Head Sports Performance Coach

St. Francis Xavier University•Antigonish, NS

2d•CA$55,906 - CA$68,289•Onsite

About The Position

St. Francis Xavier University, a leading Canadian university with a prominent athletics program, is seeking a Head Sports Performance Coach. This full-time role reports to the Manager, Varsity Athletics and Communications and is responsible for managing and overseeing the sports performance program. The coach will develop and deliver strength and conditioning programs for 10 varsity teams and over 300 student-athletes. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, be assertive, highly organized, detail-oriented, energetic, and knowledgeable in developing student-athletes mentally and physically to reach their highest potential, while also focusing on injury reduction, consistency, and confidence in performance. The goal is to contribute to higher winning percentages, conference championships, and national contenders. The role involves tracking athlete data, generating reports for coaching staff, and providing year-round sport-specific training programs based on current scientific knowledge. Collaboration with other StFX Athletics team members, head coaches, and athletic therapy personnel is crucial for an integrated athlete support services approach. The Head Sports Performance Coach will also manage, train, and supervise Human Kinetics student interns and assistant/graduate sports performance coaches. There is an opportunity to teach Human Kinetics weight training skills courses. In partnership with Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic (CSIA), the coach will provide strength and conditioning services to identified local CSIA athletes. The position requires non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, or a closely related field.
Canadian Sport & Conditioning Association (CSCA) fully accredited
Must be a reliable individual possessing strong communication and motivational skills, and be highly organized
Current CPR and First Aid certification
Successful completion of all StFX and AUS safe sport requirements and certifications
Experience working with U SPORTS level athletes or greater
Experience developing and delivering strength and conditioning programs
A flexible approach to work is required as attendance is required at select varsity games (evenings and weekends), as well as an ability to travel with teams when required.

Nice To Haves

Options for additional salary enhancements for CSIA training and HKIN instruction
First preference on teaching two 2.25-credit Human Kinetics weight training skills courses in 2026-27.

Responsibilities

Develop, deliver and manage appropriate group and individual strength and conditioning programs for all StFX varsity teams and student-athletes.
Develop programs by evaluating current physical conditioning, tailoring programs for specific needs, demonstrating proper performance of exercises, and correcting mistakes. Provide year-round, sport-specific training programs that lead to increased physical performance, prevention of injury, and allow StFX varsity athletes to maximize their athletic potential.
Manage programs by monitoring progress, tracking data, providing assessment of development, and generating reports to coaches and the integrated support team.
Reduce the likelihood of sports-related injuries or aggravation of injuries by being knowledgeable of the injuries sustained in specific sports and proper prevention methods, directing appropriate pre-training testing, preparations and warm-ups, and working with qualified sports medicine personnel during sessions.
Manage and schedule the varsity sports performance space, contributing to maintaining a professional, clean, and organized facility.
Abide by and comply with all StFX, AUS and U SPORTS rules, academic standards, requirements and policies, and all guidelines of the Athletic Department.
Oversee, train and supervise all Human Kinetics student interns to optimize training practices within the sports performance space. Supervise, schedule and liaise with all assistant and/or graduate sports performance coaches.
Provide strength and conditioning services, testing and training to all identified local CSIA athletes.
Oversee and develop community strength & conditioning programs for local youth athletes to promote collaboration with the Athletic department and community.