Director of Sports Performance

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The primary duty of the Director of Sports Performance is to teach, train, and develop the physical performance of Ave Maria University student-athletes through comprehensive strength and conditioning programming.

The Director will oversee the planning, implementation, and administration of all aspects of the strength and conditioning program for assigned sports while leading the development and execution of a standardized athletic department fitness model. This includes establishing department-wide performance standards, implementing consistent fitness testing and evaluation protocols, tracking student-athlete development, and collaborating with sport coaches to ensure training aligns with the University's philosophy of athletic excellence.

The Director will provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to student-athletes, serving as a positive role model while fostering a culture of discipline, accountability, and competitive excellence. The Director will also promote collaboration among coaching staffs to ensure consistency in performance expectations and will uphold the mission and values of Ave Maria University, creating a positive image for the University's sports performance program.

Primary Duties:

• Providing a collegiate sports performance program that assists in student-athlete development.
• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, establishing individual and team strength and conditioning training for various assigned sport programs operating within the university athletic facilities. 
• Implementation of team and individual programs for student-athletes during the in-season and off-season, day-to-day operations of weight room, supervision of student staff and completing all necessary record keeping.
• Develop and execute practice plans that will prepare the teams physically and mentally for competition.
• Provide technical skill instruction to aid in the development of the student athlete’s strength and conditioning.
• Train and coach current student-athletes in proper weight training and strength and conditioning practices.
• Conduct individual training sessions with student-athletes geared at skill and strength development.
• Counsel and advise coaching staff and student-athletes on various components of the sports performance program.

Secondary Duties:

• Direct and plan an organized, competitive and fiscally sound program.
• Manage the intercollegiate athletic department strength and conditioning equipment.
• Monitor equipment inventory for the strength and conditioning department and schedule maintenance when necessary.
• Monitor budget for weight room. Research and make recommendations for purchase of new equipment when needed.
• Adhere to all athletic department and NAIA Compliance rules and regulations.
• Attend all necessary University and Department meetings. Maintain awareness and understanding of all NAIA Compliance rules especially regarding voluntary summer programs.
• In conjunction with Athletic Training staff, coordinate and execute rehabilitation and maintenance programs for student-athletes.
• Hire and supervise student work-study employees for the weight room if required and approved. Oversee and schedule all weight room activities. Provide leadership, supervision, planning and project coordination for staff.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the Vice President for Athletics. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree required preferably in health, physical education, kinesiology, exercise science or related field.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 1-3 years of previous collegiate sports performance experience preferred.

CERTIFICATION: NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association) certification required, or working towards within 1 year of employment, or CSCS or CSCCA Certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

Strong knowledge of NAIA regulations and compliance issues. Must be able to demonstrate correct weight training activities. CPR and First Aid Certification. Excellent communication skills. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software products. Must possess excellent teaching, organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to pay close attention to details, and interact effectively and appropriately with student athletes. Must support the University’s Catholic mission.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) a minimum of 50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, type and perform data entry, visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information, ability to hear in order to answer telephones and to communicate verbally, and the ability to work in the mornings and evenings based on the facility schedule.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed indoors and outdoors and requires seated, standing, and movement work.