Upper School Coach - Multiple Sports

• Description THE OPPORTUNITY Bennett Day School is seeking dynamic and dedicated coaches for the upcoming season.
• In this pivotal role, coaches will guide student-athletes and the team in mastering the fundamentals, rules, physical conditioning, and game strategies essential to excel in their chosen sport.
• Coaches are also responsible for cultivating strong character, sportsmanship, and teamwork among the student-athletes and the team.
• By working closely with student-athletes, coaches will not only foster a deep appreciation for the sport but also shape positive habits and attitudes that extend beyond athletics, encouraging lifelong personal growth and achievement.
• THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Student-Athlete Development: Foster the physical, social, and emotional growth of student-athletes by creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive team environment that emphasizes sportsmanship, leadership, and personal responsibility.
• Practice & Game Management: Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate practices that develop individual skills, team concepts, and a strong understanding of the sport.
• Coach and supervise student-athletes during practices, competitions, and team events.
• Communication & Family Engagement: Maintain consistent and professional communication with student-athletes, families, and the Athletics Department regarding schedules, expectations, team updates, and student progress.
• Program Administration: Assist with team logistics, including attendance, equipment management, uniforms, transportation, and ensuring all required student-athlete compliance documentation is complete and current.
• Student Supervision & Safety: Provide active supervision during practices, competitions, travel, and all other team activities.
• Promote a safe environment by following school policies, league, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regulations, and appropriate emergency procedures.
• Collaboration & School Engagement: Work collaboratively with the Athletics Department, faculty, staff, and fellow coaches to support the school's mission and enhance the overall student experience.
• Professionalism & Leadership: Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the school's values.
• Uphold league, IHSA, conference, and school expectations while encouraging respect, accountability, and teamwork.
• Additional Responsibilities: Participate in all scheduled coaches’ meetings, professional development opportunities, and other duties as assigned by the school and/or the Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or progress toward a bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Previous coaching experience at the Middle School, Upper School, high school, collegiate, or youth level is strongly preferred. Playing experience in the sport is also valued.
• Sport
• Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the sport is required, with competitive playing experience preferred.
• Rules &
• Compliance: Experience with and familiarity with Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) and Illinois High School Association (IHSA) rules and regulations, along with a commitment to positive youth sports and student-athlete development, is preferred.

Certifications

• Current CPR/AED certification is strongly preferred.
• Coaching
• Credentials: Current Illinois State Board of Education coaching approval or certification, or completion of an American Sport Education Program or National Federation of State High School Associations coaching education program, is preferred.
• Student-Centered
• Approach: Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with adolescents while fostering confidence, resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Communication
• Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
• Organization &
• Time
• Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage practices, competitions, scheduling, and multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Technical
• Proficiency: Comfortable using Google Workspace, email, and school-based communication and scheduling platforms.
• Leadership &
• Problem
• Solving: Ability to remain composed under pressure, make sound decisions during practices and competitions, and adapt to changing situations.
• Commitment to
• Equity &
• Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all student-athletes feel valued, supported, and challenged.
• Background
• Check: Must successfully complete a criminal background check and any other required pre-employment screenings.
• Physical
• Requirements: Ability to actively coach practices and competitions, demonstrate sport-specific skills when appropriate, stand and move for extended periods, lift and transport athletic equipment (up to 30–50 lbs.), and work outdoors in varying weather conditions when required. Hours &

Schedule

• Practice and competition schedules vary by sport and grade level. Coaches should expect to work weekday afternoons and evenings, with practices typically held between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Competitions may extend into the evening, generally concluding by 8:00 p.m. Some weekend practices, tournaments, or competitions may be required depending on the sport and season.
• Season
• Commitment: The Fall season runs from approximately August 10, 2026, through November 6, 2026, depending on the sport, including preseason practices, regular-season contests, and any postseason competition. Coaches are expected to commit to the full athletic season, including preseason, regular season, playoffs, and any postseason competitions. Specific season dates will vary by sport.
• Additional
• Opportunities: Additional compensated opportunities may be available throughout the school year, including offseason training, clinics, camps, open gyms, athletic events, and other school-sponsored programming.
• Fall
• Vacancies
• Boys’
• Soccer: 9th - 12th
• Grades
• Boys’ &
• Girls
• Cross
• Country: 9th - 12th
• Grades
• Girls’
• Volleyball: 9th - 12th Grades