Head Strength & Conditioning Coach

The Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is a twelve-month full-time position responsible for the development and administration of individualized speed and strength conditioning programs for all UChicago varsity athletic teams to optimize performance. This includes monitoring training sessions and tracking progress. Advises head coaches in conditioning and evaluates various components of fitness in the athletes. Assists athletic trainers in developing rehabilitation programs for injured athletes. The position reports to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance. The successful candidate will be committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for designing and implementing year-round strength training and conditioning programs for varsity teams in collaboration with head coaches.
• Hires and supervises the strength and conditioning coaches and works with those positions to design and implement strength and conditioning programs for 20 varsity intercollegiate programs for pre-season, in-season, and off-season periods.
• Schedules cardio and weight training spaces and sessions for varsity teams.
• Motivates, monitors, and directs safe and effective training programs for team and individual workouts.
• Teaches proper technique for all lifts and movement training.
• Collaborates with athletic trainers to effectively train teams and accommodate injured student-athletes.
• Supports the education of student-athletes regarding supplements, nutrition, sleep, and other healthy living practices with guidance from the athletic training room.
• Ensures all strength and conditioning activities are conducted in accordance with the highest standards of safety, risk management, and injury prevention in accordance with NCAA Legislation.
• Assists in the development and implementation of new wellness and injury prevention initiatives.
• Communicates and collaborates with a variety of individuals, including the sports medicine staff, coaches, administrators, and various offices on campus, providing wellness events and services.
• Maintains appropriate documentation related to all operations and relevant sections of department handbooks and Sports Medicine Handbook, including periodic reports on program status, injury trends, and compliance.
• Oversees the maintenance and safe operation of all strength and conditioning equipment; works with athletics facilities lead to evaluate, acquire, and maintain appropriate equipment.
• Utilizes performance technology and data analytics to assess, monitor, and improve individual and team athletic performance.
• Develops positive mentoring relationships with all student-athletes to enhance their individual strength and conditioning.
• Supports the recruitment process by meeting with potential student-athletes and their families, providing information about the strength and conditioning philosophy and support resources, as requested.
• Engages in departmental, university, and community outreach efforts, such as open houses, camps, clinics, and public relations events as requested.
• Demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, and fosters an environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Commits to continued professional development through attendance at clinics, workshops, and other educational opportunities.
• Maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism in all interactions.
• Assists in all aspects of the varsity intercollegiate athletic training program with a moderate level of direction.
• Abides by all regulations, policies, and procedures of the NCAA, UAA, and UChicago.
• Provides extra support for students outside the normal classroom hours, including tutorials, academic counseling, and guidance services.
• Participates in staff meetings and a range of social and academic program events.
• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  

Education:

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, exercise science, or related field.
• Master’s degree.
  
  

Experience:

• Experience working as a coach, assistant coach, or intern in the field of strength and conditioning.
• Prior experience in higher education.
• Supervisory experience and experience working with strength and conditioning software/technologies.
  
  

Certifications:

• Certified in strength and conditioning by NSCA, CSCS, or CSCCA.
• Must maintain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
  
  

Technical Skills Or Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of and commitment to NCAA DIII rules, including sports medicine best practices.
• Experience utilizing data analytics, performance tracking, and technology in strength and conditioning.
  
  

Preferred Competences

• Ability to organize and prioritize work, take initiative, resolve problems, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills: listening, verbal, written, and interpersonal.
• Ability to analyze movement, make corrections, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to set annual goals and work towards achieving them.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Twelve-month, full-time position.
• Flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings.
• Ability to bend, crouch, or stoop.
• Ability to carry or lift loads of 50 to 99 lbs.
• Ability to use computers extensively for 2 to 4 hours.
• Ability to operate equipment necessary to perform job.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical exertion at times.
• Ability to push/pull objects of 50 to 99 lbs.
• Ability to travel to various off-campus and on-campus locations.
• Ability to use standard work station and office equipment.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• List of Three Professional References (preferred)
  
  

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.