Athletic Training - Head Strength and Conditioning ...

Working at Cedarville University is more than a job, it's a calling. A call to help equip students to go into the world and do great things for the Kingdom. A call to use the gifts God has given you to make the most of every day. A call to work as unto the Lord. God is doing great things at Cedarville University and we are excited for you to be part of it.When applying, please include a resume/CV and cover letter in PDF format. Additional documents will be requested if needed. Please do not submit documents that include dates of birth, social security numbers, or that require password access. Cedarville University invites applications for a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the Athletic Training Department. This is a full-time, exempt staff position (2,080 hours annually) reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Training and Sport Performance. The Strength & Conditioning Coach is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive, evidence-based performance program designed to maximize student-athlete potential and minimize injury risk. This position plays a vital role in advancing the holistic development of Cedarville University student-athletes-physically, mentally, and spiritually-by fostering a culture of hard work, accountability, and competitive excellence. Working collaboratively with athletic trainers, coaches, and the sports medicine staff, the strength and conditioning coach designs and delivers progressive training programs that enhance sport performance, support recovery, and promote lifelong wellness. The successful candidate will model professionalism, prioritize safety, and contribute to the overall mission and values of the athletic department and institution. This position is designated for the 26/27 FY to start on/about July 1, 2026. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:Design, implement, and monitor year-round strength and conditioning programs tailored to each sport, season phase (offseason, preseason, in-season, postseason), and individual athlete needs. Lead and coach group and individual training sessions in the weight room, turf, and on-field environments; provide clear instruction and hands-on guidance for proper technique. Manage the scheduling of all organized activities in the weight room as well as student workers. Coordinate with athletic trainers on athlete rehabilitation protocols and modify programs safely for injured or returning athletes. Conduct individualized assessments of athletes' movement patterns, mobility, stability, and strength to identify potential areas of imbalance or injury risk. Collaborate with head coaches to align training priorities with sport-specific objectives, practice planning, and competition schedules. Conduct performance testing (e.g., vertical jump, sprint times, strength assessments), track athlete progress, and provide data-driven feedback to coaches and athletes. Develop and deliver education sessions on injury prevention, recovery, nutrition basics, sleep, and sport psychology topics relevant to performance. Periodically re-evaluate and re-test athletes to measure improvements in strength, speed, power, endurance, and movement efficiency; use data to inform future program design. Design sport-specific warm-up, mobility, and recovery protocolsto be implemented during practices, travel, and competitions. Supervise and mentor student interns, graduate assistants, and work-study students assigned to the strength & conditioning program. Ensure the strength & conditioning facility(s) are maintained, clean, and safe; manage equipment inventory, ordering, and basic maintenance. Promote and enforce policies related to safety, NCAA rules, facility access, and student-athlete conduct. Assist with recruiting visits and prospective student-athlete evaluations as requested by coaching staff (in compliance with NCAA rules). Maintain accurate records: training plans, attendance, testing results, medical clearances, and incident reports. Work occasional nights, weekends, and travel with teams as required by the athletic calendar. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Assist with game-day operationsor event management for home athletic contests as assigned. Support departmental initiatives such as camps, clinics, community engagement events, or fundraising activities. Participate in student-athlete recruitment activities (e.g., campus tours, meetings with prospective athletes) when requested by coaching staff. Assist with data entry and analysis for athletic performance, wellness, or injury tracking systems. Attend professional development opportunities, conferences, and certifications to stay current with trends in sports performance. Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Training and Sport Performance. REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, or closely related field. Certification from a recognized strength & conditioning organization (e.g., CSCS from NSCA, SCCC, CSCCa (or ability to obtain within a set timeframe - specify if required) Strong knowledge of periodization, program design, biomechanics, and evidence-based strength & conditioning principles. Proficient in coaching technique for Olympic lifts, power development, speed mechanics, plyometrics, and conditioning modalities. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; ability to build rapport with student-athletes and coaching staff. Current CPR/AED and first aid certification (or willingness to obtain). Ability to pass background checks and comply with institutional employment requirements. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMinimum 2 years of relevant experience working with collegiate or high-performance athletes; experience across multiple sports preferred. Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sport Performance, or related field. Experience working at the collegiate level, particularly NCAA Division II. Experience with performance testing software, athlete management systems, and data analysis. Familiarity with sport nutrition principles and coordinating with sports dietitians. Experience supervising interns/assistants and running student employee programs. Understanding of NCAA compliance related to recruiting and contact time. REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES: The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to demonstrate Olympic and traditional strength training lifts as well as perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively.The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.We Offer an Exceptional Employee Experience:A commitment to Scripture that informs everything we do -transforming lives through excellent education and equipping students to stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. We are a mission-led, Christian institution with numerous opportunities for your growth and contributions.An excellent and comprehensive employee benefits program for eligible employees and their families.Meaningful Christian community and fellowship among students, faculty, and staff.A beautiful, well-maintained campus with modern facilities in the serene, family-oriented town of Cedarville, Ohio.Free access to our first-class Athletic and Recreation Facilities.Free employee parking.Free access to Centennial Library campus resources.Campus Bookstore and Campus Dining Hall discounts.Opportunities to foster growth through chapel and other university-sponsored events.Opportunities to share the gospel worldwide through Global Outreach mission trips.General inquires should be directed to Teresa Day,Director of Staffing. This position is subject to the University's verification of credentials and other information required by law and Cedarville University policies, including the successful completion of a criminal history investigation. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Cedarville University is an equal opportunity employer.

Created: 2026-04-02