Athletic Performance (S&C) Program Director and Assistant Professor, Tenure Track

Performance Edge; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

St. John Fisher University seeks a Program Director for the Athletic Performance program to lead applied coursework in Strength & Conditioning, Speed & Agility, and Health & Wellness/Exercise Testing. You will guide curricular development and oversee accreditation efforts with NSCA within the coming year, while advising students and coordinating internships.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Exercise Science or related field, CSCS certification, and undergraduate teaching experience, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Exercise Science, Nutrition, or related field with expected completion by Jun 1, 2027.
• Current CSCS certification.
• Minimum one-year experience in Strength & Conditioning.
• Prior teaching at undergraduate level required.
• Background in strength & conditioning, personal training, athletic training, or related fields.
• Experience with curriculum development or accreditation (CASCE) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, deliver, document, and assess all components of the curriculum for the Athletic Performance program.
• Work toward NSCA accreditation within the next year.
• Advise students through the program and coordinate with Field Experience Coordinator.
• Maintain CSCS certification and engage with leadership to advocate for program needs.

Skills

CSCS certification

NSCA knowledge

Curriculum development

Teaching

Mentoring & advising

Program leadership

Communication with stakeholders

Evidence-based teaching

Strong work ethic

Education

Ph.D. in Exercise Science or related field

CSCS certification

Tools

CSCS

Job description

Applicants should have a demonstrated background in strength and conditioning, personal training, athletic training, or associated fields. The successful candidate’s primary teaching responsibilities will focus on applied coursework in the Athletic Performance program, and will include courses in Strength & Conditioning, Speed & Agility, and Health & Wellness/ Exercise Testing. These courses support students through the program as they prepare for internship placements and other applied opportunities in the field of Athletic Performance/Strength & Conditioning and have a special focus on client program construction as well as preparation for work in the field. Candidates should also be prepared to teach potential courses in Anatomy & Physiology and Nutrition at the undergraduate level.

Program Director Responsibilities include:

• planning, development, implementation, delivery, documentation, and assessment of all components of the curriculum, with the expectation of gaining accreditation with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) within the next year.
• ongoing compliance with the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education’s (CASCE) Professional Standards and Guidelines.
• having effective communication with the Division Chair and Dean to advocate for program need in areas such as field experience, strategic planning, resources, and budget.
• advising students through the program as they prepare for internship placements and other applied opportunities in the field of Athletic Performance/ Strength & Conditioning, in coordination with the Field Experience Coordinator.
• maintaining current CSCS® certification.

St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master’s and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, pharmacy, and public health. The University’s residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and a successful intercollegiate athletics program. Fisher is a community where all are welcome, regardless of religious or cultural background.

The University continues to honor its founders, the Congregation of St. Basil, by embracing their motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” We are located in Pittsford, N.Y., seven miles outside of the city of Rochester. The campus is situated on 164 park-like acres—a beautiful setting for a warm, friendly campus community.

Education/ Experience Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Exercise Science, Nutrition, or related field with an expected completion date by June 1, 2027.
• Current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification.
• Minimum one-year experience in the field of Strength & Conditioning is required
• Prior teaching at the undergraduate level is required
• Applicants should have a demonstrated background in strength and conditioning, personal training, athletic training, or associated fields.
• Experience with curriculum, program development, and/or accreditation in Strength & Conditioning (CASCE) or a related field is preferred

Competencies/ Skills:

• Be in good standing with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
• Commitment to a consistent, high-quality scholarship.
• Ability to develop and teach applied courses for the Athletic Performance major, including Strength & Conditioning, Speed & Agility, and Health &
• Wellness, as well as teaching foundational courses in Nutrition and Anatomy & Physiology.
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices in teaching and learning.
• Commitment to mentoring and advising students.
• Commitment to service.
• Commitment to community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with various stakeholders.
• Applicants should have a strong commitment to evidence-based teaching practices, scholarship, and program development.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift weights, have agility to kneel or bend, and use correct form.
• Must have stamina, strength and coordination to model movements required for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification.