Located in Rindge, NH, Franklin Pierce University (FPU) is close to Boston and New York City yet provides the natural beauty and safety of a rural campus, with access to outdoor activities, the arts, excellent educational options for families, and more. The University possesses strengths such as a welcoming and inclusive community, growing health professions-related undergraduate and graduate programs on campus, online, and at four Centers across the U.S., a personalized approach to learning as well as expanding career-readiness initiatives, and a strong reputation as an NCAA Division II athletics powerhouse.

Franklin Pierce University seeks an experienced and collaborative professional to lead the development and launch of the Men’s Club Ice Hockey program, establishing its structure, policies, daily operations, and long-term competitive vision. The position will plan and direct all practices, training, and game preparation, while recruiting, evaluating, and retaining student-athletes aligned with institutional goals and building the inaugural roster.  The role oversees all program operations, including budget management, scheduling, travel, equipment, and coordination of ice time and facilities, while implementing systems that ensure long-term sustainability. The Head Coach is responsible for supporting student-athlete academic success and personal development, maintaining compliance with University and league/association requirements, representing the institution with professionalism, and contributing to the program’s growth within its competitive landscape. The position will establish a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture, setting clear standards for accountability, leadership, and student-athlete development while shaping the program’s identity and values. Responsibilities also include game management; participation in institutional events such as commencement; support of special events, including the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony; and other duties as assigned by athletic administration.  Although competition will begin in Fall 2027, the selected candidate will be hired in advance to recruit throughout the 2026–27 academic year and ensure the roster is in place for launch.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) along with prior coaching and recruiting experience, ideally in collegiate, club or junior hockey environments. Candidates should have experience building or growing a program, strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, and a commitment to academic excellence and holistic student-athlete development. Knowledge of league, institutional, and risk management policies within a club sport structure is preferred, along with the ability to effectively manage budgets and oversee all aspects of program operations. 

Relocation is available, and while this is primarily an on-campus position, a flexible work schedule is possible. FPU offers competitive wages and benefits packages, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b)-retirement plan through TIAA, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, educational benefits (for employees and qualifying dependents), pet insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, travel discounts, 160 hours of paid time off (PTO), additional paid sick time, and paid holidays. Candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references (references will not be checked until the finalist stage of the search). FPU is committed to enhancing the diversity of its community in many realms and is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Find out more at Franklin Pierce University.