High Performance Summer Fellowship

JOB DESCRIPTION

HIGH PERFORMANCE SUMMER FELLOWSHIP 

CLASSIFICATION Seasonal Full-time 

REPORTS TO Athletic Development Manager

LOCATION Park City, UT

SALARY Monthly Stipend ($18,000 total)

DURATION 7 months (May 2025 - Nov 2025) 

TRAVEL <10%

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the National Governing Body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding in the United States and is the parent organization of the Stifel U.S. Ski Teams, the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team, and the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard team. Located in Park City, Utah, the High Performance Department consists of 25 High Performance staff members, ranging from physiologists, dieticians, and sports technologists to physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches. These staff serve over 200 athletes from across the country as they pursue their dreams of becoming Best in the World. The state-of-the-art training facility includes a full weight room, sport science lab, basketball court, trampolines, a skate park, a nutrition center, and recovery/rehabilitation facilities. 

Overview

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s High Performance Department is seeking an enthusiastic and committed athletic development (strength and conditioning) coach who is looking to immerse themselves in a High Performance environment. This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to bridge the gap between the theoretical and the practical, as fellows will partake in continuing education from some of the industry’s best and brightest while also coaching national team athletes through their off-season preparation. The experience will challenge common S&C beliefs, push the boundaries of thinking and experimenting, and present a real-world experience unlike any other.

Among other things, fellows can expect the following:

• An in-depth furthering of practical Sport Performance knowledge and skills.
• Development of complementary skills (Excel, Data analytics, PowerPoint, résumé-building, and other professional-development skills.
• Mentorship from Sport Scientists, Physiologists, PTs, ATs, Coordinators and Technical staff.
• Practical experience working with a diverse group of athletes.
• Dedicated continuing education aimed at bridging the theoretical-practical gap.

Some example topics that will be covered throughout this fellowship include: 

• Coaching pedagogy theory and application
• Program design: peaking and tapering
• Physiological concepts of fatigue
• Speed development
• Interpretation of research
• Force plate measures and data analysis
• Sports medicine integration
• Return to Sport – from Surgery to the Slopes
• Monitoring – Data Collection, Reporting, and Action Items
• Presentation skills

Also included are numerous round-table discussions with High Performance staff from around the world, site visits to local collegiate, professional, and Olympic organizations, organized outdoor activity (and how it applies to athlete preparation), as well as numerous opportunities to dig deep into multiple different sports with program presentations to follow.

 As an example for the trajectory this fellowship is working to create, here’s a brief list of where a few of our past fellows have landed:

• Head of Data Management and Analytics– IMG Academy
• General Manager – Exos
• Head S&C – Utah Warriors
• Lead S&C– Red Bull
• Director of Sport Science Olympic Sports - Clemson University
• Applied Sports Scientist – Orlando Magic & Buffalo Sabers
• S&C Coach – Barca Academy
• S&C Coach – Weber State
• S&C Coach – University of Miami
• S&C Coach – UC San Diego
• S&C – Park City Ski and Snowboard
• S&C Coach – University of Utah
• Performance Coach – University of Kansas
• Performance Coach – Oregon State University
• Athletic Development Coach – U.S. Ski & Snowboard (3 current staff)

Structure and Schedule

This will not be a “stand in the corner” role, nor will it be a “just help set up and clean up” environment. Fellows will be fully immersed in our culture and operations, with duties including (but not limited to):

• Participation in a rigorous fellowship curriculum, including classroom and practical education sessions, presentations, staff workouts, and focused reading assignments.
• Program observation and implementation, including teaching, assessing, and overseeing exercises and sessions for warm-up, plyometrics, speed/agility, Olympic lifts, weight training, conditioning, and active recovery.
• Athletic assessment and physical testing, including tests for aerobic fitness, movement competency, strength and power, anaerobic fitness, and more. This will also include data entry and analysis, and potential research projects.
• Program design, including periodization, understanding of various phases and models, and adjustment for competition or athlete requirements.
• Assigned research projects and presentations, as directed or required for academic credit.
• Management of certain athletes or groups as directed by High Performance staff.
• Cleaning and maintenance duties within the Center of Excellence.

The duration of the fellowship is approximately 7 months, beginning on Monday, May 5th, 2025, and concluding on Friday, November 21st, 2025. The typical schedule is around 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday from 8:00a to 5:00p. Fellow will have a rotating weekend schedule (will flex weekday schedule) and are encouraged to enjoy all that Park City and Utah have to offer. Hiking, cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing and camping are just a few of the local hobbies.. Lastly, there is potential for domestic or international travel within this fellowship.

This fellowship offers a monthly stipend in addition to a hot lunch every business day, however fellows are responsible for all costs during the fellowship period, including relocation, accommodations, transportation, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrollment or completion of a BS or MS degree in Exercise Science or related field
• A positive attitude, high level of motivation, and the willingness to learn and listen to constructive criticism
• Must be organized and adaptable, with the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with athletes and effectively communicate with athletes, coaches, and staff
• Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED, or the ability to obtain these within 30 days of fellowship start date. No online-only certifications are accepted.
• Experience leading or teaching groups of athletes or students
• Proficiency with computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Prior experience in a strength and conditioning setting (as an athlete, volunteer, or coach)
• Proficiency in Olympic lifting, strength training, plyometrics, and metabolic conditioning
• Current certification or in pursuit of obtaining certification from the CSCCa, NSCA, and/or USAW
• Must be eligible to work in the United States at time of application (no international applications are accepted)

Application Process

The application window is open from January 13th, 2025, to February 7th, 2025. Any applications submitted after February 7th, 2025, will not be considered. Applicants will have multiple rounds of interviews, as this is a highly competitive fellowship. Historically, applicants have been chosen out of a pool of 80 to 120 applications each year.

 Application Checklist:

• 1-page résumé (PDF format, saved/named appropriately)
• February 7th, 2025, deadline

If you have any questions about this process, you are welcome to reach out to Calvin Chapman @ calvin.chapman@usskiandsnowboard.org

FAQ

Q.   Can I apply without a U.S. Passport and Citizenship?

 No, you must be eligible to work in the United States at time of application (no international applications are currently being accepted). We cannot provide any form of sponsorship to any international applicants.

Q.   I don’t graduate until late May – can I still apply?

 To be considered for this fellowship, you need to be present from day 1. However, past fellows have been in the same situation, and usually find a way to finish school while with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. We have the means to proctor final exams and facilitate most teaching opportunities if needed. Communicate with your professors on this and we are happy to accommodate.

Q.   If I get a job offer starting August 1, can I leave the fellowship early to take that job? Will it be frowned upon?

 Though we encourage fellows to stay on-board for the full time, a job opportunity, especially one that fits you well, is hard to pass on and we understand this. You may leave the fellowship early, and this will not reflect poorly on you in any way.

Q.   Can I get a job outside of this fellowship?

Fellows are welcome to hold other positions during their time in Park City, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so. The only thing we ask is that you commit to being present from 8:00a – 5:00p, Monday through Friday. Early morning, evening, or weekend jobs are fine, however we hope that applicants leave time in their schedule for relaxing and exploring Utah.

Q.   Will this fellowship lead into a job with U.S. Ski & Snowboard?

Though we do have former interns/fellows on-staff, this fellowship is not set up to lead into a full-time position. Should a full-time position open up during the fellowship, fellows are welcome to apply and move through the normal application process.  

U.S. SKI AND SNOWBOARD EEO STATEMENT

USSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. USSS's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.