Head Coach - Women's Ice Hockey

Merrimack College•North Andover, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Merrimack College invites applications for the position of Head Coach for Women’s Ice Hockey. This is a unique opportunity to lead a Division I program committed to competitive excellence, academic achievement, and the holistic development of student-athletes. The Head Coach will provide visionary leadership for all aspects of the women’s ice hockey program, with a central focus on building, sustaining, and strengthening a championship-caliber culture rooted in accountability, integrity, inclusion, and competitive excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred).
Demonstrated coaching experience at the collegiate, professional, or elite level.
Proven ability to build and sustain a positive, high-performance team culture.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Commitment to academic excellence and student-athlete welfare.
Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Division I women’s hockey.
Recruiting experience and established recruiting networks.
Evidence of program-building and cultural transformation.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Culture Development
Establish, articulate, and model a clear vision and identity for the program.
Build and maintain a strong, values-driven team culture that prioritizes accountability, trust, respect, and daily competitive habits.
Foster an environment that supports student-athlete growth on and off the ice.
Develop leadership within the team and empower captains and upperclassmen to sustain cultural standards.
Promote a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.
Coaching & Player Development
Plan and lead all practices, game preparation, and in-game strategy.
Oversee individual skill development and team systems.
Create year-round development plans that enhance performance, strength, conditioning, and hockey IQ.
Mentor student-athletes in personal, academic, and athletic growth.
Recruiting & Talent Identification
Lead a comprehensive recruiting strategy aligned with program culture and competitive goals.
Identify and recruit student-athletes who embody Merrimack’s academic standards and cultural values.
Build strong relationships with club, prep, and junior programs.
Program Administration
Oversee assistant coaches and support staff; foster professional growth within the coaching team.
Manage program budget, scheduling, travel, and compliance with NCAA, Hockey East, and College policies.
Collaborate with athletic performance, sports medicine, academic services, and athletic administration.
Community & Institutional Engagement
Represent Merrimack College with professionalism and integrity.
Engage alumni, families, and supporters to strengthen program pride and connection.
Support fundraising and external relations initiatives in collaboration with Athletics Advancement.