Position Title: Head Sports Performance Coach
Department: Athletics
Position Type: Full-time
Classification: MPE Band D
Salary Range: $55,906-$68,347 (37.5 hours/week) with additional salary enhancements for CSIA training and HKIN instruction
Posting Date: July 3, 2025
Closing Date: July 16, 2025

Position Description

St. Francis Xavier University, one of Canada's leading universities and most prominent athletics programs, is seeking a Head Sports Performance Coach to join our passionate varsity athletics program. Reporting to the Manager, Varsity Athletics and Communications, the Head Sports Performance Coach is responsible for managing, leading and overseeing all aspects related to the operations of the sports performance program at STFX University. They will develop and deliver appropriate strength and conditioning programs for 10 varsity teams and upwards of 300 student-athletes. Requiring an individual with excellent communication skills, the ability to be assertive, very organized and detail-orientated; the Head Sports Performance Coach will be energetic and knowledgeable in developing STFX student-athletes to reach their highest potential mentally and physically, while reducing injury, increasing consistency & confidence in performance. They will contribute to higher winning percentages, conference championships and national contenders.

The Head Sports Performance Coach will track athlete data and generate reports to coaching staffs, providing year-round sport specific training programs using the most up to date scientific knowledge and methodology. Additional duties include highly cooperative and collaborative interaction with other STFX Athletics team members, head coaches and athletic therapy personnel for an integrated athlete support services approach.

The Head Sports Performance Coach will be responsible for managing, training, supervising and expanding a group of Human Kinetics student interns who will help deliver the strength & conditioning programs, as well as supervising assistant and/or graduate sports performance coaches. They will be given first preference on teaching two 2.25-credit Human Kinetics weight training skills courses in 2025-26, along with two 3-credit Human Kinetics courses in 2026-27.

In partnership with Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic (CSIA), the Head Sport Performance Coach will provide strength and conditioning service, testing and training, to all identified local CSIA athletes.

The nature of the work requires that the Head Sports Performance Coach will work non-standard hours which includes evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver and manage appropriate group and individual strength and conditioning programs for all STFX varsity teams and student-athletes.
• Develop programs by evaluating current physical conditioning, tailoring programs for specific needs, demonstrating proper performance of exercises, and correcting mistakes. Provide year round, sport-specific training programs that lead to increased physical performance, prevention of injury, and allow STFX varsity athletes to maximize their athletic potential.
• Manage programs by monitoring progress, tracking data, providing assessment of development, and generating reports to coaches and the integrated support team.
• Reduce the likelihood of sports-related injuries or aggravation of injuries by being knowledgeable of the injuries sustained in specific sports and proper prevention methods, directing appropriate pre-training testing, preparations and warm-ups, and working with qualified sports medicine personnel during sessions.
• Manage and schedule the varsity sports performance space, contributing to maintaining a professional, clean, and organized facility.
• Abide by and comply with all STFX, AUS and U SPORTS rules, academic standards, requirements and policies, and all guidelines of the Athletic Department.
• Oversee, train and supervise all Human Kinetics student interns to optimize training practices within the sports performance space. Supervise, schedule and liaise with all assistant and/or graduate sports performance coaches.
• Provide strength and conditioning services, testing and training to all identified local CSIA athletes.
• Oversee and develop community strength & conditioning programs for local youth athletes to promote collaboration with the Athletic department and community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Canadian Sport & Conditioning Association (CSCA) fully accredited;
• Must be a reliable individual possessing strong communication and motivational skills; and be highly organized;
• Current CPR and First Aid certification;
• Successful completion of all STFX and AUS safe sport requirements and certifications;
• Experience working with U SPORTS level athletes or greater;
• Experience developing and delivering strength and conditioning programs;
• A flexible approach to work is required as attendance is required at select varsity games (evenings and weekends), as well as an ability to travel with teams when required.

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.

StFX is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at [email protected] or 902-867-5038.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today's undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada's most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.