Colorado Mesa University·Grand Junction, Colorado
The coach is responsible for designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs for assigned varsity teams to improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk. They must also maintain compliance with NCAA and conference regulations while collaborating with sports coaches and athletic trainers.
From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience.
We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities.
We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence.
Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge.
In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities Humility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals SECTION II – THE SEAT At CMU, we look at every position as a seat.
Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community.
As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.
The employee in this seat will be part of the dynamic team responsible for training the athletic department’s 800-900 varsity athletes in a professional and effective manner.
The seat does not have leadership and management responsibilities over employees.
OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS ASSISTANT STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH Directly responsible for the strength and conditioning of assigned teams.
Assess and test individual athletes and understand and evaluate the demands of the sport, and the needs of each assigned team including different position or event groups Design and implement appropriate training programs that will reduce the likelihood of injury, improve strength, and increase athletic ability.
Adhere to all institution, athletic dept, RMAC (or other conference leadership) and NCAA rules.
Exhibit effective communication skills and work collectively within the S&C dept. to improve weight room processes, practices, and policies Exhibit effective communication skills and work collectively sports coaches and the athletic trainers Administrative duties (internship oversight, fundraising, record keeping etc.) Other duties as assigned by the Head S&C Coach This position will report to the Head S&C coach and also the Football S&C Coach ROLES ASSESS, TEST AND EVALUATE: Assess and test individual athletes and understand and evaluate the demands of the sport, and the needs of each assigned team including different position or event groups DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT: Design and implement appropriate training programs that will reduce the likelihood of injury, improve strength, and increase athletic ability.
COMPLIANCE: Adhere to all institution, athletic dept, RMAC (or other conference leadership) and NCAA rules.
CONTRIBUTE: Work collaboratively within the S&C dept. to improve weight room processes, practices, and policies COMMUNICATE: Exhibit effective communication skills and work collectively sports coaches and the athletic trainers ACCOUNTABILITY TO RESULTS The employee in this seat will be held accountable to the following standards to ensure success High level of compliance with athletic dept, RMAC and NCAA regulations and polices Earn a “Satisfactory” or better rating in annual evaluation rating by the Head S&C coach Earn a “Satisfactory” or better rating from the Head Sport Coach (not thru an official formal evaluation) but a less formal end of academic year review 80% success rate on Department assigned 90-day Rocks Additional metrics and results may be assigned as needed by the S&C dept.
CORE PROCESSES Owned: Athlete testing and assessment (for assigned teams) Team needs analysis and sport evaluation (for assigned teams) Design and Implement appropriate training programs Effectively communicate with sports coaches and ATs Administrative and other duties as assigned by the Head S&C coach Contributor: Improve weight room processes, practices, and policies Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.
SECTION III – OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT For the success of our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a “Right Fit” in our seats.
We define “Right Fit” as those who embrace our culture, demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required.
We seek individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.
CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS The person in this seat must possess a thorough understanding of college athletics and modern S&C theory and practice The person in this seat must be energetic and outgoing, positive, and ambitious.
The person in this seat must possess openness, willingness to connect with others, self-awareness, humble confidence The person in this seat must be committed to early mornings, late evenings and bringing energy and a positive attitude to all training sessions The person in this seat must be an effective verbal communicator, especially when working with and in front of large groups of student-athletes.
Written communication is also important.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT At least 1 year of S&C coaching experience (private sector, high-school or NCAA setting) Experience with football preferred Bachelor's degree required, masters preferred CSCS (NSCA) or SCCC (CSCCa) certification required (or the ability to obtain within 3 months of hire date).
First Aid and CPR certification required USAW certification preferred Experience with S&C technology (Teambuildr or similar software, force plates, timing gates etc.) Proficient with Microsoft Office, Outlook etc.
LANGUAGE SKILLS The language skills include: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general written materials, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
Ability to write reports and prepare and conduct verbal and visual presentation of materials.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from top management, public groups, and board of directors.
REASONING ABILITY Strategic and analytical reasoning skills are necessary.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a: Cover letter Resume Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire) Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community.
To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.
Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.
Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility.
Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment.
To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email.
You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and possess at least one year of strength and conditioning coaching experience. A CSCS or SCCC certification is required, along with First Aid and CPR certification.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to stand, walk, jog, sit, speak loudly, and demonstrate exercises and drills.
The individual must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the individual in this position will encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The individual typically performs the duties of the job in an athletic facility and weight room setting.
The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud at times, with frequent disruptions throughout the day.
Market context
Part-time assistant strength and conditioning roles in Colorado are often competitive because schools and athletic programs look for coaches who can support athlete development while meeting strict certification and safety requirements. This role stands out for its required bachelor’s degree, at least one year of coaching experience, CSCS or SCCC certification, and First Aid and CPR credentials. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and tailor your application to your coaching experience.