Head Athletic Performance Coach

Pomona College; Claremont (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Competitive salary

Exempt full-time

Job summary

Pomona College in Claremont, CA, seeks a Head Athletic Performance Coach to lead strength and conditioning for 21 varsity teams. You will design sport-specific programs, ensure NSCA/CSCCa standards, and collaborate with sports medicine staff to optimize performance and safety.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree, CSCS or CSCCa certification, First-Aid/CPR/AED, and at least two years of collegiate or professional experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in kinesiology, exercise science, health sciences or related field.
• CSCS or SCCC/CSCCa certification required; First-Aid/CPR/AED.
• Minimum 2 years of collegiate or pro-level strength & conditioning experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop sport-specific strength, conditioning, speed, agility, and injury prevention programs for 21 varsity teams.
• Collaborate with head coaches to keep programming evidence-based and NSCA/CSCCa-aligned.
• Work with sports medicine staff on injury prevention and return-to-play protocols.
• Instruct athletes on proper lifting techniques and training safety.
• Oversee APC operations, scheduling, and safety compliance.

Skills

Strength & conditioning

Injury prevention

Athletic coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree

CSCS certification

SCCC/Master SCC

First-Aid/CPR/AED

Driver's license

Job description

Job Posting Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Head Athletic Performance Coach

Job Description:

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Pomona College, established in 1887, is the founding college of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate institutions and two graduate institutions in Claremont, CA, on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. Pomona College has a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum spanning the arts, humanities, social sciences, math and sciences, emphasizing critical thinking and high-impact practices. Pitzer College, established in 1963, was founded as an innovative liberal arts institution, initially specializing in social and behavioral sciences, but has since expanded to other fields. Pitzer’s academic programs emphasize social justice, intercultural understanding, and environmental sensitivity. The 21 varsity Pomona-Pitzer Athletic teams comprise of students from both colleges, and compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and the NCAA Division III. The Colleges have a combined enrollment of 2,600 students.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Head Athletic Performance Coach will provide leadership, instruction, guidance, and safety in the strength and conditioning development of Pomona-Pitzer student‑athletes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reporting directly to the Director of Sports Medicine, the Head Athletic Performance Coach position will provide opportunities and responsibilities in the areas of athletic performance that include, but are not limited to:

1. Developing and implementing comprehensive, sport‑specific strength, conditioning, speed, agility, and injury prevention programs for 21 varsity athletic teams.
2. Working in close collaboration with head sport coaches, ensure all programming is evidence‑based, individualized, and aligns with the standards of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa).
3. Working in close collaboration with sports medicine staff on injury prevention and return to play training expectations.
4. Providing guidance and instruction to varsity athletes on proper lifting techniques, exercise form, and training protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness.
5. Developing, implementing and continuously reviewing policies and procedures for the operation, scheduling, and use of the Athletic Performance Center (APC) inside the Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Wellness (CARW).
6. Comply with and ensure all NCAA, SCIAC, Athletic Department, industry, and institutional guidelines, recommendations, and regulations are adhered to, and that the safety and well‑being of the student‑athletes is protected at all times.
7. In close collaboration with the Director of Campus Recreation, manage the inventory, maintenance, and repair of all strength and conditioning equipment in the APC. This should include regular safety checks and monitoring the cleanliness of all equipment.
8. Endorse and support all intercollegiate sports programs within Pomona‑Pitzer Athletics.
9. Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine or Director of Athletics, Chair of Physical Education.
10. Must be able to positively interact with and support a culturally, ethnically, economically and socially diverse population of students, faculty and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, health sciences, strength training, or related field plus.

• Licenses/Certificates : Certification by the National Strength & Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), or by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC or Master SCC). Must be First‑Aid/CPR/AED certified. A valid driver’s license is required or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off‑site meetings and events.

• Experience : A minimum of 2 years of experience as a strength & conditioning coach at the collegiate or professional level of athletics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS:

Certified Strength & Conditioning Coaches are professionals who practically apply foundational knowledge to assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes for the primary goal of improving sport performance. They conduct sport‑specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provide guidance for athletes in nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing their area of expertise is separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic, athletic training, and sport coaching fields, Certified Strength & Conditioning Coaches consult with and refer athletes to these professionals when appropriate.

The Head Athletic Performance Coach will work as a member of the Department of Physical Education and Athletics and support the mission, goals, and procedures of the Pomona‑Pitzer Athletic Department. They will demonstrate an understanding of the role NCAA Division III athletics plays in the educational process and be able to support the unique balance which must be maintained by the successful student‑athlete at Pomona‑Pitzer.

REQUIRED HOURS:

The regular hours for this full‑time position are at least 40 hours per week on a variable schedule.Weekend and evening work hours will be required.Travel may be required.Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division.Must be willing to work extensive weekend and evening hours.

ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS:

This is a regular, full‑time, exempt position, benefits eligible. Annual Salary for this position is between $70,000 - $75,000 with a competitive benefits package. The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include, but not be limited to: education, training, relevant prior experience, and performance in prior roles. All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship. As a California employer, Pomona College requires all employees to be residents of California.

ADA/OSHA:

This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

DISCLAIMER:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.