Posted: 11-May-26
Location: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Type: Full-time
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Sector:
Preferred Education:
Internal Number: U00049
Henderson State University Athletics invites applications for the position of Director of Sports Performance. Reporting to the Director of Athletics and Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, this position provides visionary leadership, oversight, and daily implementation of a comprehensive, evidence-based sports performance program serving all HSU NCAA Division II and varsity athletic teams.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Culture Development
Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Henderson State University Sports Performance Department.
Establish and consistently model a department-wide culture of discipline, accountability, respect, and effort.
Create an inclusive performance environment that treats all sports equally with the same level of commitment and intensity.
Serve as a daily, hands-on leader in the training environment, reinforcing standards and expectations.
Strength & Conditioning Oversight
Design, implement, and manage comprehensive, sport-specific strength and conditioning programs for all HSU athletic teams.
Apply evidence-based training principles consistent with NSCA best practices and NCAA Division II standards.
Oversee all facets of athletic development, including strength, power, speed, agility, conditioning, and movement efficiency.
Monitor training loads, readiness, and athlete progress while adjusting programming as needed.
Ensure safe, technically sound training sessions emphasizing injury risk reduction.
Nutrition Education & Performance Support
Provide foundational nutrition education and guidance to support performance, recovery, and long-term health.
Educate student-athletes on fueling strategies, hydration, supplementation awareness, and NCAA compliance.
Recovery, Mobility & Injury Risk Reduction
Design and implement structured warm-up, mobility, flexibility, and recovery protocols.
Utilize recovery strategies consistent with available resources and best practices.
Collaborate closely with the Sports Medicine staff to support rehabilitation, return-to-play protocols, and modified training plans.
Mental Health Awareness & Student-Athlete Well-Being
Promote an environment that values mental health awareness and holistic athlete development.
Reinforce positive coping strategies, resilience, and balance within the performance setting.
Collaborate with Sports Medicine and campus mental health resources as appropriate.
Leadership Development & Accountability Training
Integrate leadership development and accountability education into the daily training model.
Academic Program Growth & Staff Development
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate graduate assistants and interns.
Collaboration, Administration & Compliance
Collaborate effectively with coaching staffs, Sports Medicine, and athletic administration.
Ensure full compliance with NCAA, GAC, institutional, and departmental policies and procedures.
Maintain accurate training documentation and program records.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Comprehensive understanding of applied sports performance science. • Proven ability to lead consistency, fairness, and energy. • Effective collaborator within a multidisciplinary athletic department. • Commitment to professional, ethical, and educational excellence. • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. • Ability to establish and enforce consistent standards across all programs. • Commitment to student-athlete safety, development, and academic success.
Work Environment & Expectations:
• Flexible schedules including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and potential team travel. • Ability to physically demonstrate exercises and coaching in an active training environment. • Serve as a visible ambassador of Henderson State University Athletics.
General Days/Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Additional hours as requested and/or needed. Regular and reliable attendance required.
Other:
Please note: all position postings close at 12:00 A.M. CST on the position closing date.
The University:
Henderson State is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, a charming, family-centered community of 11,000 residents situated one hour south of Little Rock on Interstate 30. Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, the community is home to two universities, a strong public school system, a thriving medical community, two recreational rivers, the iconic Lake DeGray, and is approximately 30 miles from historic Hot Springs National Park, one of the great American treasures. Henderson State University has 14 intercollegiate athletic programs and is a member of the Arkansas State University System.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), CSCCa Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC), or equivalent certification.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Demonstrated collegiate strength and conditioning experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in a related field.
• Previous experience within NCAA Division I/II and/or GAC membership.
• Experience supervising graduate assistants and interns.
• Knowledge of NATA/NSCA injury prevention and return-to-play principles.
• NSCA Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach® (RSCC®) designation.
