Team Operations - Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach

TITLE: Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach

DEPARTMENT: Team Operations

REPORTS TO: Academy Head of Strength & Conditioning

FLSA: Salary; Exempt

WHAT SETS YOU APART

The Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach provides assigned Academy players with high-level, age-appropriate performance training and education. The coach applies scientific and practical knowledge to support player development, improve performance, and reduce injury risk.  Responsibilities include planning, delivering, and monitoring strength and conditioning programs for assigned teams; conducting soccer-specific physical testing; supporting recovery and return-to-performance processes; and providing sport science support. The role operates with day-to-day autonomy for assigned teams, within the methodology, standards, and supervision established by the Academy Head of Strength & Conditioning, and collaborates with the multidisciplinary department (Athletic Training, Sports Science, Nutrition, and Technical Staff).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with all department members and under the direction of the Academy Head of Strength & Conditioning.
• Plan, design, and implement safe, effective, and age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs for assigned Formation players, in accordance with the Academy methodology.
• Lead and deliver sports performance training sessions independently for assigned teams.
• Develop daily, weekly, and monthly training plans for assigned teams, aligned with the technical and tactical schedule and reviewed by the Academy Head of Strength & Conditioning.
• Coordinate with coaching staff to integrate physical development objectives into the plans of assigned teams.
• Educate and counsel Players regarding age-appropriate strategies to improve performance, recovery, and professional habits.
• Communicate with sports medicine staff regarding injured, rehabilitating, and deconditioned Players, and modify programs with agreement from the medical staff.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of return-to-performance strength and conditioning programs under the direction and agreement of medical and performance leadership.
• Conduct Player performance testing according to established Academy protocols and assist with the interpretation and communication of results.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and report strength, conditioning, and performance data for assigned teams.
• Manage training and match tracking data for assigned teams within established departmental systems and data-collection structures.
• Identify relevant performance trends and communicate practical observations and recommendations to the Academy Head of Strength & Conditioning and multidisciplinary staff.
• Provide operational support, coverage, and informal guidance to less-experienced Academy Strength & Conditioning staff when requested, without formal line-management responsibility.
• Maintain the appearance, safe functionality, and organization of equipment in the weight facility, and educate and enforce weight room rules.
• Demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to work effectively with Players, coaches, Club personnel, and Academy staff.
• Attend activities, meetings, matches, and programs as required by Academy leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

It’s never just a job at Orlando City.  It’s a way of life. We live and breathe soccer. We believe each role is as unique as the person who does it. To join our team, you will also possess these qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Strength & Conditioning, Sports Science, Applied Kinesiology, or a related field.
• CSCS (NSCA) or PES (NASM) preferred but not required.
• CPR certification required (or obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Ability to attain and maintain SafeSport certification.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Bilingual (English, Spanish, or Portuguese) preferred but not required.
• Effective academic and applied knowledge of contemporary practice in performance training, strength development, rehabilitation support, and youth athlete development.
• Proven experience working with soccer academy or junior athletes.
• Experience with movement, speed, strength, and power training appropriate for developing athletes.
• Experience with physical testing, workload monitoring, and basic performance-data analysis.
• Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Minimum of 3 years of previous soccer strength and conditioning or physical performance experience required.
• Experience independently supporting one or more teams or age groups preferred.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.