Northern Illinois University (NIU) is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director Sports Performance. This is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits. Under the general supervision of the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Performance, this position is responsible for assisting in the management and administration of all phases of the sports performance operations.

Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance, the individual in this position is responsible for all aspects of strength and conditioning for the assigned sports programs. This position is a professional coaching position, and all the duties of the position must be conducted in adhering to the policies, rules and regulations of affiliated national, regional, and state intercollegiate athletic associations, the MidAmerican conference (or subsequent conference) and the university.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Safety & Conduct - 45%
  • Responsible for the development, safety and conduct of the team(s) in the weight room.
  • Strive to reduce the likelihood of sports-related injuries or the aggravation of such injuries during practice sessions and scheduled contests by being knowledgeable of the injuries sustained in the sport and teaching proper rehabilitative methods, directing appropriate pre-training session and pre-contest preparations and warmups, and working with qualified sports medicine personnel or athletic trainers during all training sessions and contests.
  • Provide detailed instructions to execute all training exercises safely and correctly specific to performance enhancement methods to achieve desired results.
• Team Training - 35%
  • Detailed instructions to execute all training exercises safely and correctly specific to performance enhancement methods to achieve desired results.
  • Support recommendations as set forth by the athletics department designated registered dietitian for good nutrition and supplementation for the health and performance of the student-athletes.
  • Promote commitment, teamwork and develop a working relationship, establish rapport with, and ensure open lines of communication with the coaching staff, student-athletes of all teams, athletic training staff and administration.
• Administration - 20%
  
  • Perform both direct and indirect public relations functions including promotion, fundraising, community instruction through camps and/or clinics as requested.
  • Assist with departmental needs as requested.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Certification through the collegiate strength and conditioning coaches’ association (SCCC certification) or the national strength and conditioning association (CSCS certification).
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in collegiate or professional strength and conditioning setting.

Additional Requirements:

• When practical under the circumstances, intercollegiate athletic staff are encouraged to voluntarily attend all athletic events to promote audience participation and support for NIU team efforts.
• As a staff member within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, you are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) regulations, both those general in nature and those which apply directly to your position’s responsibilities. Strict adherence to all applicable governing policies, procedures, and regulations of the NCAA is required and is a condition of your employment.
• Ability to communicate well with student-athletes and coaches.
• Ability to effectively communicate through oral, written and electronic forms.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with department staff and other athletic department personnel.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours which include morning, nights, and weekends.
• Physical demands/requirements: Sitting, standing, walking, running, occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Minimum two-years’ experience in strength and conditioning on the university or college level, preferably D1 institution.
• Minimum one year of administrative experience in a sports training, department, or program (sports science, internship coordinator, return to play protocol etc.).

About Northern Illinois University

Chartered in 1895, NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a student enrollment of approximately 17,000. Located in one of the most dynamic regions of the country, DeKalb is 65 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. NIU is included in the Doctoral/Research Universities-Extensive category of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is a member of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. NIU has a diverse student population with 735 international students representing 118 nations. Approximately 3,500 students live on campus in residence halls and apartments. Northern Illinois University is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. The Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University afford equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation, and sexual orientation. NIU recognizes Dual Career issues.

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