Head Men's Soccer Coach

THE OPPORTUNITY

Sonoma State University (Sonoma State/SSU) is seeking a highly motivated leader to build its men's soccer program as the university launches its NCAA Division II Athletic Department for 2027-28. The ideal candidate will create a legacy that will serve as a vital component of the educational experience for years to come, with the vision and passion to shape a culture that inspires student-athletes and the campus community and competes for championships. The successful candidate must demonstrate a leadership style characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity. This position is Non-Instructional Faculty (Department of Athletics: Coach) Unit 3 California Faculty Association (CFA).

ABOUT SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, Sonoma State provides accessible, high-quality education.

Sonoma State University respectfully acknowledges that the University sits on the traditional homelands of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples. Sonoma State honors their rich history, enduring presence, and contributions, and remains committed to building partnerships that uphold equity, respect, and inclusion.

Sonoma State is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, committed to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. With a beautiful campus, active student life, and a focus on preparing graduates for career success, SSU is a place to learn, grow, and belong. Sonoma State’s campus is home to a vibrant community of scholars, innovators, entrepreneurs, creators, and doers. Consistently recognized among the top universities in the California State University system, SSU stands out for its graduation rates, national accolades in student success and equity, and a vibrant campus life. Sonoma State’s commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and inclusion, paired with a supportive community, empowers every student to thrive both on campus and in their future.

MISSION

Sonoma State is a regionally serving public university committed to educational access and excellence. Guided by our core values and driven by a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, Sonoma State delivers high-quality education through innovative programs that leverage the economic, cultural, and natural resources of the North Bay.

CORE VALUES

Sonoma State’s core values are an expression of who we are. At Sonoma State, we proudly embrace integrity, respect, excellence, and responsibility as part of our Seawolf Commitment. Our core values include:

Diversity and social justice

Sustainability and environmental inquiry

Connectivity and community engagement

Adaptability and responsiveness

ABOUT SONOMA STATE INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Sonoma State University is launching an NCAA Division II Athletic program and will be part of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Sonoma State will serve approximately 186 student-athletes across ten sports (four men's teams and six women's teams).

The goal of Sonoma State Athletics is to provide a positive, equitable, and diverse environment for the student-athletes and staff. All athletic staff members are responsible for fostering these priorities via role modeling and mentoring student-athletes while upholding a competitive spirit that stresses amateurism, ethical conduct, good sportsmanship, and rules compliance. Priorities for the student-athletes include academic excellence, competitive success, and community outreach. THE POSITION                                                                  .

The Head Coach has the primary responsibility for oversight of all aspects of the men's soccer program and has broad responsibility for planning, organizing, and prioritizing work. Pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 11.1.2.1 (Responsibility of Head Coach), the Head Coach is responsible for the development, organization, and administration of the men's soccer program, which includes supervision of coaching assistants and/or athletic department staff.

Work assignments include but are not limited to the following: create and implement practice sessions; determine and instruct game strategy to prepare for competition; assign player positions; determine game rosters; create and implement recruitment strategies, including scouting, attending tournaments and game visits; monitoring the conduct and academic progress of student-athletes and implementing action plans as appropriate; developing short- and long-term measurable program objectives, evaluating and assessing results; modifying goals/objectives as appropriate; working with university advancement staff and the athletics department to raise funds and develop fundraising activities (fund raising targets to be set by the athletic director); promoting the men's soccer program through public speaking events, providing direction for operational aspects of the men's soccer program, including scheduling, travel arrangements and logistics, and other operational duties as assigned. The coach will work collaboratively with campus stakeholders to ensure their team is embedded within both the campus community and culture and the community at large. This includes active participation in campuswide events, clubs, organizations, activities, etc.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES          

Responsibilities of this position will include but are not limited to:

Coaching and Mentoring :

Teach, coach, and mentor a diverse group of student-athletes.

Develop and implement coaching strategies aligned with SSU's mission, values, and Seawolf Commitment.

Foster academic progress and ensure NCAA compliance for student-athletes.

Recruitment and Talent Identification :

Identify and recruit talented student-athletes.

Develop a comprehensive recruitment strategy.

Administrative and Leadership Duties :

Manage and administer the men's soccer program, including budget oversight.

Drive continuous improvement through effective leadership.

Support gender equity and diversity initiatives within the department.

Community Engagement and Fundraising :

Secure philanthropic and fundraising support for the men's soccer program and athletic department as determined by the athletic director.

Promote positive relations with campus and community stakeholders, including athletes, peers, staff, faculty, and donors.

Compliance and Professionalism :

Adhere to NCAA and conference rules and regulations.

Conduct all responsibilities with integrity and professionalism.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS                                                                               

Minimum qualifications for this position are:

Education : Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience : Experience coaching collegiate soccer at NCAA Division I or Division II level preferred. Previous head coaching experience is advantageous.

Certifications : First Aid, CPR, and AED certification required. A valid California driver’s license may be needed.

Skills : Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills. Proficiency in computer applications and online tools.

Characteristics : Leadership abilities, ability to develop effective relationships, commitment to diversity/equity.

Additional Requirements

Availability: Flexibility to travel and work weekends.

Adherence : Understanding and application of CSU policies, Title IX, NCAA rules, and educational codes.

Interpersonal Skills : Ability to build relationships with athletes, coaching staff, parents, and SSU personnel. 

Rank and Salary

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is a full-time 12-month appointment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested candidates should submit a completed application with all documents merged in one PDF file to opportunity@mammothconsulted.com . Application documents include:

Cover letter addressed to Joan McDermott, Director of Athletics (Sonoma State University), setting forth one’s interest in the opportunity and how the candidate’s skills and experiences align with the position description.

Professional résumé.

Names, contact information, and an explanation of the relationship for four professional references.

For questions, inquiries, or nominations, please email Dr. Kurt Patberg, Vice President of Mammoth Sports Consulting, at kurt.patberg@MMTH.co .

Review of applications will begin immediately, with first consideration given to applications received by September 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. 

Sonoma State University Commitment                                                                                              

Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution; as such, SSU is committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity, and Sonoma State endeavors to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.    

Guided by SSU’s core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, Sonoma State is committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. SSU has a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.

Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place.  It is SSU’s expectation that students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.

Sonoma State University is committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on Sonoma State’s students’ assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be able to collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. Sonoma State is especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Sonoma State considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Employment Eligibility & Conditions

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Sonoma State University does not facilitate the process of applying for an H1B Visa for temporary positions.

Education Code 89521

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Annual Reports & Safety Information

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

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