Assistant Coach - Strength & Conditioning

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Strength & Conditioning, the Assistant Coach will help run the Strength and Conditioning program at Harvard. The Assistant Coach will be responsible for developing, implementing, and teaching strength and conditioning programs for assigned varsity teams. Works closely with the Sports Medicine Department as a member of the Health and Performance Team. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

1. Develop, administer and implement strength and conditioning programs for varsity athletes.

• Design, organize, administer, supervise and implement off-season, pre-season, in-season and post-season sport-specific strength and conditioning programs for varsity athletes as assigned. 
• Strength and Conditioning Program designs are to be based upon appropriate scientific based periodization models taking into consideration transition periods, appropriate athlete skill and development levels and sport specific requirements. 
• Communicate effectively and develop positive working relationships with assigned head coaches, athletes, sports medicine staff and administrators.
• Work in cooperation with assigned sport coaches and athletic trainers to identify team needs/goals and areas identified for improvement in team performance and injury prevention.
• Design, supervise and administer injury prevention programs.
• Maintain proper documentation of written strength and conditioning programs for assigned sport programs.
• Instruct student-athletes on proper running and weight training movements, including Olympic style lifts. 
• Coordinate strength and conditioning programs with related rehabilitation activities developed by athletic trainers. 
• Administer pre-season and off-season fitness evaluations per Harvard Athletics Guidelines in Response to NCAA Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death in Collegiate Athletics Legislation.
• Assist the Director of Strength and Conditioning with promoting an environment of student-athlete health and safety consistent with NCAA Best Practices and Harvard Athletic Guidelines.
• Support strength and conditioning facility/team schedules as determined by the Director of Strength and Conditioning.
• Assist in supporting and enforcing strength and conditioning department policies and procedures.
• Work with sports dietitian on information related to nutrition, body weight or body composition from student-athletes or coaches.
• Motivate all athletes to pursue excellence and educate them through athletics.
• Provide service in a safe, respectful and productive environment.
• Ensure compliance with Harvard, Ivy League, and NCAA policies and regulations, including NCAA policies on banned substances. 

2. Maintain professional certifications and promote the professional development of the Strength & Conditioning undergraduate and graduate interns and assistants. 

• Maintain certification pursuant to CSCCA or NSCA (see below).    
• Supervise and teach student interns by directing and evaluating their work.   

 3. Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the Strength & Conditioning weight rooms, equipment and facilities. 

• Ensure preventive maintenance and appropriate repair of equipment. 
• Maintain appropriate maintenance records. 

Working Conditions:

• Night, weekend and holiday work required. 
• Travel may also be required, particularly in post-season competition and during tournaments.
• May need to work in a variety of extreme weather conditions, including heat, rain and cold. 

Physical Requirements:

Should be able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 130 pounds.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• At least 1 year experience coaching strength and conditioning. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Proficient in coaching Olympic style lifts, plyometrics, speed development, conditioning and sports science technologies.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication and organization skills necessary.
• Ability to work with and relate well to a diverse group of athletes, coaches, administrators and other University constituencies.
• Successful candidate must have the ability to establish themselves as a respected coach to athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators.   
• Basic proficiency in Excel, Word, e-mail and web-based applications. 

Certificates and Licenses:

• CSCCA (Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association) certification or NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association) certification. 
• Must be certified in first aid and CPR.  

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $51,000 - $80,000/annual
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
• NOTE - this role is not eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO)

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.