Department: Athletics Administration

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-3:00pm. Work schedule will vary based on training and competition schedules. Weekend and early morning hours will be required.

General Description: This position is responsible for the overall administration of the strength and conditioning program for 19 NCAA varsity athletic programs. The position is responsible for overseeing the overall function of the university fitness center. Reports to the Head Athletic Trainer.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: - Designing the annual strength & conditioning programs for 19 varsity sports. - Collaborate with head coaches to design and implement sport-specific year-round training programs. - Provide instruction to individuals and teams on proper multi-joint sport movements to enhance power, speed and flexibility. - Collaborate with Athletic Training staff to devise injury prevention strategies and assist in the reconditioning of student-athletes returning to activity from injury. - Hiring, training, and supervision of student staff and practicum students. - Develop and maintain procedures, training and safety manuals on all program operations including equipment/ facility maintenance protocols. - Prepare, monitor and evaluate the fitness center’s operating plan (hours open and supervision), updating and improving when necessary. - Enhancement of campus health and wellness initiatives through various committees and input. - Create and monitor facility design and equipment placement, for safety, function and maximal use of potential space. - Develop and manage the fitness center budget including operations and personnel expenditures. - Teach classes relevant to fitness, strength and wellness to students, staff, and faculty. Inventory and control of equipment and supplies. - Organizing team training and conditioning schedules. - Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Knowledge of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. - Knowledge of the up-to-date data on strength and conditioning techniques. - Ability to work with and adjust strength programming to a wide range of athletes. - Ability to communicate and collaborate with a wide range of athletic coaches. - Ability to collaborate with sports medicine staff on adaptive workouts. - Skills to make sure safety is the first priority with any strength programming. - Knowledge of emergency response procedures and the ability to be calm in these situations. - Skills in budgeting the needs of the fitness center. - Ability to manage and supervise a student staff and organize their work schedules. - Skill in analyzing and solving problems.

Required Qualifications:

• 5 years experience in coaching and/or the fitness industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in physical/health education, exercise sciences, business, or recreation management.
• NSCA certification required. 
• First aid/CPR/AED certification required and provided upon employment.
• Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Coaching experience or collegiate participation.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit Division III level student-athletes.
• Outstanding sport specific technical, tactical and strategic knowledge.
• Understanding of and commitment to the NCAA Division III philosophy and the role of athletics within a private, liberal arts university.

Work Conditions:

• Working in inclement weather may be required.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Submit your application materials online to apply at: https://employment.plu.edu/postings/7369

Other Information: 

PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. 

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, generous retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year’s break and extra time off during the summer), and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information.

For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.

About Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a comprehensive institution with an enrollment of approximately 3200, including international students from two dozen countries. Located on the Pacific Rim in a uniquely scenic region, the university's campus is 40 miles south of Seattle in suburban Tacoma, Washington. As a "New American College," PLU accents integration between its liberal arts program and professional degrees in the arts, business, education, nursing, and physical education, and embraces its primary mission of educating students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care. PLU enjoys a healthy and progressive relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The University is committed to diversity, endorses the goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and actively seeks applications from women and persons of color.

Connections working at Pacific Lutheran University