Development Assistant Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

The St. James Wrestling Program 
Location: The St. James – Springfield, VA 
 

About The St. James: The St. James is a premier sports, wellness, and entertainment brand, empowering people of all ages to reach their peak potential. Our 450,000-square-foot flagship complex in Springfield, VA, offers a unique combination of world-class sports venues, elite training spaces, recovery amenities, and athletic and wellness programs. We also operate Performance Club locations in Springfield, VA, and Bethesda, MD, providing signature group classes, customized performance training, recovery, and high-performance programming in convenient club settings. From comprehensive training to family-friendly fun, lifestyle events, and sporting experiences, The St. James is your destination to discover your best self.
 

Our People & Culture: At The St. James, we are in the business of human development. Our success in delivering exceptional guest experiences—experiences that engage, inspire, and delight—depends on our ability to recruit, retain, and cultivate team members who embody the true spirit of hospitality. We seek individuals who are committed to personal and organizational excellence, who are proactive and action-oriented, and who thrive in a collaborative team environment. If you have a passion for service and a dedication to continuous growth, we want you to be part of our team.

Position Overview 

The St. James Wrestling Program is seeking highly motivated Assistant Coaches to support the development of an elite, year-round wrestling ecosystem. This role spans both the Academy (scholastic program) and Club (year-round training and competition), allowing placement based on candidate strengths and program needs. 
Assistant Coaches will play a critical role in athlete development, culture building, and daily operations, contributing to a system designed to produce high-level competitors and future leaders. 

Core Responsibilities: 

Athlete Development & Coaching 

- Assist in planning and leading high-quality wrestling practices (folkstyle and freestyle) 
- Teach technical skills, positioning, and match strategy appropriate to athlete level 
- Support individual athlete development through feedback, goal-setting, and performance tracking 
- Reinforce training standards aligned with The St. James Wrestling philosophy 

Culture & Standards Implementation 

- Uphold and model team standards, core values, and expectations 
- Foster a disciplined, positive, and accountable training environment 
- Build strong relationships with athletes based on trust, respect, and mentorship 
- Reinforce a team-first, growth mindset culture 

Competition Support 

- Assist with coaching at local, regional, and national competitions 
- Provide corner coaching, match analysis, and post-match feedback 
- Help prepare athletes mentally and physically for competition 

Program Operations 

- Support daily operations including practice setup, equipment management, and communication 
- Assist with camps, clinics, and events 
- Contribute to athlete recruiting and retention efforts 
- Collaborate with Head Coaches and staff across Academy and Club programs 

Development Pipeline Support 

- Work with youth, middle school, and high school athletes as needed 
- Help build and sustain a year-round development pipeline 
- Support transition of athletes between Club and Academy levels 

Qualifications 

Required 

- Wrestling experience (high school minimum; collegiate preferred) 
- Strong understanding of wrestling fundamentals and training principles 
- Ability to lead, motivate, and connect with athletes of varying ages and skill levels 
- High character, professionalism, and alignment with program values 

Preferred 

- Collegiate wrestling experience (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) 
- Coaching experience at youth, high school, or club level 
- Experience with freestyle/Greco-Roman wrestling 
- Strength & conditioning or sports performance background 
- USA Wrestling coaching certification (or willingness to obtain) 

Key Traits We’re Looking For 

- Energy and enthusiasm for coaching and development 
- Strong communicator and relationship builder 
- Growth mindset and willingness to learn 
- Accountability and attention to detail 
- Passion for building something bigger than themselves 

Program Alignment 

This role operates within The St. James Wrestling Ecosystem, which emphasizes: 
- Elite Training & Competition 
- Year-Round Development Pipeline 
- Culture of Excellence & Leadership Development 
Assistant Coaches are expected to contribute to all three pillars while helping athletes grow on the mat, in the classroom, and as leaders in their communities. 

Growth Opportunity 

This position is designed as part of a coaching development pathway, with opportunities to: 
- Take on increased leadership responsibilities 
- Lead specific groups (youth, middle school, high school, club teams) 
- Advance into Head Coach or Program Leadership roles 

Compensation 

- Competitive and based on experience, role scope, and time commitment 
- Opportunities for additional income through camps, clinics, and private training 

How to Apply 

Submit resume and a brief statement of coaching philosophy and experience. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.