Director, Sport Performance and Wellness

About the Role

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Athletics seeks a Director of Sport Performance & Wellness to lead and manage the newly formed Sport Performance & Wellness area. This role provides strategic oversight of data collection and integration to enhance the safety and performance of student-athletes. The Director will oversee the Strength & Conditioning unit, advise coaches on data-driven programming, and collaborate with Athletic Training to support student-athlete wellbeing. This position designs and implements strength and conditioning sessions for Division I hockey programs.

Founded in 1824, RPI is the first technological research university in the United States, known for blending creativity, science, and technology to address societal challenges. Located on a 275-acre campus in Troy, NY, RPI offers state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, makerspaces, and the IBM Quantum System One.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of sport-related data and wearable technology used across the athletic department, ensuring coaches, student-athletes, and staff are trained in data-driven training cycles.
• Present annual reports on data results, student-athlete performance, and programming enhancements to head coaches and the director of athletics.
• Supervise, direct, and guide the strength and conditioning staff, including best practices for athlete performance and recovery.
• Prepare guidelines for interns and others working in the strength and conditioning unit.
• Educate student-athletes on proper techniques for weightlifting, plyometrics, speed development, conditioning, and agility movements.
• Design monthly educational sessions for staff on industry trends and ensure certifications are maintained.
• Coordinate wellness support for Division I student-athletes, including mental health, nutrition, and strength and conditioning, in alignment with NCAA Student-Athlete Core Guarantees.
• Collaborate with external partners to provide support in areas such as Sport Psychology or Sport Mental Performance.
• Maintain open communication with Athletic Training staff regarding rehabilitation and reinstatement of student-athletes.
• Serve as a member of the Athletic Department Senior Staff, advising on strategic direction and advocating for student-athlete wellbeing.
• Participate in campus committees supporting student-athlete initiatives.
• Maintain up-to-date manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Strength & Conditioning and Data Analytics.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the athletic department’s mission.

Requirements

• 3+ years as a head coach in strength and conditioning or in a professional sport setting supporting athlete development.
• Working knowledge of ice hockey.
• Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification and/or NSCA Certification.
• Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Skills

• Experience or certification in sport-related nutrition.
• Knowledge of strength training, speed, agility, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning.
• Familiarity with NCAA regulations and guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate high-performing student-athletes.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional contacts for program effectiveness.
• Knowledge of sport-related data tools, including Catapult, Velocity-Based Training, and wearables.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituents.
• Proficiency in designing and enforcing safety procedures.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet established goals.
• Strong administrative and decision-making skills.

Schedule

Primarily business hours, with occasional evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours required based on student-athlete training needs, competition schedules, and departmental priorities.

Travel is a significant component of the position (greater than 25%), including team travel, athletic events, professional development, and other department-related commitments. Incidental driving may be required.

Pay

Expected hiring range: $80,000 - $85,000. The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors including available budget, internal equity, and the candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials.

Benefits

RPI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off program.
• Tuition remission.
• Opportunities for career growth.
• Comprehensive health and welfare program, including affordable benefits and retiree medical/prescription plans.

For more information, visit RPI Benefits.