High Performance Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Department: Athletics and Recreation 

Job Type: Continuing

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Manager, Sports Medicine and Athlete Performance

Employee Group: WLUSA 

Application Deadline: June 29, 2025

Requisition ID: 9972 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict.  Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Position Summary

The Coordinator, High Performance Strength and Conditioning reports to the Manager, Sports Medicine and Athlete Performance, within the portfolio of the Associate Director, Interuniversity Sport Programs and leads the development, implementation, and coordination of comprehensive sport-specific training plans. This role emphasizes athlete-centered, outcome-driven programs and oversees the High Performance Area, ensuring the integration of modern sport science knowledge and technologies. Collaborating extensively with athletic coaches and support staff, the Coordinator designs tailored strength and conditioning programs and ensures high-quality service delivery. Supervision of certified staff and oversight of clinical and experiential learning programs are key responsibilities. Additionally, the Coordinator facilitates sport dietician services and integrates education initiatives from the Kinesiology department to enhance student-athlete performance. The position also involves strategic yearly training planning with interuniversity coaches, focusing on identifying key performance indicators for each athletic program.

This role has a university-wide mandate and travel to other campuses and locations may be required to attend meetings or events.

Accountabilities

30% of Role

Coordination of Physical Development & Analysis of Key Performance Indicators

• In collaboration with the Manager, Associate Director and with Sport Coaches, lead and consult in the design and implementation of a comprehensive sport physical development plan that is an integral part of the each sport’s high performance plan with the aim of positioning Laurier at a competitive level to achieve provincial and national prominence. The plan shall include financial and support services required from other A&R units, annual and quadrennial program performance targets, budget framework, individual and team targets, evaluation framework to measure performance against agreed upon targets, strategies to address risk management issues, Coach/Director reporting and feedback cycles, etc.
• Coordinate trimester reporting related to each program, showcasing key performance indicators and appropriate standards on team and individual student-athletes bases (sport tier specific)
• Identify and utilize evidence-based interventions and tools to improve the performance of Wilfrid Laurier athletes in: the daily training environment, competition and performance, and/or recovery from training or competition;
• Coordinate a team of individuals who are responsible for the:
  • Operation of a successful inter-university sport-specific strength and conditioning (S&C) program including: program development, education, implementation, monitoring/evaluation, team and individual goal setting; individual skill technique acquisition and refinement; in/off season strength and conditioning programs; session planning, coordination and evaluation; establishing athlete/team performance targets, evaluation framework and feedback mechanism; testing and program evaluation, maintenance of regular contact with athletes, etc.
  • Usage of technology to collect data, logging results into databases and monitoring athlete performance and flagging issues of compliance (on and off season).
  • Preparation of team/athlete performance reports.
  • Collaboration with Sport Medicine team and coordinate individual athlete rehabilitation training.
  • Consulting with members of the IST to stay current with knowledge, trends and practices that are necessary to assist with building and maintaining a nationally competitive program.
• Stay current with knowledge, trends and practices that are necessary to build and maintain a competitive and successful S&C program. Ensure compliance with all league regulations,
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with other universities and sport governing bodies at the local, regional, provincial, national and professional levels. Where applicable, attend league meetings.
• Work in conjunction with other members of the A&R units to support athlete performance in each of their respective areas. Liaise with Athletic Therapy staff regarding athlete injuries with respect to the impact on individual athlete S&C program and the specific exercises that will speed recovery or aggravate the injury, adjust programs accordingly and supervision rehabilitation programs
• Integrated Support Team Lead for major return to play protocols.
• Provides comprehensive year-end reports to the Associate Director, Interuniversity Sport Programs regarding the overall state of the program, analysis of the program’s effectiveness, as well as recommendations for modifications and improvements to the program for the upcoming season.

30% of Role

Coordination of Performance Area Services and Operations

• Coordinates and supervises part-time strength and conditioning coach and student performance coaches (through the faculty of Kinesiology) hired to support the program.
• Supervises staff by developing and reviewing work plans, conducting regular meetings to keep track of progress, develops and implements yearly evaluations. Recommends the hiring and termination of staff, as required.  
• Create and lead internal professional development of IST and coaches;
• Coordinate sport dietician staff and integrated education from the Kinesiology department to improve fueling for performance needs and insecurities within our student-athletes.
• Develop and execute a tactical plan, including metrics and benchmark targets, that is coordinated with other relevant units to build and maintain a High-Performance Area that includes a comprehensive athlete development system that services Wilfrid Laurier student athletes and teams, community athletes and teams and partnerships.
• Lead the development of systems for student learning and practical placements in Performance Services; liaison with Kinesiology department to imbed curriculum structure linking with their course content.
• Develops and coordinates a comprehensive business plan centered on revenue generation for the strength & conditioning (high performance) portfolio. This includes a robust/attainable revenue target to grow and enhance this portfolio on a yearly basis
• Designs and leads professional development sessions/revenue generation workshops for strength and conditioning staff, campus and local community
• Develop and maintain a training structure with policies, procedures and guidelines to coordinate Wilfrid Laurier Sport teams and student athlete development, including defining support levels for each tier;
• Take an equitable hands-on approach for Wilfrid Laurier sports high performance teams;
• Coordinate and approve facilities, schedules, logistical components of the Wilfrid Laurier High Performance area and services;
• Develop and maintain processes and tasks that ensure compliance to the policies and regulations of High Performance Area and all Performance related training environments.
• Coordinates the high performance training opportunities for student athletes.
• Contacts and communicates with external contractors for equipment, repairs, or services required for the high performance training area.
• Schedules the high performance training for varsity teams and various internal and external user groups in consultation with the Coordinator, Facilities

30% of Role

Strength & Conditioning Coaching and Program Oversight

• Monitors team training use of the Strength & Conditioning High Performance Centre by varsity student- athletes, ensuring all users have appropriate member identification.
• Monitors general and team training sessions on field or sport specific landscape as required.
• Monitors safe and appropriate use of equipment by Provides advice, instruction, and exercise prescription to patrons as required or requested.
• Responsible for taking action with patrons who do not use equipment safely/properly.
• Enforces user compliance with Strength & Conditioning Centre regulations and ensures equipment is not removed from the Strength & Conditioning Centre.
• Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates evidence based strength and conditioning programs for across all varsity student-athletes and teams as well as athletes in the Laurier sport performance-training program.
• Provides guidance and direction to Head Coaches relating to Strength and Conditioning techniques for athletes. Provides athletes with guidance and proper training techniques to maximize performance and minimize injury.  
• Works with high performance teams to optimize proper warm up/cool down and recovery sessions
• Maintains up-to-date records on the strength and conditioning program of each team and specific individual workouts of every student-athlete.
• Works with athletic therapy staff to assist with the design and implementation of individualized therapeutic exercises to provide support in student-athlete rehabilitation.
• Evaluates progress of student-athletes performance through regular fitness testing/benchmarking

10% of Role

Financial Planning & Community Engagement

• Develops and monitors the strength and conditioning budget, which is submitted to the Associate Director, Interuniversity Sport for annual approval. Responsible for recommending budget requirements for the next season. Operates within the budget and under required University financial processes.
• Ensure all administrative duties, timelines, goals and objectives are adhered to and complete in a timely fashion. Other duties and special projects as assigned by the Associate Director

• Works with the Associate Director, Interuniversity Sport Programs, Athletic Therapists and coaches to design the marketing plan for the WLU Sport Performance training program.
• Conducts information sessions for various community sport organizations/teams with regards to the WLU Sport Performance training program
• Represents WLU Athletics and Recreation at all OUA Strength & Conditioning conferences/workshops

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Kinesiology, Health Science or related field

• Minimum of 8 years experience in a relevant work environment.  Preferably at the professional, Olympic/para Olympic, University or College Level
• Practical experience in planning and conducting individual and or group/team training.
• NSCA-CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Association) certification or equivalent. Applicants nearing completion also considered.
• Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association Member preferred
• First Responder & Basic Life Support Certification considered an asset
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work with others in an environment that requires quick decisions that protect the safety and well-being of the student-athlete.
• Experience working with high performance athletes and coaches
• Valid ‘G’ Drivers License required
• Criminal Background reference check required
• Knowledge of sport science theory, nutrition considered an asset
• Knowledge of OUA and U Sports procedures and protocols

• Experience with community development practice, crisis/trauma treatment, Concussion Protocol, Return to Train best practices (re. COVID-19, Concussion Management)
• Experience managing response to crisis situations and experience working as part of case management support team
• Experience with program support and development, including training and awareness programs and peer leadership programs
• Demonstrated ability in meeting-facilitation, oral presentations and situations of conflict
• Demonstrated ability to relate to students, faculty and staff in ways that build trust and confidence
• Proven ability to work within and assist others in navigating through complex systems; understanding of treatment programs, sport medicine and mental health terminology, including diagnostic categories;
• knowledge of privacy guidelines (PHIPA/FIPPA) and ability to communicate difficult/sensitive information
• Proven ability to work in diverse community with students of varied ages and backgrounds presenting a range of difficulties and personal issues
• Flexibility of working hours will be required to meet student athlete needs which may arise outside of traditional work hours 

Hours of Work:  This is a full time, continuing position. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.  Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to events.  When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week. 

This role offers limited flexibility regarding flexible work arrangements. Please see Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy) for more information. All arrangement must be approved by the direct manager. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation 

Level:  F

Rate of Pay: $45.34 to $47.94 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date up to $51.82 per hour. 

Considerations for new hire step placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.