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

This position specifically supports the Department and University’s mission by supporting the Sports Performance Director of Olympic Sports and their respective coaches in enhancing the speed, strength, and conditioning of our 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 to create a positive student-athlete experience and healthy team dynamics/culture that fosters high student-athlete retention.
• Cultivates 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) and to meet annual performance objectives established by the Sports Performance Director of Olympic Sports.

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.

• Works with all Athletic Department Offices in processing of administrative functions and paperwork related to overseeing the assigned athletic program(s).    
• Works with the Associate AD for Facilities, Operations & Events 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.

• As a member of a Division I program for the University of Massachusetts, assistant coaches need to represent their school 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 monitor their adherence to rules and regulations concerning conduct, appearance, and punctuality.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Understands the University shall annually evaluate their performance based upon the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
• Serves on Department and University committees as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one (1) year of strength and conditioning coaching experience required.

• 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 a certificate from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association 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

• Balancing, carrying, pulling, pushing, standing, repetitive movements, bending, travel to other campuses, climbing, reaching, sitting, twisting and lifting.

Additional Details

• This position is designated as essential personnel.   

Work Schedule

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

Salary Information

UMass Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $47,709 - $71,489 for this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants

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

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/528910/sports-performance-coach