Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Coor at Knox College – Galesburg, Illinois

The Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Coordinator of Campus Fitness and Recreation Facilities (HSCC–CF&RF) plays a critical role in supporting the health, development, and overall experience of Knox College student-athletes. This position collaborates closely with Athletic Training and coaching staffs across all sports to deliver a holistic, student-centered approach to performance, wellness, and readiness. In addition, the role contributes to the coordination, scheduling and stewardship of campus fitness and recreation spaces, helping ensure a welcoming, well-managed environment that supports both athletics and the broader campus community.

A proud member of the Midwest Conference (MWC) and NCAA Division III, Knox College is a vibrant community of scholar-teachers and students with a long-standing tradition of free inquiry, independent thought, and diverse perspectives. We are committed to providing an education that transforms lives through challenge, support, and discovery. Preparing students for meaningful lives and purposeful leadership.

At Knox, we seek challenge-seeking student-athletes, individuals who are eager to grow, compete, and contribute. Prairie Fire athletes embrace hard work, thrive in diverse environments, and lead with resilience. They represent more than 100 communities across the nation and globe, united by a shared commitment to self-improvement, academic success, and competitive excellence. With strong institutional support and an energized alumni base, Prairie Fire Athletics is positioned for continued growth and success.

Responsibilities

The HSCC–CF&RF is responsible for leading and delivering a comprehensive strength, conditioning, and performance program that supports the health, safety, and development of Knox College student-athletes. In alignment with Prairie Fire Athletics’ values, this role also contributes to a welcoming and well-coordinated campus recreation and fitness environment.

• Design and lead evidence-based strength, conditioning, and performance programs for varsity student-athletes across all phases of training.
• Provide instruction, supervision, and education that promotes safe training practices, injury prevention, and long-term athletic development.
• Serve as a core member of the sports performance team, collaborating closely with Athletic Training and coaching staffs to support athlete readiness, recovery, and return-to-play planning.
• Foster a positive, inclusive training culture that supports student-athlete well-being, academic success, and personal growth.
• Oversee the operation and management of strength and conditioning facilities and equipment, including planning, organization, and resource stewardship.
• Provide general coordination of indoor recreation and athletics spaces, including the fitness center, general locker rooms, and fieldhouse, to support shared use, scheduling, and recreational programming.
• Model professionalism and leadership through effective communication, collaboration with campus partners, and adherence to institutional, conference, and NCAA Division III standards.

In addition to the core coaching responsibilities outlined above, this position may be assigned Additional Assignments that extend beyond the primary coaching role. These supplemental administrative, leadership, or programmatic responsibilities are based on departmental needs and individual skill sets, are reviewed annually, and will be documented through a separate annual assignment letter or addendum outlining scope, duration, and any associated compensation or workload adjustment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science or related field from four-year college or university
• Certification as NCSA CSCS
• Valid Driver’s License
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Commitment to NCAA, MWC, and Knox College Rules and Regulations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree.
• Previous experience overseeing and managing strength staff.
• Knowledge of and understanding of collegiate athletics.
• Ability to communicate with and motivate collegiate student-athletes.
• Experience developing effective strength and conditioning programs.
• Working knowledge of NCAA regulations relating to drug policies and testing.
• Demonstrated competence using various computer equipment.
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in a co-ed environment.

Summary Pay Range: Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that pay is only one component of total compensation.

Benefits:

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

FSA/ HSA/ FSA Dependent Care

Employer Paid Basic Life & LTD

Voluntary Life

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Parental Leave

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from discriminating on the basis of sex.

The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-Discrimination is the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance. Any inquiries regarding policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment, including Title IX sexual harassment, as well as the policy prohibiting hazing, should be directed to the Director of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance identified below. Staff in the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance are available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s policies and procedures.

Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: cultureofrespect@knox.edu

Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office
500 W Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: ocr@ed.gov

Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to the ADA/504 Coordinator identified below:

Knox College ADA/504 Coordinator
Jennie Hemingway, PhD
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: jhemingway@knox.edu

Employees requesting accommodations may contact:

Human Resources
52 W South St., Alumni Hall, Suite 100 | Campus Box K-200
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7162 or 309-341-7543
Email: hr@knox.edu

Students requesting accommodations may contact:

Director of Disability Support Services
Stephanie Grimes
Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183
340 South West Street
Phone: 309-341-7478
Email: sgrimes@knox.edu