Head Sports Performance Coach, Office of Athletic Training

Fort Hays State University • Hays, KS

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Fort Hays State University Athletics invites applications for the position of Head Sports Performance Coach. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine and Performance, this position provides visionary leadership, oversight, and daily implementation of a comprehensive, evidence-based sports performance program serving all FHSU NCAA Division II and varsity athletic teams. The Head Sports Performance Coach will establish, model, and uphold a consistent culture of competitive excellence. This individual will be a visible leader in the athletic department, creating the performance framework that supports the success, safety, and holistic development of Tiger student-athletes. The position integrates strength and conditioning, nutrition guidance, recovery and mobility training, supports mental health awareness, and leadership development while collaborating closely with Sports Medicine, coaching staffs, and academic and health system partners. All responsibilities will align with NCAA, NATA, NSCA, MIAA, and Fort Hays State University standards, policies, procedures, and values. Our Sports Medicine & Performance staff at Fort Hays State University is comprised of our three Team Physicians, eight Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainers, three Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (including this position and 2 hybrid ATC/CSCS), and a variety of other Sports Medicine practitioners making up our Allied Health Care Team. This collaborative group of Sports Medicine & Performance professionals strives to provide our student-athletes with the best care, resources, and support available in Division II Athletics. Our vision is to provide an integrated and comprehensive Sports Medicine & Performance culture that establishes a standard of excellence beyond our individual members by utilizing the collective strengths of our members to collaboratively work towards a unified purpose. We fill our Sports Medicine & Performance team with dedicated individuals who are committed to our culture of excellence through a concerted effort to encourage, enhance, and assist each other, fostering a system of mutual support and personal investment. The strategic vision of our Sports Medicine & Performance team is to seamlessly integrate into all aspects of the athletics department, by complementing each area of focus and team’s unique circumstances to contribute to the overall shared results. Our Administration will know that we will firmly follow best practice while being cognizant and adaptable to the ever-changing demands of collegiate athletics. Our Coaches will know that we are invested in their team and through our specialty knowledge and skills we can aid them in their pursuit of student-athlete development and team success. And our Student-Athletes will know that our care and support is genuine with an emphasis on overall wellness to aid and support them in achieving their goals. Our emphasis on overall student-athlete wellness includes their physical health, mental health, and performance health by utilizing a forward-thinking approach to always encourage, embrace, and pursue growth in all areas.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive benefit package
• Paid NSCA Professional Membership Fees
• $500 Personal CEU Budget
• $250 Personal Nike Apparel Budget
• Paid BOC Maintenance Fees (if the successful candidate is an ATC)
• Paid Kansas AT Licensure Fees (if the successful candidate is an ATC)
• Tuition Assistance at Fort Hays State University for the employee, as well as the employee's spouse and children.
• Professional Development Funding through a university application process.
• Additional Income from working FHSU Summer Sport Camps or creating and running an FHSU Sports Performance Camp.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager