Graduate Assistant Strength Conditioning Jobs in Virginia

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

This position involves assisting with training sessions, monitoring athlete progress, and contributing to program design and implementation. The Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach is responsible for ensuring that athletes in the intercollegiate athletics programs receive appropriate training to enhance their performance, prevent injuries, and optimize their physical conditioning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and implementation of comprehensive strength and conditioning programs tailored to the specific needs of individual athletes and teams.
• Support the head Strength and Conditioning Coach in conducting training sessions, including warm-ups, strength exercises, conditioning drills, and cool-down routines.
• Provide guidance and instruction to athletes on proper lifting techniques, exercise form, and training protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Monitor athlete progress and performance through regular assessments, including strength testing, speed and agility evaluations, and body composition analysis.
• Collaborate with sports coaches, athletic trainers, and medical staff to integrate strength and conditioning strategies with overall athlete development and injury prevention programs.
• Maintain accurate records of athlete attendance, workout data, and performance metrics to track progress and adjust training plans as needed.
• Assist with facility maintenance and equipment upkeep to ensure a clean, safe, and functional training environment.
• Stay current with industry trends, research findings, and best practices in strength and conditioning to continually enhance coaching knowledge and skills.
• Provide support during practices, games, and competitions as needed, including pre-game warm-ups, injury prevention strategies, and post-game recovery protocols.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the overall success of the athletic program through positive communication, teamwork, and leadership.
• Leads by example and promotes a positive image of the athletics program and the College by participating in community and professional organizations, representing the department at professional meetings and on committees, establishing and maintaining credible relations with campus and community constituents.
• Abides by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and ODAC rules, academic standards, requirements, and policies of the College and department. Promptly reports concerns of compromise or violation of rules, standards, guidelines, or policies.
• Reinforce expectations for athlete conduct that mirror the College’s expectations for curricular and extra-curricular activities, as state in the Student Code of Conduct.
• Contributes to the overall success of the College’s athletics program by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, sports science, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Certification from a recognized strength and conditioning organization (e.g., NSCA-CSCS, CSCCa-SCCC) required.
• Previous experience working as a strength and conditioning coach, preferably at the collegiate or professional level.
• Strong knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports performance training principles.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, and support staff.
• Demonstrated experience with program design, exercise prescription, and periodization techniques.
• CPR/AED certification and knowledge of emergency procedures and first aid protocols.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate the training schedules of athletes.
• Passion for sports and a genuine interest in helping athletes achieve their full potential through strength and conditioning.