Assistant Coach - Sports Performance

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Assistant Coach - Sports Performance supports the Department and University’s mission by supporting the Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Performance, Health and Wellness and their respective coaches in enhancing the speed, strength, and conditioning of student-athletes through the use of sport specific, scientifically based training programs.

Essential Functions

• Devotes their full time, attention, and energies to their duties as Sports Performance Coach of assigned athletic team(s).
• Complies fully with the rules, regulations, and policies of the University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and any and all conferences in which the assigned athletic team(s) participate, and takes every reasonable precaution to ensure that all members of the assigned athletic team’s staff and student athletes comply fully with such rules, regulations and policies. Sports Performance Coach understands they are subject to all applicable disciplinary or corrective actions as set forth in the NCAA enforcement procedures as they may be amended from time to time.
• Assists the Head Coach in creating a positive student-athlete experience and healthy team dynamics/culture that foster high student-athlete retention.
• Uses reasonable efforts to cultivate a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strives to recruit and retain student-athletes with multifaceted backgrounds, skillsets, and passions.
• Uses reasonable efforts to foster success in competition of the assigned athletic team(s).
• Uses reasonable efforts to meet annual performance objectives established by the Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Experience.
• Understands the University shall annually evaluate their performance based upon the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Assistant Coach - Sports Performance supports the Department and University’s mission by supporting the Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Performance, Health and Wellness and their respective coaches in enhancing the speed, strength, and conditioning of student-athletes through the use of sport specific, scientifically based training programs.

Essential Functions

• Devotes their full time, attention, and energies to their duties as Sports Performance Coach of assigned athletic team(s).
• Complies fully with the rules, regulations, and policies of the University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and any and all conferences in which the assigned athletic team(s) participate, and takes every reasonable precaution to ensure that all members of the assigned athletic team’s staff and student athletes comply fully with such rules, regulations and policies. Sports Performance Coach understands they are subject to all applicable disciplinary or corrective actions as set forth in the NCAA enforcement procedures as they may be amended from time to time.
• Assists the Head Coach in creating a positive student-athlete experience and healthy team dynamics/culture that foster high student-athlete retention.
• Uses reasonable efforts to cultivate a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strives to recruit and retain student-athletes with multifaceted backgrounds, skillsets, and passions.
• Uses reasonable efforts to foster success in competition of the assigned athletic team(s).
• Uses reasonable efforts to meet annual performance objectives established by the Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Experience.
• Understands the University shall annually evaluate their performance based upon the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

Additional Department Expectations

• Ensures that proper safety procedures are followed by all student-athletes (all coaches must be certified in CPR and first aid).
• Works with athletics trainers and physicians as needed to implement team wellness and conditioning programs.
• Supports direction head coach gives to the Sports Performance coach as to the desired training goals.
• Responsible for working with all Athletic Department Offices in processing of administrative functions and paperwork related to overseeing the assigned athletic program(s).
• Works with the Assistant AD for Facilities in the advising, planning, and implementation of pertinent facility management and maintenance for equipment and facilities.
• Attends conventions, conferences, and clinics consistent with Department and University policies.
• Serves on Department and University committees as assigned.
• As a member of a Division I program for the University of Massachusetts, represents the University and program in a manner that supports the mission of the University. Speaking engagements, instructional clinics, development efforts, and community relation programs need to reflect a professional and positive impression to the media or general public.
• Works with student-athletes and monitors their adherence to rules and regulations concerning conduct, appearance, and punctuality.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one year of strength and conditioning coaching experience.
• Ability to work weekends and nights.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the physiological principles and various philosophies of the profession.
• Demonstrated evidence of ability to teach various constituencies about strength and conditioning principles.
• Required to have or be working towards a certificate from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, USA Weightlifting, or International Sport Sciences Association.
• Moderate to high movement and activity required; responsibilities include extended periods of standing.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

One year of strength and conditioning coaching experience at the intercollegiate level.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Moderate to high movement and activity required; responsibilities include extended periods of standing.
• Balancing, carrying, pulling, pushing, standing, repetitive movements, bending, travel to other campuses, climbing, reaching, sitting, twisting and lifting.

Additional Details

The position is typically for one year, with the possibility of reappointment.

Work Schedule

Varied schedule based on the demands of the position. Nights, weekends and holidays are required.

Salary Information

Salary commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

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