Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

About the Department

Primary Function:
The Head Strength and Conditioning Coach will design and deliver evidence-based strength, speed, agility, mobility, and recovery programs for 26 NCAA Division III varsity teams. The role includes year-round program design and periodization, team and small-group coaching, athlete testing and monitoring, facility and equipment oversight, and NCAA/institutional compliance.

This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work to be accomplished are discussed with the supervisor. The staff member is expected to independently carry out position duties and understand what is expected and how to do it.

Position Appointment Details:

• Career Band: AT3

• 10 Month position, appointment schedule is August-May

• Full-Time

Position Duties

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Design and Coaching

• Design, implement, and progress sport- and position-specific training using sound periodization principles across in-season, off-season, and transition phases.

• Coach safe, effective technique in strength training, Olympic lifting progressions, speed/agility mechanics, mobility, and energy system development.

• Integrate recovery education (sleep, hydration, monitoring) and collaborate internally with athletic trainers on return-to-play.

Athlete Monitoring and Testing

• Establish testing batteries and KPIs (strength, power, speed, movement quality); collect and analyze data to inform programming and coach feedback.

• Track attendance, training load, and progression; maintain accurate records and reporting.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with all head coaches to align performance goals with technical/tactical plans and practice demands.

• Coordinate daily with staff athletic trainers on injury prevention, training modifications, and RTP protocols.

• Communicate expectations clearly; model Sewanee’s values in a liberal arts, DIII environment.

Facility and Equipment Management

• Oversee daily operation, scheduling, safety, and cleanliness of strength and conditioning spaces, including current weight room(s).

• Contribute to the successful launch and ongoing operations of the Fowler Center weight/conditioning facility; assist with layout, workflows, and transition plans.

• Manage equipment inventory, maintenance, and lifecycle planning; recommend purchases within budget guidelines.

Education and Culture

• Deliver fundamental performance nutrition education; connect student-athletes with campus resources as available.

• Foster an inclusive, positive, and disciplined training environment for diverse teams and learning styles.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to NCAA, conference, and institutional policies.

• Maintain emergency action readiness; uphold industry safety standards.

Administration

• Schedule team training across 26 sports and coordinate facility access.

• Recruit, train, and supervise student workers and volunteers (as available).

• Support department initiatives, camps/clinics, admissions/recruiting events, and special projects as assigned

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to demonstrate and coach lifts and movement patterns; regularly lift/move up to 50 lbs and occasionally 75+ lbs.

• Prolonged standing, spotting, and active floor coaching in a high-energy environment.

• Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and select holidays to meet team schedules; occasional team travel may be required

• Primary work in athletic facilities with regular exposure to noise and athletic activity; adherence to all safety protocols and EAPs required.

Judgment Required:

Performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon independent ingenuity and developmental efforts.

Budgetary Responsibility:

Analyzes budgetary data and develops budget proposals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor's Degree; preferably in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:
2-4+ years of collegiate strength & conditioning coaching experience. NCAA Division III experience valued. 

Job-Related Skills:

• Experience with athlete monitoring technologies (e.g., VBT, force platforms, GPS/HR) and data-informed decision-making
• Experience launching or transitioning into a new weight room/performance facility

Other Qualifications

Confidential Information:
HIPAA compliance essential

Working Environment:
Indoor/Outdoor

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to walk for extended periods of time
• Must be able to crawl and or kneel
• Must be able to push and/or pull objects
• Must be able to use feet for repetitive tasks
• Must be able to use hands for repetitive tasks
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds (Sedentary work)
• Must be able to carry up to 10 pounds (Sedentary work)
• Must be able to lift between 11-20 pounds (Light work)
• Must be able to carry between 11-20 pounds (Light work)
• Must be able to lift between 21-50 pounds (Medium work)
• Must be able to carry between 21-50 pounds (Medium work)
• Must be able to lift between 51-100 pounds (Heavy work)