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- Tasks: Lead the BUCS Men's 1st Team and develop innovative training methods.
- Company: Join the University of Hertfordshire, a top institution for sports and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, employee support programmes, and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of basketball while mentoring aspiring athletes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 2 Basketball Coaching Certificate and experience in elite coaching.
- Other info: Flexible hours and travel required; be part of a winning team!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
University of Hertfordshire Sports Village
Details
Closing date: 17 August 2025
Location: Hatfield
Region: South East
Employment type: Other
Salary: competitive
Description
Post Title: HertSquad Head Basketball Coach – BUCS Men’s 1st Team
SBU/Department: University of Hertfordshire Sports Village – HertSquad
Duration of Contract: 12 months reviewed annually (Casual Contract)
Salary: Competitive Location: Hertfordshire Sports Village, De Havilland campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire The University of Hertfordshire is seeking a proven and ambitious basketball coach to lead and shape the future of its high-performance basketball programme within British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competition. This is a pivotal moment to join the programme, coming off the back of a historic 2024/25 season that saw Hertfordshire claim its first-ever BUCS South Premier Division title and reach the National Semi-Finals. Building on this success, we are looking for a coach with a strong track record in developing talent, building winning cultures, and competing at the highest level of university sport in the UK.
We are looking for a suitably qualified individual who can demonstrate excellent leadership qualities. As Head Basketball Coach, they will play a pivotal role in coordinating and driving the development of the performance basketball programme. The Head Coach will oversee the progression of the 1st Team and prepare them for competition in the BUCS South Premier Division. They will play an important part in shaping and delivering the long-term strategy for basketball at the University, while also serving as a figurehead in attracting and supporting student-athletes within the programme.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and coordinating individual player development plans and will also act as a mentor to support the development of the NBL Division 3 coach. The University of Hertfordshire is committed to establishing itself as the leading higher education institution for basketball in the region, and we are seeking an enthusiastic and driven leader to help shape the programme’s future.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the on-court delivery for the BUCS Men’s First Team, implementing effective and innovative training methods in both practice and competition settings.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver detailed scouting and game review materials for athletes and staff, both pre- and post-game.
• Work alongside the Performance Sport Manager to coordinate and deliver the long-term strategy and playing philosophy for Performance Basketball at the University of Hertfordshire.
• Design and implement year-round individual development plans tailored to basketball scholar-athletes.
• Lead and collaborate with a multidisciplinary support team to optimise player development and performance.
• Coordinate with partner club Hemel Storm on athlete load management and collaborative basketball initiatives.
• Maintain regular communication with the Performance Sport Manager to ensure the ongoing development and progression of athletes.
• Support and promote the development of wider basketball activities across the university community.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to the NBL Division 3 Head Coach to support their coaching development.
Skills and experience needed:
• Basketball England Level 2 Basketball Coaching Certificate or internationally recognised equivalent (Essential)
• Proven experience coaching and/or playing basketball at a performance or elite level, ideally in a British University setting. (Essential) • Experience of monitoring and reviewing performance. (Essential)
• Knowledge of Basketball England academy systems and feeder pathways to higher education settings. (Essential)
• Experience of using performance profiling and analytical tools to aid player development. (Essential)
• Experience of collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of staff including strength and conditioning and medical services. (Essential)
• Exceptional technical, tactical, physical and psychosocial understanding of the demands of basketball. (Essential)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly and effectively to athletes and support staff both verbally and in writing report form. (Essential)
• An ability to identify strengths and areas of improvement in athletes and produce development plans that are suited to address player issues. (Essential)
• An exceptional work-ethic and ability to prioritise workloads. (Essential)
• An ability to motivate student-athletes and have an awareness of the unique pressures they face. (Essential)
• An ability to develop effective relationships within the basketball community (Essential)
• A willingness to work unsociable hours. (Essential)
• A willingness and ability to commit to flexible travel arrangements midweek. (Essential)
• Basketball England Level 3 Basketball Coaching Certificate or Internationally recognised equivalent. (Desirable)
• Bachelor’s, Masters or PhD degree in physical education, basketball coaching or other relevant equivalent degree qualification. (Desirable)
• Demonstrable experience of leading and mentoring coaches. (Desirable)
• Experience working with stakeholders and partnership clubs. (Desirable)
• Proven track record of recruiting elite basketball players to academic institutions. (Desirable)
Employee Benefits include:
• University benefits such as access to an employee support programme and discount schemes
• The opportunity to join a forward thinking, positive and committed team with clear direction
• UniDays, NUS and Galleria discounts
• Discounted travel on UNO buses
• and much more…
Hertfordshire Sports Village provides extensive sports facilities and services to the local community, students and staff of the University of Hertfordshire. Proudly named as one of Leisure and Hospitality’s 20 Best Companies to Work For in 2021, Hertfordshire Sports Village is committed to ensuring our staff team are connected and engaged.
Welcoming, going the extra mile, leading by example and the ability to consistently exceed expectations are some of the values we look for in our team members.
If you share these values and want to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. Interested in this position?
For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Bryn Clark (Deputy Director of Sport) by email at b.n.clark@herts.ac.uk
If you would like to apply or wish to find out more please get in touch with Bryn Clark (Deputy Director of Sport) by email at b.n.clark@herts.ac.uk
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Head Basketball Coach employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)
Contact Detail:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Basketball Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former coaches at the University of Hertfordshire. Building relationships within the basketball community can give you insights into the programme's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the BUCS competition structure and recent performance trends of the HertSquad. Being able to discuss specific strategies for improvement or player development during your discussions will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the university's vision for basketball. Articulating a clear plan for developing talent and building a winning culture will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Bryn Clark for an informal chat about the position. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Basketball Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant coaching experience, particularly in basketball and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your qualifications, such as the Basketball England Level 2 Coaching Certificate, and any achievements in developing talent or leading teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for basketball and your vision for the programme at the University of Hertfordshire. Mention specific strategies you would implement to build on the recent successes of the team and how you plan to attract and support student-athletes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Highlight your leadership qualities and experiences in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored other coaches, or developed individual player plans that resulted in improved performance.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge: Include insights into your understanding of the demands of basketball and the importance of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Discuss your familiarity with performance profiling and analytical tools, and how these can aid in player development.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)
✨Showcase Your Coaching Philosophy
Be prepared to discuss your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the university's vision for basketball. Highlight your approach to developing talent and building a winning culture, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Coach, leadership is key. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, mentored other coaches, and fostered a positive environment for athletes. This will show your capability to drive the programme forward.
✨Prepare for Performance Analysis
Familiarise yourself with performance profiling and analytical tools that aid player development. Be ready to discuss how you have used these tools in previous roles to monitor and enhance athlete performance.
✨Engage with the Community
The university values community engagement. Prepare to talk about how you plan to support and promote basketball activities across the university and build relationships within the local basketball community.
