Job Title: Director of Strength and Conditioning/Head Coach

Job type: Administrative

Benefits Status: Eligible benefits

A penny: exempt

Employment scope: $56,000-$60,000 per year, plus excellent benefits.

location: Tacoma, Washington 98447.

to divide: Athletics Management

Publication date: 07/10/2025

Closing date: Until a sufficient number of qualified applicants are identified.

Work schedule:

Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Work schedule will vary based on training and competition schedules. Weekend and early morning hours will be required.

General Description:

This position is responsible for overall strength and conditioning program management for 18 NCAA athletic programs. This position is responsible for overseeing the overall function of the University Fitness Center. Reports to the Assistant Athletic Director – Facilities and Operations.

Essential functions and responsibilities:

• Designs annual strength and conditioning programs for 18 varsity sports.
• Collaborate with head coaches to design and implement sport-specific training programs throughout the year.
• Providing instruction to individuals and teams on proper multi-joint athletic movements to enhance strength, speed, and flexibility.
• Collaborate with athletic training staff to develop injury prevention strategies and assist in the rejuvenation of student-athletes returning to activity from injury.
• Recruit, train and supervise professional staff, student staff and practicum students.
• Develop and maintain procedures, training and safety manuals in all program operations including equipment/facility maintenance protocols.
• Preparing, monitoring and evaluating the fitness center operating plan (working hours and supervision), updating and improving it when necessary.
• Promote health and wellness initiatives on campus through various committees and input.
• Establish and monitor facility design and equipment placement, for safety, function and maximum potential use of space.
• Develop and manage the fitness center budget including operations and staff expenses.
• Inventory and control equipment and supplies.
• Organizing team training schedules and conditioning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Find out the latest data on strength and conditioning techniques.
• Ability to work with and modify strength programming for a wide range of athletes.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a wide range of athletic trainers.
• Ability to collaborate with sports medicine staff in adaptive training.
• Skills needed to ensure that safety is the first priority in any strength programming.
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures and the ability to remain calm in these situations.
• Budgeting skills for fitness center needs.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees and organize their work schedules.
• Skill in analysis and problem solving.

Required qualifications:

• – 3 years of experience in training and/or fitness field.
• Bachelor’s degree in physical education/health, exercise science, business, or recreation management.
• NSCA (CSCS) certification required.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification is required and is presented upon hire.
• Final candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Training experience or group participation.
• – Demonstrated ability to recruit Level III student-athletes.
• Outstanding technical, tactical and strategic knowledge specific to the sport.
• Understanding and commitment to the philosophy of NCAA Division III and the role of athletics within a private liberal arts university.

Working conditions:

• Work in inclement weather may be required.

Other information:

PLU is a small private university where caring means more than just kindness and consideration—it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to creating and advancing knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who may bring widely diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to educational, research, or other work activities.

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition waiver for employees and their families, a generous retirement plan, medical, dental, and paid vacation and sick leave, major vacation time (including Christmas/New Year’s vacation and additional vacation during the summer), and many other great university benefits. PLU is an employer that qualifies under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed information on benefits.

For general application questions or if you require accommodations at any stage of the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.

• – 3 years of experience in training and/or fitness field.
• Bachelor’s degree in physical education/health, exercise science, business, or recreation management.
• Nesca (CSCS)Certificate required.
• first aid/Cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Dirham Certification is required and is presented upon hiring.
• Final candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Return to search results