UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
This position specifically supports the Department and University’s mission by supporting the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Experience and their respective coaches in enhancing the speed, strength, and conditioning of our student-athletes through the use of sport specific, scientifically based training programs.
Essential Functions
Duties and Responsibilities
Devotes their full time, attention, and energies to their duties as Sports Performance Coach of ice hockey and other assigned athletic team(s).
Complies fully with the rules, regulations, and policies of the University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and any and all conferences in which the assigned athletic team(s) participate, and takes every reasonable precaution to ensure that all members of the assigned athletic team’s staff and student athletes comply fully with such rules, regulations and policies. Sports Performance Coach understands they are subject to all applicable disciplinary or corrective actions as set forth in the NCAA enforcement procedures as they may be amended from time to time.
Assists the head coach to create a positive student-athlete experience and healthy team dynamics/culture that fosters high student-athlete retention.
Uses reasonable efforts to cultivate a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strives to recruit and retain student-athletes with multifaceted backgrounds, skillsets, and passions.
Uses reasonable efforts to foster success in competition of the assigned athletic team(s).
Uses reasonable efforts to meet annual performance objectives established by the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Experience.
Understands the University shall annually evaluate their performance based upon the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
Additional Department Expectations
Ensure that proper safety procedures are followed by all student-athletes (all coaches must be certified in CPR and first aid).
Work with athletics trainers and physicians as needed to implement team wellness and conditioning programs.
Support direction head coach gives to the Sports Performance coach as to the desired training goals.
Responsible for working with all Athletic Department Offices in processing of administrative functions and paperwork related to overseeing the assigned athletic program(s).
Work with the Associate AD for Facilities, Operations & Events in the advising, planning, and implementation of pertinent facility management and maintenance for equipment and facilities.
Attends conventions, conferences, and clinics consistent with Department and University policies.
Serves on Department and University committees as assigned.
As a member of a Division I program for the University of Massachusetts, assistant coaches need to represent their school and program in a manner that supports the mission of the university. Speaking engagements, instructional clinics, development efforts, and community relation programs need to reflect a professional and positive impression to the media or general public.
Work with student-athletes and monitor their adherence to rules and regulations concerning conduct, appearance, and punctuality.
Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited institution.
Minimum of one year of strength and conditioning coaching experience required.
Ability to work weekends and nights.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of the physiological principles and various philosophies of the profession.
Demonstrated evidence of ability to teach various constituencies about strength and conditioning principles.
Required to have or be working towards a certificate from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, USA Weightlifting, or International Sport Sciences Association.
Moderate to high movement and activity required; responsibilities include extended periods of standing.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
