Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Golden Bears Football

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

This is a term position of 8 months (with the possibility of extension) and an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026, that offers a comprehensive benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with experience in accordance with Schedule D of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at South Campus, Edmonton.

Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics provides a comprehensive Athletics program worthy of a large, highly ranked, research institution in Canada. Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics offers an impactful and meaningful experience in 12 sports and 22 varsity teams, serving over 500 student-athletes across campus and academic disciplines each year.

In addition to the opportunities provided directly to student-athletes, Athletics is a multifaceted organization that delivers equitable, diverse, and inclusive services designed to impact essential aspects of the University community and the community-at-large.

• domestic and international student recruitment
• enhancing the student experience
• campus community building
• University brand enhancement
• broad community engagement
• work-integrated learning

The Defensive Coordinator is directly responsible for creating game-day plays and schemes. They are responsible for developing, evaluating, and producing a defensive depth chart; directing the team during competition; conducting team meetings; and implementing schedules. The position involves coordinating the actions of the defensive staff to produce an effective and highly functioning defensive unit. During the off-season, the Defensive Coordinator will be responsible for working with the defensive staff and players to continue the defensive unit's progress. This work will include on-field practice, strength and conditioning, meetings and other activities designed to improve defensive execution and performance.

Student Success and Experience (formerly Office of the Dean of Students) holds student support at the heart of everything we do. We provide services focused on student well-being and flourishing both in the classroom and beyond. We offer a wide range of services, including career guidance, health and wellness resources, academic support, and assistance for students facing unexpected challenges or personal difficulties. We also work closely with faculty and staff across campus to ensure students receive coordinated support when they need it most.unexpected challenges or personal difficulties. We also work closely with faculty and staff across campus to ensure students receive coordinated support when they need it most.

• Coach student-athletes, including all team practices, scheduled games/competitions, and postseason.
• Assist in game preparation and strategy.
• Assist with conditioning and training athletes to develop skill, character, and teamwork in football.
• Recruit high-quality student-athletes.
• Monitor assigned student-athletes' academic progress, including student welfare, and encourage academic excellence and eventual graduation.
• Assist the Head Coach and other staff members in the management of the football program, including program planning; ensuring that all University, conference, and USPORTS rules and regulations are followed; student-athlete eligibility; recruiting; strength and conditioning; team building; and assisting with and participating in community service events.
• Adhering to USPORTS and Canada West recruiting, playing and administrative regulations.
• Participate in our community player development camp and academy system. This will involve planning, coordinating, and coaching in this system alongside the rest of the Golden Bears Football coaching staff.
• Demonstrating competency in player development at all defensive positions.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Coach.

• An undergraduate degree is required. Masters or PhD Degree preferred.

• Demonstrates currency and competency in the profession of coaching.
• Maintains registration and is in good standing with their professional body (e.g. National Coaching Certification Program and/or Coaches of Canada.
• Ability to employ varied coaching strategies.
• Ability to design or select and administer effective assessments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication styles and collaborate with colleagues.
• Critical thinking and organizational ability.
• Facilitation, negotiation and problem-solving skills and an ability to handle challenging student situations.
• Technical and proficient with technology, with a working knowledge of various applications.

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.