Assistant Athletic Director

The Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Performance at Aquinas College is responsible for the

leadership, management, and administration of athletic training, strength and conditioning, and

overall student-athlete performance programs. This position ensures the health, safety, and peak

performance of student-athletes through comprehensive programming and oversight of the

athletic training staff. The Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Performance reports directly to

the Director of Athletics and works collaboratively with coaches, faculty, and administration to

support the overall mission and vision of Aquinas College Athletics.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions

Administrative Tasks:

• Oversee the daily operations of the athletic training and sport performance programs,
  
  

ensuring efficiency and compliance with all institutional, conference, and NAIA policies.

• Manage budgets for sport performance and athletic training operations, ensuring
  
  

responsible fiscal management and resource allocation.

• Supervise and evaluate athletic training personnel, strength and conditioning coaches, and
  
  

student workers to maintain high-quality support for student-athletes.

• Maintain accurate medical records, injury reports, and rehabilitation documentation in
  
  

compliance with NAIA and institutional standards.

• Coordinate medical care with team physicians and other healthcare professionals,
  
  

ensuring efficient and effective treatment plans for injured student-athletes.

• Oversee the purchasing, maintenance, and inventory of all athletic training and sport
  
  

performance equipment and supplies.

Sport Performance

• Develop and implement comprehensive sport performance programs, including strength
  
  

and conditioning, nutrition, and recovery protocols tailored to individual and team needs.

• Collaborate with coaching staff to integrate performance programs that enhance athletic
  
  

development and reduce the risk of injury.

• Monitor and assess student-athletes' physical progress, adjusting training regimens as
  
  

necessary to optimize performance.

• Provide leadership and education on best practices in sport performance, recovery, and
  
  

injury prevention.

Injury Prevention, Evaluation, And Treatment

• Design and implement injury prevention programs, including warm-up routines, mobility
  
  

exercises, and workload management strategies.

• Conduct on-field and clinical evaluations of athletic injuries, determining the appropriate
  
  

course of action for treatment and care.

• Implement emergency action plans and provide immediate first aid and acute care for
  
  

injured student-athletes during practices and competitions.

• Educate student-athletes and coaching staff on injury risks, proper techniques, and
  
  

preventive measures.

Rehabilitation

• Develop and oversee individualized rehabilitation programs to ensure safe and effective
  
  

recovery for injured student-athletes.

• Work collaboratively with physicians, physical therapists, and other medical
  
  

professionals to execute rehabilitation protocols.

• Monitor progress and adjust rehabilitation plans as needed, facilitating a smooth return to
  
  

play for student-athletes.

• Utilize evidence-based methods and modalities to promote healing and functional
  
  

recovery.

Other Responsibilities

• Support recruitment and retention efforts by fostering a high-performance culture that
  
  

prioritizes health, safety, and peak conditioning.

• Represent the athletic department at conferences, meetings, and professional
  
  

development opportunities related to sport performance and athletic training.

• Develop and implement educational initiatives focused on athlete wellness, including
  
  

mental health, nutrition, and recovery strategies.

• Support fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives that enhance the sport
  
  

performance program.

Knowledge, Skills, And Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field
  
  

(Master’s Degree preferred).

• Certification through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), NSCA
  
  

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), or other relevant governing body

required. Must be licensed in Michigan.

• Minimum of five years of experience in athletic training, sport performance, or a related
  
  

area within collegiate athletics.

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including staff supervision and
  
  

program development.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with coaches,
  
  

student-athletes, medical professionals, and college administrators.

• Understanding of injury prevention techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and sports
  
  

performance methodologies.

• Experience managing budgets and allocating resources efficiently within an athletic
  
  

department.

• Knowledge of NAIA regulations and commitment to compliance with athletic policies
  
  

and procedures.

• Commitment to fostering an environment that prioritizes student-athlete health, safety,
  
  

and overall well-being.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a variety of settings, including athletic training facilities, weight
  
  

rooms, and competition venues.

• Requires the ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and travel with teams as necessary.
• Exposure to various weather conditions for outdoor training and competition settings.
  
  

Mission, Vision, and Values

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican

traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career

preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong

learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares

individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global

community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and

Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of

every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are

expected to engage in the process of “appreciative inquiry” to identify ways that each position

can advance sustainability in the employment experience