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Collegiate Strength Conditioning Jobs in Michigan

Collegiate Strength Conditioning information

What is collegiate strength and conditioning?

Collegiate strength and conditioning is a specialized field focused on improving the athletic performance of college-level athletes through scientifically based training programs. Professionals in this role design and implement strength, speed, agility, and injury prevention programs tailored to various sports teams. They work closely with coaches and athletic trainers to help student-athletes reach their physical potential while reducing the risk of injury. This career typically requires knowledge in exercise science, physiology, nutrition, and the ability to motivate and safely instruct large groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach?

To thrive as a Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach, you need a solid background in exercise science, physiology, and kinesiology, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and relevant certifications like CSCS or SCCC. Familiarity with strength training equipment, performance monitoring software, and injury prevention protocols is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills help foster athlete development and teamwork. These skills ensure safe, effective training programs that optimize athletic performance and support overall team success.

What are some common challenges faced by strength and conditioning coaches working with collegiate athletes?

Strength and conditioning coaches in collegiate settings often navigate challenges such as managing large groups of athletes with varying skill levels and program needs, coordinating schedules around academic commitments, and ensuring athlete safety while promoting performance improvements. Balancing individualized training plans with team-wide goals requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Additionally, coaches must foster communication with sports medicine staff, sport coaches, and athletes to optimize training outcomes and prevent injuries.

What is the difference between Collegiate Strength Conditioning vs Athletic Trainer?

AspectCollegiate Strength ConditioningAthletic Trainer
CertificationsCSCS, CSCCa certificationsATC certification, state licensure
Work EnvironmentCollege gyms, training facilitiesSports fields, clinics, hospitals
Primary FocusStrength, power, conditioningInjury prevention, rehabilitation
Employer & IndustryColleges, universities, athletic programsSchools, sports teams, healthcare

While both roles support athletic performance, Collegiate Strength Conditioning specialists focus on enhancing athletes' strength and conditioning, whereas Athletic Trainers primarily prevent and treat injuries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within sports and fitness industries.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Collegiate Strength Conditioning jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Collegiate Strength Conditioning job openings:

Infographic showing various Collegiate Strength Conditioning job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Coach-Fixed Term

MSU - Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI โ€ข On-site

$90 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create, implement, and evaluate sport performance-training programs for intercollegiate athletes.

  • Assist with implementing sport-specific programs to enhance athletes' fitness, strength, power, and speed.

  • Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to staff, graduate assistants, interns, and student employees supporting athletic performance activities.


Job description

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Director, Athletic Performance Coach

Position Summary

The Assistant Director, Athletic Performance Coach is responsible for the oversight of Athletic Performance programming. Reporting to the Assistant AD / Director of Athletic Performance, the primary responsibilities of this role include the creation, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive sport performance-training program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assist the Assistant AD / Director of Athletic Performance/Olympic Sports in creating a championship strength and conditioning training environment and culture for men's and women's sports.
  • Assist with implementing sport-specific programs based on peer-reviewed, evidence-based protocols to enhance the fitness, strength, power, and speed of intercollegiate athletes in the assigned sport(s).
  • Implement a motivational environment where athletes strive for consistent elite-level performances.
  • Assist with the implementation of individualized performance nutrition and body composition strategies developed in collaboration with Sports Medicine and Sports Nutrition staff to support athlete health, wellness, and performance goals.
  • Collaborate effectively with coaches, sports medicine personnel, nutrition staff, and other stakeholders to support student-athlete development, health, wellness, and performance objectives.
  • Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to staff, graduate assistants, interns, and student employees supporting assigned programs and activities.
  • Model and uphold organizational values, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
  • Participate in departmental and cross-functional team meetings to support collaboration and operational effectiveness.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records related to student-athlete training programs, performance metrics, assessments, and participation, in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
  • Assist in maintaining a safe, organized, and professional training environment, including the proper care, maintenance, and inventory of equipment and facilities.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related field

Minimum Requirements
  • Master's degree in kinesiology or exercise science with at least three years of professional experience; or an equivalent combination of professional experience and education preferred.
  • The following required certifications through one or both accredited strength and conditioning organizations must be maintained: the Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) by the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa), and/or the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Required Application Materials
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
Summary of Physical Demands

Ability to lift weights and demonstrate exercises.

Website

WWW.MSUSPARTANS.COM

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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