Head Sports Performance Coach, Office of Athletic Training

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Culture Development

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Fort Hays State Sports Performance Department.

• Establish and consistently model a department-wide culture of discipline, accountability, respect, and effort.

• Create an inclusive performance environment that treats all sports equally with the same level of commitment and intensity.

• Serve as a daily, hands-on leader in the training environment, reinforcing standards and expectations.

Strength & Conditioning Oversight

• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive, sport-specific strength and conditioning programs for all FHSU athletic teams.

• Apply evidence-based training principles consistent with NSCA best practices and NCAA Division II standards.

• Oversee all facets of athletic development, including strength, power, speed, agility, conditioning, and movement efficiency.

• Monitor training loads, readiness, and athlete progress while adjusting programming as needed.

• Ensure safe, technically sound training sessions emphasizing injury risk reduction.

Nutrition Education & Performance Support

• Provide foundational nutrition education and guidance to support performance, recovery, and long-term health.

• Educate student-athletes on fueling strategies, hydration, supplementation awareness, and NCAA compliance.

• Collaborate with campus dining services, health professionals, and external resources as available.

Recovery, Mobility & Injury Risk Reduction

• Design and implement structured warm-up, mobility, flexibility, and recovery protocols.

• Utilize recovery strategies consistent with available resources and best practices.

• Collaborate closely with the Sports Medicine staff to support rehabilitation, return-to-play protocols, and modified training plans.

Mental Health Awareness & Student-Athlete Well-Being

• Promote an environment that values mental health awareness and holistic athlete development.

• Reinforce positive coping strategies, resilience, and balance within the performance setting.

• Collaborate with Sports Medicine, athletic training, and campus mental health resources as appropriate.

Leadership Development & Accountability Training

• Integrate leadership development and accountability education into the daily training model.

• Teach personal responsibility, discipline, and communication skills through intentional coaching.

• Serve as a mentor and role model for Fort Hays State student-athletes representing the Tiger brand.

Academic Program Growth & Staff Development

• Oversee the development and growth of the strength and conditioning academic and experiential learning programs.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate graduate assistants, interns, and student employees.

• Provide educational support aligned with NSCA, NCAA, and MIAA professional standards.

• Assist with curriculum support, classroom engagement, or guest lecturing as appropriate.

Collaboration, Administration & Compliance

• Collaborate effectively with coaching staffs, Sports Medicine, and athletic administration.

• Ensure full compliance with NCAA, MIAA, institutional, and departmental policies and procedures.

• Maintain accurate training documentation and program records.

• Pursue continuing education and professional development to remain current in the field.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.

• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

• Demonstrated collegiate strength and conditioning experience.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to establish and enforce consistent standards across all programs.

• Commitment to student-athlete safety, development, and academic success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Previous experience within NCAA Division II and/or MIAA membership.

• Experience supervising graduate assistants and interns.

• Knowledge of NATA/NSCA injury prevention and return-to-play principles.

• NSCA Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach® (RSCC®) designation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of applied sports performance science.

• Proven ability to lead with consistency, fairness, and energy.

• Effective collaborator within a multidisciplinary athletic department.

• Commitment to professional, ethical, and educational excellence.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and potential team travel.

• Ability to physically demonstrate exercises and coach in an active training environment.

• Serve as a visible ambassador of Fort Hays State University Athletics.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents:  Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.

Additional Benefits:  This position will receive the following items annually:

o    Paid NSCA Professional Membership Fees

o    $500 Personal CEU Budget

o    $250 Personal Nike Apparel Budget

o    Paid BOC Maintenance Fees (if the successful candidate is an ATC)

o    Paid Kansas AT Licensure Fees (if the successful candidate is an ATC)

        Sports Medicine Staff has the ability to receive the following:

o    Tuition Assistance at Fort Hays State University for the employee, as well as the employee's spouse and children.

o    Professional Development Funding through a university application process.

o    Additional Income from working FHSU Summer Sport Camps or creating and running an FHSU Sports Performance Camp.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.