Strength & Conditioning Coach / Lecturer

We are Serious about Sport at Derby. We have recently refreshed our focus and ambitions for the future, aligned to the University’s Strategic Framework.

Sport at Derby is delivered through a collaborative approach. Our student teams compete under the ‘Team Derby’ banner against other Universities in British Universities and Colleges Sport and other national competitions. The Sports Centre is managed by Everyone Active; The Union of Students manage the Student Clubs and the Sport and Exercise team manages the academic programmes. Our role, as the Sport & Activity Team, is to deliver the objectives of the Sport Framework, align, and engage all stakeholders to create a high-quality, student-focused sport and activity experience. A good communicator, who is innovative and has a passion for sport are key attributes to be successful in this role.

A new University Sport & Activity Framework has resulted in a commitment to winning National Championships. You will have responsibility for the management of the strength and conditioning service to the scholars and student-athletes who are part of the University’s Performance Programme (0.8FTE). Additionally, you will contribute to teaching and research in the discipline area of Sport and Exercise Science for the School of Sport and Exercise Science (0.2 FTE).

This role highlights the University of Derby’s commitment to strategically embedding academic research into an applied S&C environment and will suit a practitioner wishing to develop academically or a current lecturer wishing to develop a culture of applied practice and student opportunities.

The anticipated interview date will be 21st November 2024.

We are seeking an experienced Strength & Conditioning Coach and Lecturer with experience in the higher education sector. You will have a passion for coaching and creating an engaging learning environment for athletes, students, and interns. You will also have a proven track record of delivering integrated and interdisciplinary support services, focusing on performance sport and personal development.

You will demonstrate a commitment to our values of being professional, passionate, progressive, and inclusive. You will bring significant experience in developing, delivering, and evaluating strength and conditioning programmes for athletes and teams, ensuring high performance and development.

Additionally, the role requires knowledge of the higher education landscape and the ability to use various teaching methods to inspire and engage students. Experience in developing student practitioner knowledge and understanding within the strength and conditioning field is also essential. 

This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence both academic and athletic success.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

1. Manage the delivery and implementation of the strength and conditioning programme to Team Derby Performance Teams, Development Teams, and Sports Scholars. Including athlete screening, and individual and group coaching.
2. Coordinate agreements between Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and the University, as the institution’s lead representative.
3. Ensure the Strength and Conditioning delivery to individual athletes and TASS Potential schools is in line with the agreements.
4. Support the TALS (lifestyle services) to student-athletes (Team Derby & TASS) and report associated partners.
5. Build an effective network within TASS to promote the University’s reputation, explore new opportunities to advance the partnership with TASS, and attend conferences and meetings as required.
6. Work with Performance Sports Coaches and Performance Support Staff to ensure the physical progression of the Development Teams promotes a pathway to Performance Team levels.
7. Work collaboratively with the Sport and Exercise Science team to develop the current applied workforce strength and conditioning coaches to support delivery. Allowing University of Derby students the opportunity to gain practical experience which compliments their studies and enhances student employability.
8. Design and embed robust and detailed databases to track and monitor training, attendance, and testing statistics and communicate with the MDT regarding athlete progress and performance.
9. Coordinate the performance suite timetable in collaboration with key stakeholders to maximise the utilisation of the performance suite, adhering to all requirements and procedures aligned to the University Room Booking processes.
10. Comply with all policies and legislation in the performance of the duties of the post, including Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, and Financial Regulations. Practice within the rules of the professional code of conduct including ethical guidelines and regulations with regard to drugs and doping in sports.

Lecturer

1. Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects / modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.
2. Ensure that module design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.
3. Participate effectively in the assessment process, including the setting, marking and moderation of student work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring it is in accordance with quality assurance procedures.
4. Participate in the continuing review and development of module/programme delivery, incorporating innovative study modes, learning environments and pedagogic practices to engage and stimulate students, deliver effective learning outcomes and develop the skills and attributes of the ‘Derby Graduate’.

Research / Scholarship

1. Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.
2. Engage in individual research and collaborate both internally and externally on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF.
3. Sustain and enhance the reputation of the University by publishing in appropriate quality journals and presenting at scholarly activities such as workshops, conferences and other similar events.
4. Contribute to writing bids for externally funded research projects.