Sports Performance Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Sports Performance & Fitness Coach

Urban School of San Francisco seeks a Sports Performance & Fitness Coach to help shape an inclusive, student-centered approach to strength, movement, and wellness.

At Urban, we take fitness seriously—and we take everyone seriously. This role sits at the intersection of athletic performance and personal development, supporting student-athletes competing at the highest level alongside students building confidence, agency, and lifelong habits around movement. We hold both with equal rigor. Our approach is demanding and inclusive, outcome-driven and student-centered.

Three Components of the Role:

1. Team Athletics Partner with coaching staff to design and deliver strength, conditioning, and movement programming for competitive teams. You understand periodization, injury prevention, and what it takes to help a team peak at the right moment.

2. Group Fitness Classes Lead dynamic, high-energy classes that meet students where they are—from beginners to varsity athletes. You build community through movement and know how to read a room and push it.

3. Individual Student-Athlete Development Work 1:1 with student-athletes to assess, program, and track progress toward personal performance goals. You're a coach, a motivator, and sometimes a sounding board.

About Urban

Urban is a coeducational independent high school serving approximately 420 students in grades 9–12. Grounded in equity, inclusion, and experiential learning, Urban encourages students to explore new challenges and define success on their own terms.

Our athletics and fitness programs reflect that philosophy: broad-based, inclusive, and designed to meet students wherever they are.

Position Overview

The Sports Performance & Fitness Coach leads a flexible, developmentally grounded program rooted in Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD). The program serves both competitive athletes and the broader student body, including students using the fitness space for general health, exploration, and personal goals.

This role also oversees Urban’s fitness facilities and collaborates closely with the Director of Athletics, Athletic Trainer, and coaching staff.

Core Responsibilities

Program Design & Coaching

• Design, implement and lead inclusive training sessions focused on strength, movement quality, mobility, and overall fitness

• Adapt programming for a wide range of students—from beginners to experienced athletes

• Support both team-based athletic development and general fitness participation

• Integrate injury prevention and sustainable training habits using best practices and research in sports medicine

• Stay current with best practices in sports performance, youth development, and injury prevention

• Support initiatives related to nutrition, recovery, and student education in partnership with Urban’s counseling, health and student life teams

Student & Student Athlete Development

• Teach safe technique and foundational movement skills and training habits

• Build confidence, consistency and self-directed engagement in fitness

• Create a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of experience or athletic identity

• Encourage lifelong wellness and positive relationships with movement

• Educate student-athletes on training principles, recovery, and long-term health

Facility Oversight and Management

• Oversee daily operations of the fitness and training spaces

• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and well-supervised environment

• Manage equipment and supply use, maintenance, and inventory

• Establish and enforce facility policies, safety protocols, and supervision standards

• Monitor training sessions to ensure proper technique and safe use of all equipment

• Collaborate on long-term planning for facility upgrades, layout, and equipment needs

Collaboration

• Partner with coaches to align training with team goals and seasonal demands

• Work with the Athletic Trainer (ATC) on injury prevention and return-to-play

• Communicate clearly with athletes, coaches and administrators

• Contribute to a collaborative, student-centered department culture

Program Support and Operations

• Track participation and student progress using appropriate tools and metrics

• Help evolve Urban’s approach to fitness, wellness, and performance

• Assist with scheduling, reporting, and athletic program logistics

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field preferred

• 2–5 years of relevant experience (high school setting preferred)

• Experience working with high school, collegiate or professional athletes preferred

• CSCS (NSCA) and/or CSCCa certification or working towards certification

• CPR/AED certification

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Working knowledge of spreadsheets and basic data tracking tools

What We’re Looking For

An educator-coach who values working with all students—not just athletes. Someone who can challenge experienced athletes while also making the fitness space approachable for beginners.

The right candidate brings clarity, adaptability, and a commitment to inclusion, understanding that success looks different for each student—and that all of those paths matter.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily indoors within the school fitness facility and gymnasium, involving exposure to moderate-to-loud noise levels, music, and highly active group environments.

Physical Requirements (Essential Physical Tasks)

• Ability to stand, walk, and lead active instruction on one's feet for extended periods during classes and training sessions.

• Capability to actively demonstrate complex movement skills, Olympic lifts, and strength exercises, which requires running, jumping, bending, spotting athletes, and lifting moderate-to-heavy fitness equipment.