Exercise Sciences – Certification Program Director, CFS Professional

Brigham Young University; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Brigham Young University invites applications for the Exercise Sciences - Certification Program Director. This faculty leadership role will develop and administer professional certification pathways, with initial emphasis on NSCA strength and conditioning and ACSM exercise physiology credentials.

You will coordinate curriculum alignment, program assessment, and accreditation activities; develop experiential learning opportunities; teach undergraduate courses; and mentor students pursuing

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or related field by start date.
• Experience with professional certification preparation and program accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and administration of certification pathways aligned with NSCA and ACSM credentials.
• Coordinate curriculum alignment, program assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Oversee field experiences and experiential learning opportunities.
• Teach undergraduate courses in exercise prescription and related areas.
• Mentor students pursuing professional certifications and careers.
• Build relationships with professional organizations and industry partners.
• Engage in department, college, and university service.

Skills

Program development

Curriculum design

Student mentoring

Teaching

Professional certification

Collaboration

Education

PhD/EdD or equivalent

Tools

NSCA CSCS

ACSM-EP/CEP

Job description

Job Title: Exercise Sciences - Certification Program Director, CFS Professional Posting End Date: October 15, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Position Start Date: August 1, 2027

Department Description

Exercise Sciences is a thriving department within the College of Life Sciences at Brigham Young University, serving approximately 2,000 undergraduate majors in Exercise Sciences and Exercise & Wellness. The department is committed to providing outstanding teaching, mentoring, and experiential learning that prepare students for graduate education and professional careers. We seek a faculty member to lead the development and administration of professional certification and accreditation-aligned educational pathways within the department. Initial priorities will include strength and conditioning and exercise physiology, with emphasis on programs associated with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Required Degree

PhD, EdD, or equivalent degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or a closely related discipline. The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience

• Hold an earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Hold a current NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and/or ACSM Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) or Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience related to professional certification preparation, curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, and professional education.
• Demonstrate potential for excellence in university teaching, professional instruction, and student mentoring.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience directing or developing certification- or accreditation-aligned academic programs.
• Familiarity with CASCE and/or CAAHEP/CoAES standards and processes.
• Clinical, strength and conditioning, or other applied professional experience.
• Experience developing field-based or experiential learning opportunities.

Duties/Expectations

• The successful candidate will: Lead the development, implementation, and administration of academic pathways that prepare students for nationally recognized professional certifications, with initial emphasis on NSCA strength and conditioning and ACSM exercise physiology credentials.
• Coordinate curriculum alignment, program assessment, accreditation or recognition processes, and continuous program improvement associated with these pathways.
• Develop and oversee field experiences and other experiential learning opportunities that support professional preparation.
• Teach undergraduate courses in areas such as exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, and professional preparation.
• Mentor students pursuing professional certifications and careers in exercise science, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and related fields.
• Develop relationships with professional organizations, accreditation bodies, clinical and industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in department, college, university, and professional service.

Contact

Please direct any questions to the department chair, Ty Hopkins at [e-mail].

BELONGING STATEMENT

United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it "bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel" (Spencer W. Kimball). If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All faculty are required to abide by the university’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church. That commitment is demonstrated through the following behaviors, attitudes, and expressions: intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among members of the BYU community commitment to seek and be led by the Holy Ghost in all aspects of university assignments student-centeredness above all other professional pursuits excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentoring, and citizenship commitment to a campus culture of unity, love, and belonging a pattern of exemplary conduct that combines spiritual values and personal integrity in conducting work in a professional manner consistent with the values espoused by the university and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a pattern of public expression that faithfully promotes the mission and doctrines of the Church; is devoid of contradicting or opposing Church doctrines, policies, and general leaders; and refrains from expressions and behaviors that are dishonest, unchaste, profane, or disrespectful of others BYU is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. The mission of Brigham Young University - founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. BYU employees must possess a commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the Aims of a BYU Education. That commitment is demonstrated through the following behaviors, attitudes, and expressions: intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among members of the BYU community commitment to seek and be led by the Holy Ghost in all aspects of university assignments student-centeredness above all other professional pursuits excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentoring, and citizenship commitment to a campus culture of unity, love, and belonging a pattern of exemplary conduct that combines spiritual values and personal integrity in conducting work in a professional manner consistent with the values espoused by the university and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a pattern of public expression that faithfully promotes the mission and doctrines of the Church; is devoid of contradicting or opposing Church doctrines, policies, and general leaders; and refrains from expressions and behaviors that are dishonest, unchaste, profane, or disrespectful of others BYU is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. [e-mail] 1-801-422-7017