Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

About the role

The Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive strength, speed, agility, and conditioning program for all athletic teams. This role focuses on enhancing athlete performance, preventing injuries, and promoting safe training practices, while fostering discipline, teamwork, and a culture of excellence. The coach will collaborate closely with sport coaches, athletic trainers, and other performance staff to tailor programs to each sport’s unique demands and to individual student‑athletes’ needs. Administrative duties include scheduling, budget management, equipment maintenance, and compliance with all institutional expectations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strength and conditioning programs for 120 athletes across 8 sports.
• Demonstrate proper form for exercises, ensure athlete safety during team lifts, and utilize assessment tools to track progress.
• Remain up to date on strength and conditioning best practices, trends, and certifications.
• Assist in scheduling strength sessions around athletes' practices and ensure availability for university students' use.
• Maintain strong communication and working relationship with the Athletic Training team to ensure athlete safety and assist with return‑to‑play care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in kinesiology or related field.
• One year of strength and conditioning experience.
• In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of training techniques, strategies, regulations, and best practices at the collegiate level.
• Strong knowledge of NAIA and Sun Conference compliance requirements, eligibility rules, and reporting expectations.
• Understanding of student‑athlete development, academic support practices, and safe training standards.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to instruct, motivate, and mentor student‑athletes.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and teamwork.

Required certifications

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Schedule

This position is salaried and exempt. The normal work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; however, many nights and weekends may be required.

Pay

Target hiring salary: $60,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Florida Poly qualified employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package administered through the State of Florida’s People First program, including:

• Health benefits: flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and workers’ compensation (pre‑tax insurance plans).
• Retirement: required selection of a state plan plus voluntary retirement plan options.
• Annual leave: qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave plus paid university holidays per policy FPU‑1.008.
• Sick leave: qualified employees may accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in the Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounts & perks.

Location / Work model

Full‑time, on‑site at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Florida (along I‑4 between Tampa and Orlando). Employment‑based visa sponsorship will not be considered for this position.