Careers at Lehigh

Lehigh University's Track & Field program is looking for a dedicated throws specialist to join a collegiate athletics environment where academic excellence and athletic achievement go hand in hand. If you're ready to shape the next generation of throwers at a Division I institution with a strong commitment to student-athlete development, this role is worth your attention. As Assistant Coach for Throws, you'll take ownership of all four throwing disciplines — shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin — while designing and leading the weight training program for field event student-athletes. 

Position Number: S86830

This position is a Grade: 6 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $28,670-$34,410 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Accountabilities

• Mentor student-athletes to excel in academic, personal, and competitive goals by tracking academic progress, teaching essential life skills, and prioritizing overall wellness and retention.
• Build strong, individual relationships to foster an inclusive team culture rooted in integrity and accountability—actively celebrating achievements while addressing performance and behavioral concerns appropriately.
• Design and execute annual, individualized training plans for all throwing events (shot put, discus, hammer, javelin), providing daily technical instruction on mechanics, skill development, and race/throw strategy.
• Utilize video analysis and performance data to evaluate mechanics and prepare throwers for peak performance at the Patriot League Championships and NCAA qualifying competitions.
• Travel with the team to provide on-site coaching during indoor and outdoor seasons, while collaborating with the broader coaching staff to support overall team success.
• Design, implement, and continuously adjust tailored strength, power, mobility, and weight training programs for all field event student-athletes across the annual training cycle.
• Partner with Sports Medicine and Sports Performance staff to enforce safe lifting mechanics, prevent injuries, manage return-to-play protocols, and align with departmental standards.
• Evaluate performance through testing and data analysis while educating student-athletes on nutrition, recovery, flexibility, and overall physical preparedness.
• Identify, evaluate, and recruit high-caliber student-athletes through competitions, campus visits, and video analysis to build competitive throws and field event groups that support overall team roster goals.
• Establish strong relationships with prospects, families, and coaches while managing recruiting communications, coordinating campus visits, and promoting Lehigh University's academic and athletic excellence to enroll a diverse student-athlete body.
• Manage throwing event equipment inventory, maintain venues, coordinate travel and operational logistics, and leverage technology/analytics to support budget management and daily program operations.
• Fulfill all coaching, administrative, and recruiting duties (August 1–May 30) while ensuring strict compliance with NCAA, Patriot League, and University policies and participating in institutional initiatives.
• Serve as a positive program ambassador by collaborating with Athletics Advancement and Communications to drive fundraising, alumni engagement, community outreach, camps, and team promotion.
• Recruit, retain, and mentor student-athletes to excel in academic benchmarks, character development, and graduation rates while building strong alumni support and maintaining strict NCAA compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field; Master's Degree preferred
• One to three years of work related experience
• Collegiate coaching and/or competitive experience in the throwing events
• Demonstrated knowledge of strength and conditioning principles for power athletes
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Commitment to supporting academic achievement and holistic student-athlete development
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines
• Ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a full-time 10-month appointment operating from August 1 through May 30, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extensive travel during the competitive season
• Previous NCAA Division I coaching experience preferred
• Demonstrated success coaching conference champions, NCAA qualifiers, or nationally competitive throwers
• Certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS) or equivalent preferred

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University sits at the intersection of rigorous academic culture and competitive Division I athletics, offering a rare environment where coaches are valued as educators as much as performance specialists. You'll work within a well-resourced Athletics department that prioritizes staff development and cross-functional collaboration. Beyond the role itself, Lehigh offers exceptional study and professional development benefits, above-standard superannuation contributions, and generous leave entitlements — supporting a career built for the long term, not just the season.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission. 

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• This position is responsible for driving as a routine function, therefore a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is required.
• This position has direct contact with minors, therefore a background check is required.
• This position has off the months of June and July.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.