Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

Position Summary The Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach will assist in the development and delivery of comprehensive sport performance programs for Rice University's NCAA Division I student‑athletes. Rice sponsors the following sport programs: Baseball Men's Track & Field / Cross Country Women's Track & Field / Cross Country Men's Tennis Women's Tennis Volleyball Women's Soccer Swimming & Diving Men's Golf Women's Golf Sport assignments will be determined based on departmental needs and the successful candidate's experience and strengths. Reporting to the Director of Olympic Sports Performance and Strength Training, the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach will design, implement, supervise, and evaluate evidence‑based strength and conditioning programs while supporting the mission and philosophy of Rice University Athletics. The candidate will work collaboratively with assigned coaching staffs, athletic trainers, sports medicine personnel, sports nutrition staff, sport‑science staff, and other members of the performance team to support student‑athlete development and performance. Workplace Requirements On‑campus position: This position is exclusively on‑site, requiring all duties to be performed in person. The position requires flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional team travel as assigned. Travel with assigned teams is expected. Prior to any team travel, the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach must consult with and receive approval from the Director of Olympic Sports Performance and Strength Training and ensure all responsibilities have been appropriately coordinated. Ideal Candidate Statement The successful candidate must communicate effectively and consistently with assigned coaching staffs regarding programming objectives, scheduling, athlete development, training modifications, performance metrics, and other performance‑related matters. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Performance, Physical Education, or a related field. 2+ years of collegiate, professional, private‑sector, or equivalent strength and conditioning experience. Current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA). Current CPR/AED certification. Preferences Master's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Performance, Sport Science, or a related field. Experience working with NCAA Division I student‑athletes. Experience independently managing assigned collegiate teams and serving as the primary strength and conditioning coach for those programs. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing periodized training programs. Experience conducting performance testing and athlete evaluations. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data management systems. Experience creating and maintaining athlete performance reports, dashboards, or monitoring systems using Microsoft Excel or similar data management platforms. Experience utilizing performance monitoring systems and objective athlete data to guide programming decisions. Experience collaborating within an integrated performance model, including sports medicine, sports science, nutrition, and sport coaching staffs. Demonstrated ability to learn, implement, and evaluate emerging technologies and performance tools. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple teams, schedules, and administrative responsibilities simultaneously. Essential Functions Program Design and Implementation Design, implement, supervise, and evaluate strength and conditioning programs for assigned teams and student‑athletes. Develop annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly training plans that align with sport demands and competition schedules. Modify training programs based on injury status, training age, performance goals, and individual athlete needs. Instruct and enforce proper exercise technique and weight‑room safety procedures. Motivate and educate student‑athletes to maximize performance and personal development. Adhere to industry‑accepted, scientifically supported methodologies and best practices. Athlete Assessment and Monitoring Conduct performance testing and evaluate results to support programming decisions. Assist with the collection, management, analysis, and reporting of athlete performance data. Monitor athlete readiness, fatigue, recovery, and training adaptations through objective and subjective measures. Develop and maintain athlete monitoring systems, reports, and performance dashboards. Maintain accurate athlete records, testing results, and training documentation. Evaluate and communicate program effectiveness through objective performance metrics. Collaboration and Communication Maintain regular and professional communication with assigned coaching staffs regarding athlete progress, program implementation, scheduling, and performance‑related matters. Work collaboratively with athletic trainers, sports medicine personnel, sports science staff, nutrition staff, and other performance team members. Participate in interdisciplinary discussions regarding athlete health, readiness, rehabilitation, and return‑to‑performance strategies. Communicate effectively with student‑athletes regarding training objectives, expectations, and performance outcomes. Facility and Department Operations Assist with daily operations of athletic performance facilities. Maintain equipment, cleanliness, organization, and safety standards. Assist with inventory management, equipment maintenance, and facility oversight. Support departmental initiatives, projects, camps, clinics, and special events as assigned. Administrative Responsibilities Maintain all required certifications and professional memberships. Complete reports, documentation, and administrative responsibilities in a timely manner. Adhere to all NCAA, American Athletic Conference, Rice University, and Department of Athletics policies and procedures. Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Coaching and Programming Knowledge of strength and conditioning principles and evidence‑based training methodologies. Ability to design and implement effective training programs for diverse athlete populations. Understanding of testing, monitoring, and performance‑evaluation processes. Ability to make sound programming decisions based on objective and subjective athlete data. Data and Technology Strong organizational and analytical skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and athlete data management. Ability to collect, organize, interpret, and communicate performance data. Ability to develop practical athlete monitoring systems that support decision‑making and athlete development. Demonstrated ability to learn, implement, and evaluate emerging technologies and performance tools. Communication and Leadership Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build positive working relationships with student‑athletes, assigned coaching staffs, and departmental personnel. Ability to effectively manage relationships with assigned coaching staffs while maintaining alignment with departmental performance standards and best practices. Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment. Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student‑centered environment. Professional Competencies Strong time‑management and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills. Initiative, adaptability, attention to detail, and ownership of assigned responsibilities. Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Physical Requirements Ability to demonstrate and teach exercise techniques. Ability to spot athletes during training activities. Ability to lift and move equipment. Ability to stand, walk, coach, and supervise training sessions for extended periods. Ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and assist injured individuals when necessary. Benefits Benefits information can be found at Rice University. Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at View email address on click.appcast.io for support. Contact If you have any additional questions, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle of Higher Education