Strength and Conditioning Coach (Fall 2026)

Strength and Conditioning Coach (Fall 2026)

Position Overview The Strength and Conditioning Coach is responsible for developing, implementing, and supervising safe, effective, periodized, progressive, and age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs for students participating in after-school programming. The coach will promote athletic development, physical literacy, proper movement mechanics, injury prevention, and overall health and wellness. In addition to leading daily training sessions, the Strength and Conditioning Coach will have responsibility for designing team-specific training programs, implementing injury prevention initiatives, and maintaining the overall health, safety,and organization of the strength and conditioning facility.

Responsibilities include: Design and implement age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs that support students' overall athletic development. Instruct students in proper exercise technique, movement mechanics, lifting fundamentals, and safe equipment use. Develop programs that improve strength, power, speed, agility, mobility, flexibility, endurance, and overall athletic performance. Provide appropriate modifications and progressions based on students' age, experience, ability, and developmental needs. Supervise all training sessions to ensure exercises are performed safely and effectively. Promote positive training habits, accountability, discipline, and confidence. Develop, coordinate, and implement strength and conditioning programs specific to individual school athletic teams and their sport-related demands. Collaborate with head coaches to identify team needs, performance goals, and areas for athletic development. Create seasonal training plans that support off-season development, pre-season preparation, in-season maintenance,and post-season recovery. Incorporate sport-specific movement patterns, speed development, power training, conditioning, and mobility work. Ensure training programs complement the overall athletic department philosophy and individual sport coaching plans. Develop and implement injury prevention programs designed to reduce the risk of common athletic injuries. Incorporate dynamic warm-ups, mobility exercises, flexibility training, balance, stability, core strength, and proper movement mechanics. Educate students on the importance of recovery, hydration, sleep, nutrition, and proper training habits. Identify movement deficiencies or potential areas of concern and modify exercises when appropriate. Communicate concerns regarding student injuries or physical limitations to the appropriate athletic staff, athletic trainers, or healthcare professionals. Work collaboratively with athletic trainers and medical personnel to support appropriate return-to-activity recommendations. Maintain clear boundaries between strength and conditioning responsibilities and medical diagnosis or treatment. Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and properly functioning strength and conditioning space. Conduct routine inspections of equipment, flooring, training areas, and facility conditions to identify potential safety hazards. Ensure all equipment is used appropriately, stored properly, and maintained in good working condition. Establish and consistently enforce facility rules, safety procedures, and expectations for student behavior. Maintain appropriate supervision and student-to-coach ratios during all training sessions. Ensure emergency procedures, first aid resources, and emergency contact information are accessible. Report damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, and maintenance concerns promptly. Ensure the facility is cleaned and organized before and after programming. Promote a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety within the training environment. Build positive relationships with students and serve as a positive role model. Create an inclusive, supportive, and motivating training environment for athletes of varying abilities and experience levels. Provide instruction, feedback, encouragement, and accountability throughout training sessions. Monitor student attendance, participation, effort, and progress. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow all school policies regarding student supervision and safety. Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, leadership, and personal responsibility. Collaborate with coaches to align strength and conditioning initiatives with team goals and seasonal schedules. Provide updates regarding team training plans, participation, facility needs, and safety concerns. Maintain appropriate records of training programs, attendance, equipment inspections, and relevant student progress. Participate in meetings, professional development, and program evaluations as needed. Qualifications and Preferred Experience Certification through a recognized strength and conditioning organization (CSCS, NSCA, CFSC, CPT, or equivalent) preferred. Experience working with adolescent athletes and youth athletic development preferred. Knowledge of strength training, conditioning principles, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and injury prevention strategies. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain. Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Ability to supervise and manage groups of students in an athletic training environment. Commitment to student safety, development, and overall wellness. General Expectations and Performance Standards Provide a structured, organized, and purposeful after-school training program. Maintain a consistent presence and actively supervise all students during scheduled programming. Demonstrate professional conduct and serve as a positive representative of the athletic department and school. Ensure that all training activities are developmentally appropriate, evidence-based, and aligned with accepted strength and conditioning practices. Prioritize student health and safety in all programming decisions. Take ownership of the strength and conditioning space, including its daily operation, cleanliness, organization, and equipment maintenance. Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to the changing needs of individual athletes and athletic teams. Continually seek opportunities for professional growth and improvement of the program.

Reports to: Reports to the Director of Athletics.

Salary: WEA Appendix D Stipends

Non-Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.