Colorado Academy seeks candidates for the position of Director of Sports Performance. The individual in this position is responsible for developing and maintaining the sports performance program, including its structural and administrative organization. This is a full-time, 11-month position that reports to the Director of Athletics.
Colorado Academy’s sports performance program has grown into a highly impactful aspect of CA athletics. Sports performance, alongside sports medicine, mental performance, and nutrition, make up our “high performance model”.
Responsibilities:
- Must have significant knowledge of and proven success in the growth and development of student-athletes, grades 6th -12th.
- Work closely with the Director of Athletics to monitor and promote satisfactory academic and athletic success.
- Meet regularly with the Directors of Sports Medicine and Mental Performance
- Work closely with our team physician and school-based health team.
- Develop and implement evidence-based strength and conditioning programs for all sports, accommodating both in-season and off-season training needs.
- Provide training opportunities during the school day to accommodate student-athletes' academic and extracurricular schedules.
- Conduct regular assessments to evaluate athletic progress and use data to inform program adjustments.
- Teach and supervise athletes on proper lifting techniques, movement patterns, and conditioning exercises to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Collaborate with the sports medicine staff on the rehabilitation and re-strengthening of injured athletes.
- Develop and enforce risk management policies and procedures for the strength and conditioning facility and training sessions.
- Provide education to student-athletes on nutrition, hydration, and recovery to support optimal performance and wellness.
- Serve as the lead and primary contact for all sports performance initiatives within the athletics department.
- Collaborate regularly with all heads of sport programs to understand their specific needs and goals.
- Work with mental performance coaches to integrate psychological skills training into the athletic performance program.
- Communicate with athletes, coaches, and parents regarding program philosophy, expectations, and safety protocols.
- Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of all sports performance and weight room facilities.
- Manage the annual budget for equipment, supplies, professional development, and facility upkeep.
- Instruct students on best practices and supervise the use of advanced recovery systems and equipment, including Normatec and Theragun.
- Track and maintain records of athlete attendance, assessments, and progress.
- Submit mid-trimester and end-of-trimester grade reports and individual student comments.
- Supervise and mentor any assistant coaches, interns, or volunteers within the sports performance program.
- Partner with grade-level Deans to support student athletes in all areas of student success; including academic success.
- Assist with attending, supervising, and administering certain home contests.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
- Holds a relevant professional certification from a recognized agency, such as the NSCA's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and mentor young athletes.
- Must be able to demonstrate creativity, sound judgment, and decision-making, be an effective problem solver, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Evidence of ability to interact positively with all members of the community including; student athletes, colleagues, parents, and the public.
Requirements:
- Previous experience working with high school or collegiate athletes, with program leadership experience preferred.
- Ability to demonstrate the appropriate skills and techniques to be used by the athletes.
- Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.
- Knowledge of current NSCA Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines.
- Must know how to operate strength training equipment, automated external defibrillator (AED), and sports aid equipment.
- Current certifications in standard first aid, CPR, and AED.
- Interruptions of work are routine, flexibility and patience are required.
- Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. Must be able to work under stressful conditions
- Early morning, evening, and weekend work is required.
- Candidates should be eager to join a professional community that values collaboration, excellent interpersonal skills are required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to visually monitor athletes.
- Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, and moving equipment/boxes up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Work surfaces will vary.
- Able to work in both Inside and outside environments, in varying weather.
All employees are expected to carry out the mission of Colorado Academy, "Creating Curious, Kind, Courageous, and Adventurous Learners and Leaders," and to support the vision of the school.
The pay range for the position is $70,000 - $80,000 for the 11 month position term. Although this is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, Colorado Academy reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. Any wage differential that may exist for the position does not relate to sex, gender or gender identity, but relates solely to a seniority system, a merit system, or relevant education, training and/or experience.
Applicants are invited to visit the Colorado Academy website (www.coloradoacademy.org) to learn more about the program and the school.
Colorado Academy does not discriminate or allow unlawful harassment in any of its programs, procedures or practices on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion or creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, marital status or other protected classifications defined by applicable law. The policy applies in all aspects of employment with the Colorado Academy.
