Director of Sports Performance and Deno Fitness Center

Overview

About The Department: 

The Macalester College Athletic Department fosters a supportive, challenging environment for student-athletes, emphasizing both academic and athletic excellence. As an NCAA Division III institution and member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (MIAC), the department prioritizes competitive success, developmental growth, and community engagement. The department is committed to providing a holistic, well-rounded experience for student-athletes to excel in their sport while preparing them for success beyond Macalester.

Read more about Macalester Athletics here.

This is a full-time exempt position that requires frequent availability evenings and weekends according to athletics programming during the academic year. 

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the strength and conditioning program for 21 varsity intercollegiate sports, ensuring performance development, injury prevention, and athletic excellence.
• Collaborate closely with athletic training staff to support student-athletes in injury recovery and return-to-play protocols.
• Oversee daily operations of the campus fitness center, maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all members of the Macalester community.
• Serve as an instructor for physical education (PE) and community fitness classes, promoting physical health and wellness across campus.
• Support college-wide initiatives related to health and wellness; actively participate as a member of the Wellness and Health at Macalester Committee.
• Supervise and provide leadership to a team that includes two part-time strength coaches, volunteers, and student workers, fostering a positive and professional work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or a related field is required; Master’s degree in Exercise Science or a related field is preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in athletic performance training, with preference given to candidates with experience working in a collegiate athletics setting.
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED is required.
• Certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA – CSCS) or the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa – SCCC) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective strength and conditioning programs for a diverse population of student-athletes.

Compensation:

The annual salary for this position will be between $61,216-$64,000 depending on experience.

Benefits: 

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Generous Parental Leave. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans, including a generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching and activities.
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These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by July 17th, 2025. This position will be posted until filled. 

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Macalester College - Institutional Overview

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals.  Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.