The Dawn Strout Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is considered a lead member in Peak Performance, under the supervision of the Director of Peak Performance. Peak Performance is a High-Performance model, with a mission to optimize student-athlete health and performance through the integration of sports medicine, strength and conditioning, psychology, nutrition, and sport science. To achieve, Peak Performance works in close collaboration with coaches to achieve sport-specific goals in pursuit of program success. The head strength and conditioning coach will regularly communicate with all Peak Performance members and coaches to customize programming for individual student-athlete and team success.

Colby is looking for a diverse pool of highly motivated leaders with experience in coaching, recruiting, talent development, program management, and facility equipment management. It is essential this person uphold the values of the College and the department while building athletes of character who contribute in the classroom and in the community. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enable all student-athletes to perform to their maximum potential in their sport through the development and management of an industry-leading individual and group strength, conditioning, and speed and agility programs
• Seamlessly integrate with the Peak Performance team, bringing unique expertise in the field of strength and conditioning and an eagerness to collaborate and communicate with all team members; Participate in and contribute to team meetings, consisting of sports medicine personnel, athletic trainers, sports psychologist, sports dietician, and sport scientists
• Utilize research and guidelines for international elite sport performance to assess current practices and to aide in the development of future strength & conditioning programs
• Assist in the development of a preseason performance assessment; Assess current physical conditioning, display and utilize knowledge of the various sports and associated exercises, tailor strength programs for specific needs, and demonstrate proper performance of exercises, correcting improper movements
• Manage programs by monitoring progress, providing an assessment of development and continuous feedback for improvement toward sport-specific goals
• Manage the use of all technological feedback tools and analyze data to make informed decisions about each athlete’s physical and mental wellbeing
• Establish strong relationships with coaches through regular meetings to discuss program goals, and provide research, knowledge, support and guidance to coaches to meet the strength and conditioning needs of their programs
• Administer programs based on NSCA’s best practices and recommendations
• In accordance with baseline assessments and best practices, develop programming which carefully maps out plans for appropriate micro- , meso-, and macro-cycles and monitors program progression
• Assist with preparation for return to play of injured or sidelined athletes to training, practice, and participation in the off-season and in-season
• Communicate with Sports Medicine staff on student-athlete injury and adjust exercises and/or programs for student-athlete progression
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of strength and conditioning professionals
• Develop a fellowship program leveraging area resources
• Utilize data management programs and technology for enhancement and adjustment of programming; deliver of team and individually tailored programming for off-season
• Develop and foster a network of industry leading professionals in strength and conditioning for collaboration and enhancement of field knowledge and progression
• Abide by and comply with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) rules, academic standards, requirements, policies of the College, and all guidelines and policies of the Athletics department; report any concerns of compromise or violation of rules, standards, guidelines or policies to the appropriate personnel
• Contribute to a work environment which encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with a diverse community
• Contribute to the overall success of the College’s intercollegiate athletics programs by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
• Keep current with continuing education and best practices in health and safety of college student-athletes, utilize and contribute to industry research for administration of innovative programming
• Continuously seek out current best practices for student-athlete performance
• Attend and participate in department trainings pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• The scope of the position requires frequent weekend, evening, and/or early morning work
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

KEY RELATIONSHIPS: This position reports to the Director of Peak Performance and has significant interaction with student-athletes, athletics staff, and the Peak Performance team, as well as the general College community.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to lift at least 100 lbs., as well as the ability to perform and instruct Olympic lifts, core exercises, and other movement activities. Individual will be on their feet, working throughout the day in multiple training venues. The scope of the position requires frequent weekend, evening and/or early morning work.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby College website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Dawn Strout Head Strength and Conditioning Coach – Search Committee Office of Human Resources Colby College 5500 Mayflower Hill Waterville, ME 04901-8855

A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in education and experience; emphasis in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Physical Education preferred, Master’s Degree preferred
• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience is required in positions involving the development and management of sport-specific individual and group strength training programs for men and women
• Current certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) is required for the duration of employment
• Current CPR/First Aid certifications required for the duration of employment
• Experience with development and management of strength training programs, is preferred
• Excellent communication skills, supervisory and management skills are required
• Committed to the values of a liberal arts education
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering
• Must be organized, take initiative, and utilize strong time management skills
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements 
      Ability to excel as a member of a diverse community 

About Colby College

Colby is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and has 28 intercollegiate sports that compete at the Division III level, and four programs (men’s and women’s Alpine and Nordic Skiing) that compete at the Division I level. The department also hosts a variety of club and intramural sports. Over one-third of Colby’s 2,200 students participate in intercollegiate sports, and in total, nearly three-quarters are involved in fitness and recreation activities in the department. The College is home to a new, state-of-the-art athletics complex, which is among the best Division III facilities in the country. The 350,000 square-foot athletics center includes an indoor track and field competition center, aquatic center with Maine’s first 50-meter pool, squash center, gymnasium, hockey arena, strength and fitness center, training rooms, and coaching suites. Additionally, the College recently opened a 70-acre-plus outdoor competition center that consists of three gleaming new competition and recreational fields that are also among the finest outdoor venues in Division III. For more information about the College, please visit the Colby web site: www.colby.edu.

Connections working at Colby College