Human Resources

Head Women's Basketball Coach

February 20, 2026

Lake Forest College, located just north of Chicago, invites applications for the full-time position of Head Women’s Basketball Coach. This role provides a comprehensive opportunity for an individual passionate about coaching, leadership, and student-athlete development within a highly selective liberal arts environment. The Head Women’s Basketball Coach is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the women’s basketball program while supporting the mission, goals, and procedures of the Department of Athletics and the College.

The position requires a strong on-campus presence, including evenings and weekends, and reports to the Director of Athletics.

We encourage applicants to outline their coaching philosophy and leadership approach in their application materials.

Coaching Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership and direction for all aspects of the women’s basketball program, including practice planning, game preparation, and in-game coaching.
  • Recruit, evaluate, and retain qualified student-athletes who align with the academic standards and values of Lake Forest College.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture that emphasizes personal growth, leadership development, sportsmanship, and academic success.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive annual plan for training, conditioning, skill development, and team performance.
  • Supervise assistant coaches and student staff, including hiring recommendations, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
  • Ensure compliance with all NCAA Division III, Midwest Conference, and institutional rules and regulations.

Administrative & Departmental Responsibilities:

  • Manage the women’s basketball program budget, including travel planning, purchasing, and reconciliation of expenses.
  • Coordinate team travel, scheduling, and logistics in collaboration with the athletics administration.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to recruiting, compliance, and student-athlete records.
  • Collaborate with athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports information, admissions, and academic support staff to enhance the student-athlete experience.
  • Participate actively in athletics department meetings, professional development opportunities, and campus events.
  • Support departmental initiatives, including fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach efforts.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Prior collegiate coaching experience required; head coaching experience preferred.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to student-athlete academic success and holistic development.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented, fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
  • Knowledge of NCAA Division III philosophy and compliance standards.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000

Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

Review of applications begins immediately. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, and references to athleticsearches@lakeforest.edu.

Lake Forest College is a highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore with a current enrollment of approximately 1,750 students from over 40 states and more than 100 countries. It is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with nearly 40% of our student body comprised of domestic minority and international students and consistently ranked as one of America’s top liberal arts colleges. Learn more about Lake Forest College’s recognition as a top-tier college.

The College sponsors 25 intercollegiate varsity sport programs with approximately 500 student-athletes competing annually. Lake Forest is a member of NCAA Division III, the Midwest Conference (MWC), the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA), and the United States Handball Association (USHA). The College is an affiliate member of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) for men’s and women’s golf and the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) for men’s and women’s lacrosse. Learn more about Forester Athletics.

Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. For more information about Lake Forest College, visit www.lakeforest.edu.