JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Head Coach, Strength and Conditioning, the incumbent will assist in the planning and implementation of Strength & Conditioning (S&C) services for Queen’s Football, while also supporting broader S&C initiatives across Queen’s University Athletics and Recreation. This position involves collaboration with Athletics and Recreation staff to deliver effective services and support for athletes, while contributing to the High Performance Sport unit’s mission to foster inclusion and excellence in sport.
In addition to coaching duties, the incumbent will engage in the development and execution of training, education, and special projects related to high-performance sports, athlete well-being, and sport trends. The role also includes a focus on community interaction and revenue generation through collaboration with other units within Athletics and Recreation, as well as external partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning and Coaching (approx. 75%)
- Promotes a culture of inclusion that embodies A&R values, with a commitment to the university’s equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives designed to foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming work environment for individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities
- Collaborates with the Head Coach, Strength & Condition, Head Coach, Queen’s Football and the integrated support team to design, implement, and tailor strength and conditioning programs for Queen’s Football, emphasizing athlete well-being, performance, and long-term development.
- Support the development of the football team’s High Performance Plan (HPP) and Yearly Training and Competition Plan (YTP), including programming and coaching tasks to support speed/agility training, energy system development, strength/power training, injury mitigation, athlete monitoring initiatives, assessments/testing, recruit programming and return to play support.
- Assist in coaching varsity teams during the summer months, supporting overflow training sessions at the High Performance Centre.
- Initiates emergency action plan in case of accident/injury, including the enactment of first aid, CPR and use of AED as deemed necessary.
- Stays current with knowledge, trends and practices that are necessary to build and maintain a competitive football program. Attend Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U SPORTS meetings and ensure compliance with all regulations, maintain positive relationships with other sport governing bodies at the local, regional, provincial, national, and professional levels.
- Provide administrative support, including attending meetings and, where requested, assisting with day-to-day S&C program operations.
- Under the direction of the Head Coach, S&C, ensure that training, competition, and use of equipment is conducted in a safe manner, prioritizing athlete well-being.
- Maintain a high profile for Queen’s Athletics and Recreation through public speaking, clinics, camps, and other visibility efforts.
- Work closely with Queen’s Sports Medicine regarding athlete injuries, modifying individual athlete S&C programs as required and supporting the development, implementation and monitoring of return to play programs.
- Assist with fundraising activities, camps, competitions, and other events to generate revenue for Athletics and Recreation programs and Queen’s Football.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with community groups to foster engagement, enhance program visibility, and build loyalty.
- Represents and supports A&R, Queen’s Football and Queen’s S&C at alumni events and activities, working to engage alumni and community as supporters and contributors.
- The Coach is an integral member of the A&R team and as such is expected to support other programs, participate in department initiatives, attend events, and take on annual projects as requested by the Executive Director, Athletics and Recreation and/or the Director.
- Other duties as assigned by the Head Coach: Strength and Conditioning.
Leadership and Services (approx. 25%)
- Participate in departmental initiatives and events, supporting the priorities of A&R.
- Under the direction of the Head Coach: Strength and Conditioning, collaborate with the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (SKHS) regarding the Strength and Conditioning “Internship Initiative”. Carry out clinical/practical component of the program, providing leadership, direction, supervision, and evaluation to a team of student-interns who work alongside each team. Mentor students in the practice of delivering strength and conditioning support services.
- Supports the development and delivery of the football program through attendance at team practices and other team activities through the year, as determined by the Head Coach, Football in consultation with the Head Coach, S&C.
- At the request of the Director, assumes supporting roles in the development and implementation of education, training, special projects and/or administrative function that support evolving sport trends, programs, and services within high performance sport, which enhance the holistic needs of student-athlete and the overall high performance environment. (i.e., A&R priorities I-EDIAA/Safe Sport, academic mentoring & support, S&C, coach professional development, varsity sports operations, A&R operations, etc.)
- Where requested, serves on departmental or campus committees, working groups and/or task forces and provide additional support to the department when needed.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director, or Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum post-secondary education, preferably in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Sport Administration or Sport Management. University degree preferred.
- Experience in coaching within high-performance sports environments, ideally at the collegiate, provincial, national and/or professional level.
- Comprehensive knowledge and applied skills in exercise physiology, coaching pedagogy, sports science, exercise prescription, training technology, and evidence-based athlete development.
- Experience dealing with and developing 18–25-year-old high performance athletes towards provincial, national, and international standards.
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) required.
- Must hold membership in good standing with Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCA) or possess certification and membership from other comparable professional association.
- CPR & First Aid Level C required.
- SafeSport Certification required.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
- Valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s license required.
- Knowledge of nutrition considered an asset.
- Consideration may be given for the equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
- Advocates/lives A&R’s core values of integrity, inclusivity, accountability, collaboration, and service.
- Demonstrates commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where there is mutual respect and collaboration amongst all stakeholders.
- Strong customer service orientation with a demonstrated passion for the university and its people.
- Demonstrated skills/abilities in planning and organizing, taking initiative, problem solving and exercising good judgment. Ability to maintain tact and composure in a highly competitive environment.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and team building skills. Teamwork and team building are essential to this role and the ability to collaborate within a collegial environment is paramount.
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; instructional, coaching, and motivating skills; influencing and team building skills. Including the ability to think creatively and work in a team-based environment.
- Must be service-oriented and capable of dealing with a wide variety of constituents.
- A proven ability to elicit and foster trust, develop positive working relationships and work effectively with other coaches and athletes.
- Ability to facilitate groups of people to work towards, and succeed with, shared goals.
- Ability to exercise discretion, good judgement, and solid decision-making.
- Organizational skills and time management abilities are essential. The incumbent must be result oriented, assuming responsibility for development, implementation, and completion of projects/initiatives.
- Knowledge of the university environment, rules, regulations, process, and administration is desirable.
- Proficiency in computer software applications, including all Microsoft programs and specific strength and conditioning software including Teambuildr.
- Competent in current best practices of sport science and athlete monitoring.
DECISION MAKING:
- Athlete development principles, skill progression, on/off season training and conditioning.
- Must become knowledgeable in the OUA and U SPORTS rules that govern the sport programs around recruiting, athletic scholarship, eligibility compliance rules.
- Decision on prioritizing one’s own duties and responsibilities.
- Must be able to act in the absence of the Head Coach: Strength and Conditioning.
- Make recommendations regarding risk management and promotion plans.
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s iscommitted to employment equity and diversity in the workplace andwelcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples,persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or genderidentity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, prioritywill be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under theOntario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.