees in Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of General Studies or an Associate Degree in Nursing. Students who wish to pursue vocational occupations will find over a dozen one- and two-year certificate programs available.

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