Athletics

Thunder Bay

Full time

Permanent

Overview

This position will remain open until filled

Lakehead University is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and student-centered leader for the position of Varsity Head Coach, Men’s Basketball. Reporting to the Director of Athletics & Recreation, with day-to-day operational direction from the Associate Director, Athletics, the Head Coach is responsible for providing leadership, administration, and strategic direction for the University’s U SPORTS Men’s Basketball program.

The successful candidate will foster a high-performance culture that promotes competitive excellence, academic achievement, student-athlete wellness, leadership development, and Safe Sport principles. The Head Coach will oversee all aspects of the varsity program, including coaching, recruitment, athlete development, budgeting, fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach, while ensuring compliance with Lakehead University, Ontario University Athletics (OUA), and U SPORTS policies
and regulations.

The Head Coach will work collaboratively with Athletics staff, faculty, student services, alumni, and community partners to advance the University’s athletic and academic mission while enhancing the profile of the Men’s Basketball program locally, provincially, and nationally.

Responsibilities

- Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Men’s Basketball program.
- Develop and implement annual operational and strategic plans aligned with departmental priorities.
- Manage the approved operating budget and ensure responsible financial stewardship.
- Coordinate scheduling, facilities, equipment, uniforms, travel, and team logistics.
- Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches and team support staff.
- Ensure compliance with all Lakehead University, OUA, and U SPORTS policies, including athlete eligibility requirements.
- Promote a culture of safety, integrity, inclusion, respect, and accountability through adherence to Safe Sport principles and University policies.
- Plan and deliver a comprehensive high-performance basketball program.
- Design annual training plans, practice plans, and competitive strategies.
- Develop individual athlete performance plans through evaluation, video analysis, and performance monitoring.
- Foster academic success, leadership, personal growth, and student well-being.
- Support student-athletes in accessing University academic and wellness resources.




- Promote an inclusive and positive team culture that reflects the values of Lakehead University.
- Lead the identification, evaluation, and recruitment of academically qualified student-athletes.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive annual recruitment strategy.
- Build relationships with club coaches, high schools, prep schools, and recruiting networks.
- Work collaboratively with Admissions and academic departments to support prospective student-athletes.
- Ensure all recruiting activities comply with OUA and U SPORTS regulations.
- Develop and implement revenue-generating initiatives including camps, clinics, tournaments, and youth programming.
- Work collaboratively with the Director of Athletics & Recreation to achieve annual fundraising and financial objectives.
- Support sponsorship activation opportunities in partnership with Athletics staff.
- Establish and maintain an engaged Men’s Basketball Alumni Chapter to assist with fundraising, mentorship, and program development.
- Serve as an ambassador for Lakehead University and the Men’s Basketball program.
- Participate in media interviews and promotional activities.
- Collaborate with Athletics marketing staff to support social media, website content, and promotional initiatives.
- Build relationships with local basketball organizations, schools, alumni, and community partners.
- Represent Lakehead University professionally at league meetings, coaching conferences, and community events.

Qualifications

- Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, Physical Education, Sport Management, Education, or a related field. A combination of equivalent education, coaching certification, and relevant experience may be considered.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive coaching experience in basketball at the university, collegiate, professional, provincial, national, or equivalent high- performance level.
- Demonstrated success in recruiting and developing student-athletes within a post- secondary or high-performance environment.
- Strong understanding of U SPORTS, OUA, or comparable governing body rules,



eligibility requirements, and recruiting regulations.
- Experience managing operating budgets, fundraising initiatives, and revenue- generating programs.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor assistant coaches, student-athletes, and support staff.
- Excellent organizational, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, athlete wellness, and Safe Sport principles.
- Experience working collaboratively within a university or post-secondary environment is considered a strong asset.
- NCCP Competition Development certification (or willingness to obtain within an acceptable timeframe) is preferred.
- Current CPR, First Aid, Safe Sport, Respect in Sport, and other applicable coaching certifications, or the ability to obtain them upon appointment.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, will be required as a condition of employment.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.

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Benefits Information

Why Lakehead?

Salary:

Band 8 ($79,539.40 - $99,423.95)

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Reference Number:

SCHII-26-55

Salary:

Band 8 ($79,539.40 - $99,423.95)

Yes, eligible for benefits

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Reference Number:

SCHII-26-55

📌 Head Coach, Men's Basketball (Canada)
🏢 Lakehead University
📍 Canada