Virginia Polo Head Coach & General Manager
Position Summary
The Head Polo Coach and General Manager is responsible for the overall management and success of the Virginia Polo program, including coaching the men’s and women’s intercollegiate teams and ensuring the safe, efficient, and professional operation and maintenance of the equestrian facilities (barns, pastures, arenas, and related equipment). This is a vital position requiring high-level horsemanship, polo coaching expertise, and practical facilities management experience. This is a year-round position, with a more intense schedule during the collegiate academic year.
Head Polo Coach and General Manager Responsibilities
Reports To: Chairman of the Board of Directors
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time
Location: Charlottesville, VA
A. Program Leadership & Coaching
Serve as the Head Coach for the Men's and Women's Intercollegiate Polo teams.
Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive training program, including riding skills, strategy, and rules. Provide real-time feedback to players.
Coordinate and oversee all practices, scrimmages, and intercollegiate competitions, including travel logistics.
Foster a culture of sportsmanship, academic excellence, and teamwork among student athletes.
Operate the Virginia Polo program and facility in a safe manner for all student-athletes, visitors and horses.
Oversee the Club and Interscholastic/Youth polo programs which are offered by Virginia Polo and led by the Assistant Coach.
Represent Virginia Polo as it relates to USPA Interscholastic/Intercollegiate (I/I) matters. Develop strong relationships within USPA in support of Virginia Polo.
Ensure the polo program adheres to all University of Virginia and USPA-I/I rules, regulations and safety guidelines.
B. Student-Athlete Development & Recruitment
Actively and ethically recruit prospective student-athletes.
Support the academic progress and personal well-being of all student-athletes in the program. Offer mentorship to all participants.
Lead team selection, training, and development of all players.
Support Assistant Coach with growth of Club membership levels.
Develop leadership skills among student-athletes by fostering a student-run program, including a student executive team which will manage the Virginia Polo Team profit and loss.
Develop strong relationships across the University of Virginia community, including the Admissions team.
C. Revenue Generation / Events
Develop, schedule and manage polo events held at the Virginia Polo Center as a revenue generation strategy, including summer polo clinics, various tournaments and fundraising events.
Actively solicit suitable horse donations.
Develop strong relationships with parents, supporters and neighbors of Virginia Polo.
Support the Board and the Fundraising and Communications Committees with fundraising efforts.
Work closely with the USPA to identify opportunities to leverage available services and resources.
D. Budget & Administration
Develop and manage the annual polo program budget. This includes revenue generation, horse-related expenses, operational expenses, and general & administrative costs.
Maintain an optimal number of horses that are necessary for a successful program for both the Varsity and Club participants including the acquisition, maintenance and retirement of horses, while managing operating / horse-related expenses.
E. Staff
Manage the Assistant Coach/Barn Manager. Support that position to ensure the care and well-being of all horses.
Support the Assistant Coach with the Club program as needed. Ensure the Virginia Polo Club program participants have a rewarding experience.
Provide the Assistant Coach regular meaningful feedback on performance with a focus on developing growth of that position.
Recruit, train, and supervise staff, student workers, and volunteers.
Work closely with the Board and Fundraising and Communications staff to facilitate Virginia Polo programs and communications.
F. Facilities & Grounds Maintenance
Manage the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of all equestrian facilities, including barns, stalls, tack rooms, indoor/outdoor arenas, and fencing.
Develop and implement a preventative maintenance schedule for farm equipment (tractors, mowers, arena dragging equipment, vehicles, etc.) and coordinate repairs as needed.
Oversee pasture management.
Manage the relationship with lessee of grass field.
Ensure a clean, safe, and professional environment for student-athletes, staff, horses, and visitors at all times, meeting all University safety protocols.
Serve as the primary liaison with external contractors and vendors (e.g., landscapers, electricians, builders).
Qualifications Minimum Requirements
Minimum of seven (7) years of coaching intercollegiate or high-level club polo (or equivalent competitive polo riding/coaching experience).
Minimum of three (3) years of management experience in an equestrian, farm, or facilities setting.
Expert knowledge of horse care, health, lameness, and general husbandry.
Proven ability to safely operate and maintain farm equipment (e.g., tractors, trailers, mowers).
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and the ability to operate a truck and horse trailer.
Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
Valid SafeSport certification.
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
CDL license
Experience managing facility budgets and capital projects
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays for practices, games, and emergency facility needs.
Ability to work in all weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (e.g., feed bags, hay bales).
Requires a high level of physical activity, including riding, leading horses, bending, lifting, and prolonged standing.
Virginia Polo, Inc. ("Virginia Polo") is an equal opportunity employer. Virginia Polo will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical condition), disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, citizenship, or any other class protected by applicable law.