Assistant, High Performance Strength & Conditioning Coach

Application Deadline: June 18, 2026

Requisition ID: 11086 

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.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Coordinator, High Performance Strength & Conditioning (under the portfolio of the Manager Sport Medicine and Athlete Performance ) Assistant, High Performance Strength & Conditioning Coach role within Athletics & Recreation, is to assist the Coordinator, High Performance Strength & Conditioning by providing strength and conditioning expertise to interuniversity sport teams and to monitor the safe and appropriate use of equipment by all members/patrons.

The incumbent also performs a variety of fitness appraisals and designs exercise training programs for high performance varsity student athletes. This position requires commitment and adherence to the values and principles of Athletics & Recreation as expressed in the mission, vision and values of the department. The Assistant Coach also supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of all strength and conditioning programs across all varsity student-athletes within Laurier, OUA, and USports guidelines.

Accountabilities

Strength & Conditioning High Performance Coaching and Floor Supervision

• Monitors general and team training use of the Strength & Conditioning 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.
• Initiates emergency response in cases of accident/injury, including the enactment of first aid and CPR as deemed necessary.
• Assists with preparation of regulatory notices, maintaining user statistics, and other miscellaneous clerical tasks.
• Interfaces with Athletic Therapy certificate program and clinic on an as needs/as requested basis

Performance Progress Evaluation and Reporting, Periodization Program Design and Integrated Support Team Collaboration for Interuniversity Sport Athletes

• Under the direction of the Coordinator, High Performance Strength & Conditioning, plans and performs a variety of fitness and physiological testing protocols for high performance athletes multiple times a year, or as indicated in service model agreement with each sport. .
• Reports appropriately analyzed performance progress data to student-athletes and interuniversity coaches as well as end of year in-season and full season reports.
• Designs Yearly Training Plans, in conjunction with interuniversity sport coaches and integrated support team staff.
• Designs individual and team exercise programs based on test results, injury modifications and in consultation with interuniversity sport Head Coaches.
• Provides onboarding and movement literacy guidance for recruits as
• Monitors progress of varsity team training every 4-6 week (training phase) in and out of season sists in the coordination of the program files for all varsity
• Attends weekly meetings with assigned integrated support team staff.
• In the absence of the Coordinator, High Performance Strength & Conditioning trains and schedules work study staff; communicating appropriate strength and conditioning training protocols/needs and emergency procedures, including and not limited to Olympic lifting, Movement Preparation and other new/current conditioning trends in the industry.
• Upon request orients members and interuniversity athletes on appropriate rehabilitation services and or directs them to the attention of the Athletic Injury staff personnel.
• Upon request, tours student athlete recruits through the Athletic Complex, Alumni Field and University Stadium

Administration

• Assists the Coordinator, High Performance Strength & Conditioning with Student-Performance Coach Program; including but not limited to training protocols, curriculum development, schedules, protocols and procedures.
• Attends regular meetings with the Associate Director, Interuniversity Sport, Sport Medicine and High Performance staff and staff, at which operational focal points are discussed and program activities
• Provides guidance in the absence of the Head Strength and Conditioning Specialist to both part- time staff and co-op/volunteer student staff, ensuring assigned duties are fulfilled.
• Participates, as required, in special events both within and outside the High Performance Team
• In the absence of the Coordinator, High Performance Strength & Conditioning assists with payroll for student performance coaches.

High Performance protocols, training and procedures

• Assists the Coordinator, High Performance Strength and Conditioning in drafting and updating all exercise manuals/resources for high performance student
• Performs inventory and light maintenance/repairs and cleaning of equipment, per the weekly cycle and as problems arise. Notifies Coordinator, High Performance Strength and Conditioning of emergency repairs as
• Recommends changes/improvements to (a) guidelines for equipment usage; and (b) floor layout of
• Liaises when required with the Coordinator, Facilities as per changes to protocol and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Kinesiology, Health Science or related field
• Minimum of 3 years experience as a strength and conditioning coach. Preferably at the professional, Olympic/Para Olympic, University or College LevelPractical experience in planning and conducting individual and or group/team training.
• NSCA-CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Association) certification or equivalent.
• Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association member preferred.
• CPR & First Aid level C
• 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
• Strong technical and practical experience in performance coaching
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with coaches and support staff (athletic therapy, mental performance, nutrition, administration) to optimize athlete performance, health and wellness
• Understanding of the use and application of sport performance technology and data collection/management to inform performance decisions and evaluate training outcomes
• Experience with community development practice, crisis/trauma treatment, Concussion Protocol, Return to Train best practices (re. COVID-19, Concussion Management)
• 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

Hour of Work: This position is a part-time limited term role with an approximate end date of March 26, 2027. Primary workdays will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with additional hours scheduled as needed based on operational requirements. Every effort will be made to manage the schedule so that weekly hours do not exceed 20. Flexibility may be required to accommodate team training schedules, practices, competitions, and other performance support needs. 

This role requires daily in person attendance and is not eligible for a flexible work arrangement as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy).

Compensation:

Level: D

Rate of Pay: $38.80 to $41.02 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date up to $44.35 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/careersfor 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.

Please note, when pre-screening questions are used as part of the application process, AI is utilized to score responses. All other aspects of the hiring process are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team.