Head Strength and Conditioning/Fitness Center Director

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Designs, implements, and evaluates strength and conditioning programs tailored to specific varsity sports, in collaboration with coaches and athletic training staff.

• Manages all aspects of the University Fitness Center, including operations, scheduling, equipment maintenance, and user safety.

• Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates strength and conditioning interns, student employees, and Fitness Center staff.

• Educates student-athletes on performance enhancement, recovery techniques, and injury prevention.

• Promotes a culture of wellness across campus by coordinating group fitness classes, peer-led training, stress-management programs, and inclusive recreational initiatives.

• Develops and enforces facility policies, safety protocols, and programming standards in accordance with NCAA and institutional guidelines.

• Engages with students from diverse backgrounds to ensure equitable access to fitness resources.

• Oversees the Fitness Center budget, including purchasing, maintenance, and staffing costs.

• Collaborates with the Office of Student Affairs, Health & Wellness, and Athletics to align programming with student needs and institutional wellness goals.

• Maintains accurate records of program use, training plans, and incident reports.

• Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of programming; utilizes data to inform continuous improvement.

• Attends varsity competitions and campus events as appropriate to support community engagement and visibility.

Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Strategic Alignment and Impact:

This position contributes to key University of Redlands priorities:

• Student Well-Being and Success – Enhances academic achievement and retention through physical wellness and mental resilience.

• Community and Belonging – Fosters an inclusive and communal environment that encourages social connection.

• Athletic Excellence – Maintains NCAA compliance while providing high-performance support to varsity teams.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Promotes equitable access to wellness resources and inclusive fitness programming.

Qualification Guidelines:

Experience/Training/Education:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.

• Nationally recognized certification (e.g., CSCS – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist or SCCC – Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified).

• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

• Minimum three years of experience designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs and/or managing a fitness facility.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Experience working in higher education, particularly with diverse student populations.

• Familiarity with NCAA Division III regulations.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficiency in strength and conditioning program development, performance optimization, and injury prevention.

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and team-building capabilities.

• Knowledge of NCAA compliance and fitness industry standards.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to plan, organize, and execute wellness initiatives and fitness programs.

• Strong judgment, ethical standards, and commitment to confidentiality.

• Commitment to inclusive practices and student-centered service delivery.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in indoor athletic facilities and office environments. Schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

Physical Demands:
Requires ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs, demonstrate physical exercises, assist athletes during training, and respond to emergencies. Extended periods of standing and mobility required.