Sports Performance Intern

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is offering a paid sports performance internship within its Athletics Department. You will gain hands-on experience training NCAA Division I athletes in speed, agility, and Olympic-style weightlifting, working alongside our sports performance leadership.

The internship runs January 4, 2027 through May 28, 2027, onsite at the Athletics MBU, with a 20-hour workweek, and includes training in injury prevention, lifting technique, and emergency procedures.

Qualifications

• CSCS/CSCCa certification required.
• Division I weight room experience preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in strength and conditioning.

Responsibilities

• Implement training programs for strength, conditioning, mobility, and speed for cross country and track athletes.
• Minimize injury risk through proper program design.
• Collaborate with medical staff on rehabilitation.
• Screen athletes for movement limitations.
• Instruct on safe execution of lifts and speed development.
• Maintain equipment and know emergency procedures.
• Seek feedback from coaches to improve the program.
• Handle administrative tasks for the Sports Performance Department.

Skills

Experience in Division I weight room

Olympic lifts instruction

Willingness to learn

Education

CSCS or CSCCa certification

Job description

Advertising Summary

Launch your strength & conditioning coach career with Virginia Commonwealth University’s paid sports performance internship. You will gain elite, hands-on experience training NCAA Division I athletes in speed, agility, and Olympic-style weightlifting while working directly alongside our sports performance leadership. Position will run from January 4, 2027 through May 28, 2027.

Unit

Athletics MBU

Department

Athletics Office

Department Summary

VCU Athletics’ mission is to win conference and national championships, provide a first-class student-athlete experience, serve as a source of pride for the University and community and cultivate graduates who excel as leaders.

Duties & Responsibilities

• -Implement training programs for, but not limited to, strength, conditioning, mobility, and speed for Men’s and Women’s Cross Country as well as Track & Field Throwers to prepare them for competition in local, regional, and national arenas;
• -Ensure the minimization of risk and severity of potential injuries through appropriate program design;
• -Collaborate with medical professionals to rehabilitate student‑athletes following any injuries;
• -Screen student‑athletes for movement limitations and imbalances;
• -Instruction on the safe and correct execution of flexibility, plyometrics, Olympic lifts, and speed development exercises;
• -Maintain safe and effective equipment;
• -Knowledge of emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid;
• -Seek and utilize feedback from sport coaches as appropriate to continually improve sports performance program;
• -Administrative Responsibilities related to the Sports Performance Department

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• -Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) through the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) OR Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• -The applicant must have practical knowledge of exercise technique instruction, experience in a Division I Collegiate weight room setting preferred, as well as experience with Olympic lifts.
• -Must have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in strength and conditioning and a willingness to learn.

Salary Range

$13.75/hour

Benefits

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week

20

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

Months - 5 months (January - May, 2027)

Contact Information

Contact Name: Tyler Wrenn
Contact Email:[e-mail]