What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Performance Coach position at Las Vegas Basketball L.P.?
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Lead Performance Coach is responsible for overseeing the methodology, design, and implementation of strength and conditioning programs for the Las Vegas Aces. In addition, the role will support sport science initiatives, testing, and performance monitoring. The Lead Performance Coach will work as a member of the Health and Performance Department to deliver athlete-centered, individualized, and comprehensive programming aimed at optimizing athlete resiliency, readiness, rehabilitation, and long-term development.
The Lead Performance Coach is responsible for overseeing the methodology, design, and implementation of strength and conditioning programs for the Las Vegas Aces. In addition, the role will support sport science initiatives, testing, and performance monitoring. The Lead Performance Coach will work as a member of the Health and Performance Department to deliver athlete-centered, individualized, and comprehensive programming aimed at optimizing athlete resiliency, readiness, rehabilitation, and long-term development.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and implement performance training and conditioning programs in-season, off-season, and preseason with methodology consistent with the mission, vision, and pillars of the Health and Performance Department
- Work in cooperation with the other members of the Health and Performance Department to optimize athlete resiliency, readiness, and rehabilitation across the continuum of athletic performance
- Lead methodology for pre-practice and pre-game on-court preparation to maximize performance and athlete health and safety
- Work closely with coaching staff on long-term athlete development philosophy, profiling, and programming.
- Collaborate with the coaching staff to provide updates on athlete performance and conditioning, and prepare reports as needed
- Develop and enhance sport science practices within the department, including the monitoring of both subjective and objective athlete data, as well as the regular testing of physical performance metrics to assess resiliency and readiness.
- Facilitate a collaborative relationship with the other members of the Health and Performance Department, coaching staff, contracted providers such as nutrition and sport psychology, and other members of the basketball operations staff
- Design and conduct preseason, in-season, and off-season testing battery to help profile athletes
- Provide recovery strategies and education for athletes both at home and on the road
- Act as main in-house liaison for daily nutrition and supplement needs, in collaboration with contract dietician
- Establish and uphold behavioral standards for athletes and staff in the weight room space
- Participate in weekly staff education sessions and reviews with the Health and Performance Team
- Record-keeping and documentation of athlete programming
- Equipment maintenance, ordering, and assistance with budget recommendations for purchasing needs
- Travel with team per WNBA schedule and fulfill all aforementioned job duties as it applies to travel/away games
- Be active in an individual professional development plan and continuing education
- Provide support for internships and/or residency programs as it applies
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- B.S. in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Nutrition or Human Performance
- Experience as a strength and conditioning professional in college and/or professional athletics or in the private sector with professional athletes
- Knowledge and experience with pilates, yoga, and mobility-based interventions
- USA Weightlifting (USAW) level 1 or Sports Performance Coach a plus
- M.S. in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Nutrition or Human Performance a plus
- ·Requires flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in line with the team’s schedule
- Requires travel with the team for away games, camps, and competitions
- Must be able to lift more than 10 lbs.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
- Must hold at least one of the following certifications for 3 years from hiring date (WNBA league mandate)
- CSCS from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- SCCC from the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa)
- Other formal strength and conditioning certification may be applicable but must be approved by the WNBA
- CPR, AED, and First Aid certification
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Exhibits a strong collaborative mindset and a co-creative approach, fostering teamwork with both athletes and colleagues
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure professional sports environment
- An extraordinary communicator and listener who has a relationship-centered coaching philosophy
- A natural educator with a passion for athlete education and empowerment, who is eager to innovate, learn, and grow
- Evidence of strong organizational and time-management skills, intrinsically motivated, and detail-oriented
- Basic computer skills, Excel and performance software preferred
- Proficiency in using performance monitoring software and tools (e.g. force plates, load monitoring technology, athlete management system)
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
