Head Coach, Equestrian

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic, and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellness, social justice, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

Cornell University is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Ivy League. The university fields teams in 37 intercollegiate sports and provides a comprehensive physical education program. The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based competitive intercollegiate athletics program. Athletics and Physical Education offers a diverse program of physical and outdoor education, recreational services, intramural sports, and intercollegiate athletics competition, plus wellness programs for faculty and staff and fitness centers for the entire Cornell community.

   

Position Summary

The Head Coach, Equestrian oversees all aspects of the Equestrian program, including: supervising and evaluating coaching staff; preparing, administering and monitoring team budgets and related gift accounts; purchasing and supervising maintenance of program equipment; student-athlete training and skill development in team practices/individual workouts in preparation for success in Ivy and IHSA competitions; establishing a competitive schedule and coordinating team travel for away competitions along with participating in the preparation of the IHSA Regional schedule; cooperation with the support staff (athletic trainers, strength & conditioning coach, equipment, sports information, facilities) assigned to the team;  supporting student-athlete mental health and wellbeing by implementing positive coaching strategies and supporting the utilization of support services; establishing and enforcing team expectations and rules of conduct as well as mentoring student-athletes to foster athletic, academic, emotional, and social growth; communicate with alumni and friends of the program.

Expected to finish among the Ivy top three and be nationally competitive where appropriate, the Head Coach must also demonstrate adherence to university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations while overseeing the activities of assistant coaches, staff, and student-athletes to verify compliance with a clear mandate to self-report any violations; and actively participate in and support friend- and fundraising efforts to build attendance, spirit, and financial support to the program.

Other responsibilities include ensuring the wellbeing and care of horses within the program, ensuring proper veterinary and farrier care, injury rehabilitation, support regular barn management and chores, managing leases processes for breaks and overall horse show management.

Success Factors    

Curiosity: (LISTEN)

• Is genuinely curious with a drive to learn and improve
• Is accepting of self and others
• Demonstrates strong listening skills and discernment
• Is flexible and thinks creatively

Championship Mindset:

• Has a drive to win with integrity
• Energetic, tireless worker
• Is committed to running a disciplined program

High Character & Integrity:

• Demonstrated commitment to NCAA, conference, and university rules, policies and procedures
• Honest and trustworthy across personal and professional domains
• Committed to student-athlete welfare and sportsmanship
• Demonstrates courage and the capacity to make and execute thoughtful, difficult decisions
• Demonstrates a balance of confidence and humility

Leadership Capacity: (LEAD)

• Has a compelling vision for Cornell Equestrian Program
• Is able to manage a budget and is committed to fiscal responsibility
• Is respectful of all those they are charged with leading
• Is a person others will enthusiastically follow

Alignment with University and Departmental Mission and Values:

• Embraces the primacy of full student-athlete academic engagement
• Has experience with a high academic rigor institution

Commitment to Student-Athlete Wellbeing: (LOVE)

• Prioritizes physical and mental health, safety and well-being of student-athletes and staff
• Embraces position as a positive role model and source of support
• Seeks opportunities to learn, develop, and enhance skills and knowledge
• Models professional behavior and respect for students, staff, and colleagues
• Actively engages and respects professionals in sports medicine, strength & conditioning, equipment, communications, compliance, facilities, and others

Equestrian Expertise:

• Is deeply passionate about Equestrian
• Is adaptable and creative
• Proven success in Equine care
• 5 years of horse management (medical, nutrition, turnout, welfare)

Communication Skills:

• Communicates verbally and in writing with high quality
• Is clear in their communication
• Can represent the University publicly with distinction
• Can communicate with alumni and donors in a manner that inspires their investment in the program
• Values relationships and is driven to build and nurture them

Enthusiasm for Cornell:

• Understands and appreciates what makes Cornell unique
• Appreciates the unique opportunity to work in the Ivy League
• Is aware of and unafraid of the weather or location

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience contributing to a positive student-athlete experience with a commitment to the health and safety of student-athletes and staff.
• Knowledge of NCAA recruiting and compliance rules and procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent communication skills, strong organizational and leadership skills, and an ability to identify, yield and develop high quality student-athletes.
• Proficiency with computers and office software.
• Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated success in cultivating relationships with alumni and other program supporters is required.
• This position will require driving; therefore, a clean and valid driver’s license must be held at time of employment and maintained thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coaching experience at an Ivy League or other highly academically selective institution strongly preferred.
• Barn Management experience.

Working Environment

• Direct involvement in animal care and daily chores.
• Regular engagement with alumni, parents, and fans, building and maintaining relationships with those who support the Equestrian program.
• Engagement with the media and representing the team in a positive light to the public.
• Participate in fundraising events and donor outreach to secure financial contributions for the program.
• Typically lifts 30-50 lbs.
• No or limited exposure to hazardous conditions/materials/equipment, so safety gear may sometimes be required.
• Outdoor activities in variable and/or inclement weather conditions, as well as typical travel conditions.

   

University Job Title:

Head Coach, Women's Equestrian

Job Family:

Athletics & Physical Education

Level:

G

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Caleb Yu

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• Academic Discipline

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2025-04-07