Strength and Conditioning Coach

About the Department

George Mason Athletics unites communities by developing champions with a mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports. Mason Athletics serves 500 student-athletes in 22 NCAA Division I sports. We are a proud member of the Atlantic 10 Conference with over 20 Conference Championships, NCAA Championships in Women’s Soccer and Men’s Indoor Track, an NCAA appearance in Women’s Basketball, and an NCAA Final Four appearance with Men’s Basketball, and over 30 individual National Champions. We are student-focused, education-centered, and committed to providing transformational experiences for our student-athletes and staff. Our five priorities are Student-Athlete Experience, Competition, Resources, Storytelling & Engagement, and Championship Culture.

About the Position

The Strength and Conditioning Coach provides comprehensive training programs to the student-athletes of George Mason University. These programs are to be designed to decrease the occurrence of preventable injury and enhance athletic performance in a safe and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

General Duties

• Operates in all areas of responsibility within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Atlantic-10 Conference (A-10), and George Mason University (GMU) guidelines;
• Assists the Director of Strength and Conditioning in the development and implementation of comprehensive training programs for Men’s Basketball and additional team(s) and provides a safe environment for the university’s student-athletes;
• Communicates and interacts at the highest level with applicable athletic department administration, sports medicine, sports science, sports psychology, sports nutrition, and academic support;
• Directs comprehensive programs for the university's student-athletes in a safe environment. Programs are to be designed to reduce incidence of injury, enhance athletic performance, and provide the student-athlete with a better understanding of oneself.

Administration of Weight Room and Equipment Maintenance Programs

• Will be directly responsible for administering all strength and conditioning needs for assigned teams;
• Will be expected to design and implement a comprehensive strength and conditioning program for the student-athletes that will encourage safe and productive training, schedule facility use by intercollegiate athletic teams and individual student-athletes and participate in a regular maintenance schedule of weight room equipment;
• Researches, develops, and implements a progressive and dynamic athletic performance enhancement program for student-athletes that ensures a state-of-the-art approach to strength and conditioning, injury prevention and nutrition;
• Directs applications of scientifically proven performance enhancement initiatives in the areas of strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility, conditioning, injury prevention and nutrition;
• Collaborates with leadership within various athletic departments and academic units.

Professional Development

• Commitment to continuously educate on new analytics, training programs, and technology for strength and conditioning. Engages in continuous education through certification, courses, and conferences.

Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Strength and Conditioning

Required Qualifications

• Masters Degree, or Bachelor's degree and additional experience equivalent to a Master’s Degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field from an accredited college/university;
• Working knowledge in strength and conditioning programming for college athletes;
• Solid working knowledge and teaching skills in analysis and techniques of strength training;
• Knowledge and understanding of Atlantic 10, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Rules and Regulations;
• Knowledge to motivate and inspire players to achieve their full potential;
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills;
• Advanced organizational and time-management skills;
• Basic computer skills, including the use of excel and strength software;
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively with student athletes, colleagues, and coaches;
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, nights, and holidays;
• Valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to the start date;
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA;
• Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) through the CSCCA;
• Certification in: AHA or ARC: CPR/AED/First Aid.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field from an accredited college/university, or equivalent experience;
• Demonstrated strength and conditioning coaching experience with basketball at the NCAA DI level (typically 2+ years);
• Experience working with specific programs such as Basketball, Golf and other intercollegiate sports;
• Skill using load monitoring technology such as Catapult and Polar;
• Ability to provide daily nutritional guidance to student athletes as advised by staff dieticians;
• Skill with the role and responsibilities required of this position while traveling with a team;
• Ability to proficiently use sport science technology and implement it into training (VO2Max, Isokinetic testing, DXA Scan, Force Plates).