What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach position at Gilmour Academy?
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Position Scope:
The Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is responsible for leading and overseeing strength and conditioning programs for all sports to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and support overall athlete development.
Key responsibilities include designing and implementing training programs in accordance with established strength and conditioning principles and NSCA guidelines; supervising training sessions, evaluating athlete performance, collaborating with coaches and sports medicine staff, and maintaining athlete records. The Head Strength and Conditioning Coach also oversees the safe and professional operation of the strength and conditioning facility, including the development and enforcement of facility policies and procedures.
Program Design & Implementation:
-
Design, implement, and evaluate individualized and team strength and conditioning programs for all interscholastic sports pre, during, and post-seasons.
-
Conduct annual needs analysis for each sport in collaboration with sport coaches and athletic trainers at the conclusion of each season.
-
Establish and maintain performance testing protocols to evaluate athlete progress and guide program adjustments.
-
Supervise training sessions to ensure programming reflects current best practices in sports science and athlete development.
Staff Leadership & Mentorship:
-
Work with the Athletic Director to hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop all strength and conditioning staff, including assistant coaches and weight room personnel.
-
Establish clear performance expectations, operational protocols, and professional standards for all department staff.
-
Facilitate ongoing professional development through certifications, continuing education, and training opportunities.
Collaboration and Communication:
-
Serve as the primary liaison between strength and conditioning, sport coaches, sports medicine staff, athletic trainers, and school administration.
-
Collaborate with sports medicine staff on rehabilitation programming and return-to-play protocols.
-
Maintain ongoing communication with coaches to assess athlete and team needs and adjust programming accordingly.
Facility, Safety, and Risk Management:
-
Oversee daily operations of the strength and conditioning facility, including equipment inventory, maintenance, and emergency action planning.
-
Develop, implement, and annually review a departmental risk management plan aligned with National Strength and Conditioning Association standards.
-
Enforce facility safety protocols and student - athlete conduct expectations in alignment with the schools Student Code of Conduct.
-
Ensure all staff maintain current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
Academic and Co-Curricular Integration:
-
Work with the Athletic Director to design and instruct curricular strength and conditioning courses as needed.
-
Develop and oversee a co-curricular introductory strength and conditioning program for grades 6-8 aligned with long-term athlete development principles.
Administrative Responsibilities:
-
Maintain accurate records of attendance, performance testing, and program outcomes.
-
Ensure departmental compliance with school policies and applicable professional standards.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
-
Advanced knowledge of exercise science, biomechanics, strength training principles, and long-term athletic development models.
-
Expertise in designing and implementing multi-sport training programs, including Olympic lifting, strength development, speed, agility, plyometrics, and corrective exercise.
-
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate staff in a high - performance environment.
-
Strong organizational and decision-making skills in managing high - volume, multisport training operations.
-
Ability to design and apply athlete testing and performance monitoring systems to guide program decisions.
-
Strong communication and collaboration skills across coaches, athletic trainers, administrators, students, and families.
-
Knowledge of facility safety standards, risk management practices, and emergency action procedures.
-
Proficiency with athlete management and performance tracking systems.
-
Ability to establish and maintain a high - performance training culture grounded in safety, accountability, and development.
Qualifications:
-
Bachelors degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Performance, or related field required
-
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) - NSCA, active and in good standing.
-
Current CPR/AED certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
-
Current First Aid Certification.
Experience:
-
3-5 years of progressive strength and conditioning experience (high school or collegiate preferred)
-
Demonstrated experience in program design, staff supervision, and facility management.
-
Experience working with high school student-athletes preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to demonstrate training techniques and supervise athletes across all training environments. Requires prolonged standing and movement, visual monitoring of athletes, and the ability to lift and move equipment. Duties include squatting, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs, and active facility supervision.