Fitness Coach Jobs in Illinois

University of Illinois at Chicago

Head Coach, Women’s Tennis – Intercollegiate Athletics

Hiring Department: Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041663

Posting Close Date: July 1, 2026

Salary range (commensurate with experience): $65,000 to $85,000 / Annual Salary

Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications and budget constraints.

About UIC

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

About UIC Athletics

UIC is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), distinguished by its robust academic, research, and health programs. Its state-of-the-art athletic facilities are considered best in class within the MVC and Division I. UIC remains committed to enhancing these facilities to support student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) aims to develop student-athletes academically, socially, and athletically while boosting UIC’s national athletic profile. In the spirit of Chicago’s rich sports culture, the DIA recruits diverse, high-performing student-athletes and strives for excellence in competition, academics, and sportsmanship across its 18 Division I teams.

Life-Changing Impact

Our work at the University of Illinois Chicago and UIC Athletics transforms lives through research, teaching, and public service, creating meaningful impact for our students, the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and communities around the world.

Culture of Champions

UIC Athletics is committed to Champions by leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a leading public research university and employer in higher education.

In the Heart of Chicago

Located in one of the world’s great cities, UIC provides access to Chicago’s rich cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, renowned arts and dining, professional sports, and a robust public transportation system, along with easy connections throughout Illinois and the Midwest.

A Place for Everyone

UIC is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds are welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Position Summary:

The Head Coach for Women’s Tennis is responsible for the development, implementation, and promotion of a successful sport program. Responsibilities include hiring staff, building a schedule, adhering to a budget, and following University, NCAA, and Missouri Valley Conference rules and policies. Duties also include recruiting, retaining and training student-athletes and ensuring they are following their degree plans. The head coach contributes to a collaborative, respectful and positive organization culture. The person shall be required to exercise independent judgement, to make decisions, to work with and exercise stewardship over students, and to function as a member of the athletics department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coach and train the members of the team during practice and competitions.
• Assess skills and instruct athletes on technique.
• Oversee the recruitment of prospective student-athletes.
• Identify, evaluate, contact and meet student-athletes and parents.
• Set-up campus visits and attend competitions to observe prospects.
• Organize, plan, and schedule daily practices and drills.
• Implement plan for game preparation; determine game strategy.
• Collaborate with athletic staff and university faculty to monitor academic progress of student-athletes to ensure that athletics eligibility and academic standards are maintained.
• Schedule competitions and develop travel plans.
• Manage budget.
• Develop and promote summer camps.
• Participate in fund raising and alumni relation activities.
• Adhere to all University, Missouri Valley Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.
• Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met.
• Hire, train, develop, and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, education, or in related fields
• Direct Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
• CPR and safety certifications
• Minimum of five or more years of athletic coaching experience
• Strong interpersonal, management and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree

Application Instructions:

For fullest consideration, applicants should apply by June 24, 2026 and submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (C.V.), and the names and contact information for at least three professional references. All materials must be submitted through the online application system at:

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation