Title: Head Lacrosse Coach

State Role Title: 

Hiring Range: $85,000 - $90,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia Military Institute

Location: VMI HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

Agency Website: www.vmi.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Head Lacrosse Coach is responsible for the leadership, integrity, and competitive success of VMI’s Division I Lacrosse program. The coach will be a visible leader and role model. They must foster a culture of integrity, discipline, and service mirroring the school’s culture. The development of cadet-athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and as leaders in the Corps of Cadets is paramount. The team always competes to win and does so with honor. The coach must be adept at navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), NCAA House Settlement compliance, and the Transfer Portal.

Virginia Military Institute is seeking a devoted, organized, and committed leader to serve as the Head Lacrosse Coach. The Head Lacrosse Coach must be adaptable and organized, fostering a positive, cohesive environment built by grit, toughness, and accountability. The Virginia Military Institute is seeking someone driven to propel the Lacrosse program to win championships in the Northeast Conference (NEC).

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Culture
Build and sustain a winning lacrosse program that is unwaveringly governed by VMI’s Citizen-Soldier ethos and the Honor Code—a non-negotiable standard: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.”
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Instill VMI values in all aspects of the program while growing great leaders who exemplify self-discipline, grit, and resilience on and off the playing surface.
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Serve as a visible leader and mentor within the Corps of Cadets and the broader VMI community. The coach is expected to be fully engaged in the cadet experience and uphold Institute standards.

Recruitment & Development
Recruit and develop cadet-athletes who are committed to the rigors of VMI’s three-legged stool: Athletics, Academics, and Military.
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Emphasize holistic development—athletic, academic, and leadership growth—preparing cadet-athletes for success as Citizen-Soldiers.
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Build a roster through regional & nation-wide high school recruiting, balancing that roster against the unique demands of the Institute. In practice, this means recruiting athletes able to thrive in VMI’s rigorous system.
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Organize and communicate training plans that effectively instill confidence in cadet-athletes for competition. Provide purposeful guidance and event-specific coaching that builds buy-in and enhances the performance of the cadet-athlete.

Modern Compliance & Operations
Oversee all aspects of program compliance with NCAA, NEC, and Institute policies. Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to navigate transfer portal and NIL processes as required by NCAA House Settlement.
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Strategically manage roster and scholarships, leveraging both high school and transfer portal recruiting.

Academic & Military Integration
Foster an environment where academic achievement and military discipline are integral to the lacrosse experience.
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Collaborate with academic and military leadership to ensure cadet-athletes succeed in all facets of VMI life.
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Assist in the improvement of the team academic progress rate (APR) score in collaboration with Institute academic staff and the Cadet-Athlete Development Office (CADO).

Staff & Operations Management
Recruit, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches and support staff.
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Oversee program budgeting, scheduling, and operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with institutional standards

Community & Alumni Engagement
Represent VMI Lacrosse with integrity to alumni, supporters, and the public.
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Engage in fundraising, community outreach, and events that support the program and the Institute’s mission. Build and sustain a winning lacrosse program that is unwaveringly governed by VMI’s Citizen-Soldier ethos and the Honor Code—a non-negotiable standard: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.”

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
Demonstrated success as a lacrosse coach at the NCAA level, preferably Division I.
Deep understanding of NCAA rules, NIL frameworks, and roster management under House Settlement guidelines.
Commitment to VMI’s mission, values, and the Citizen-Soldier model.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Experience recruiting and developing student-athletes who value discipline, service, and holistic development.

Additional Considerations

Experience in a military college or service academy environment is highly desirable.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Please include with your application a cover letter, résumé, official transcripts, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

VMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer; in a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal education and employment opportunities, VMI encourages women, minorities, disabled individuals, and veterans to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply. VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities for employment, educational opportunities, programs, and services.

Contact Information

Name: Deion Betts

Phone: (540) 464-7307

Email: bettsdm@vmi.edu

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022, and February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.