Position Profile: Nutrition and Performance Maintenance Coach

The Opportunity:

At Catalyst Sport Sciences, we are committed to the relentless pursuit of excellence. We don’t just train athletes; we build resilient, intelligent, and powerful competitors. We are seeking a uniquely qualified and driven individual to join our elite high-performance team as a Nutrition and Performance Maintenance Coach for our High-Performance Camp Programs.

This is not a position for a theorist. This is a role for a hands-on, in-the-trenches professional who understands the unforgiving demands of elite ski racing. You will be responsible for the intricate design and uncompromising leadership of all nutritional programming and conditioning maintenance for our roster of U14 to U16 & FIS-level athletes. Your expertise will be the critical link in ensuring our athletes arrive at each camp not only physically prepared, but also optimally fueled and resilient in preparation for the rigors of a whole race season.

Beyond the weight room and the meal plan, you will be a voice of authority for Catalyst Sport Sciences. You will be expected to contribute insightful, practical content to our monthly blog, sharing your knowledge with a broader audience of aspiring athletes and coaches. Furthermore, you will play a pivotal role in driving participation and excitement for our world-renowned High-Performance Camps across North America and Europe.

We are looking for a coach who understands that a 1% advantage in preparation can be the difference between the top step of the podium and obscurity. If you are that coach, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Integrated Nutritional and Conditioning Program Leadership:

• Design and implement comprehensive, individualized nutrition plans for FIS-level athletes, considering the unique metabolic demands of training, competition, travel, and recovery.
• Develop and oversee year-round conditioning maintenance programs that are seamlessly integrated with on-snow training blocks, focusing on injury prevention, power maintenance, and metabolic fitness.
• Conduct thorough athlete assessments to establish baseline metrics and monitor progress, adjusting programs in real-time based on performance data, travel schedules, and athlete feedback.
• Collaborate intensively with our on-snow coaching staff to ensure a holistic and unified approach to athlete development.
• Educate athletes on the practical application of sports nutrition principles, including meal timing, hydration strategies, supplement protocols, and in-competition fueling.

2. High Performance Camp Program Development and Promotion:

• Serve as a lead coach at our High-Performance Camps in North America and Europe, delivering world-class sessions on nutrition and conditioning.
• Actively contribute to the development of our camp curriculum, ensuring our content remains at the forefront of sports science.
• Engage with prospective athletes, parents, and clubs to effectively communicate the value and outcomes of our programs, thereby driving enrollment and participation.
• Serve as a brand ambassador for Catalyst Sport Sciences, embodying our commitment to excellence and innovation.

3. Content Creation and Thought Leadership:

• Author a monthly blog post for the Catalyst Sport Sciences website, translating complex scientific principles into actionable strategies for our audience.
• Topics will include but are not limited to: race-day nutrition protocols, managing energy levels during intense training blocks, effective recovery modalities, and the synergy between nutrition and strength.
• Contribute to our social media channels with engaging and informative content that showcases our expertise and drives traffic to our online platforms.

Minimum Required Education, Certifications, and Experience:

This is a high-performance environment, and our standards are exacting. The following represent the non-negotiable foundations for this role:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Nutrition, or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• Coaching Certifications:
  • Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) Level 2: A demonstrated understanding of modern ski technique and the ability to effectively communicate on-snow is crucial.
  • Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) Development Level (DL) Certified Coach: A thorough understanding of the Canadian ski racing system and the developmental pathway of a high-performance ski racer is mandatory.
• Strength and Conditioning Certification: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or an equivalent, internationally recognized certification.
• Nutrition Certification: Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) from the International Society of Sports Nutrition or a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a specialization in sports performance.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience coaching strength and conditioning and providing nutritional guidance to high-performance athletes.
  • Direct experience working with FIS-level ski racers is essential. You must understand the lifestyle, travel demands, and the specific physical and physiological stresses associated with this level of competition.
  • A personal history of FIS-level racing experience is strongly preferred, as it provides an invaluable layer of understanding and credibility.
  • Proven experience in a leadership role within a high-performance sports program.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate for this role is more than just a collection of certifications and degrees. They are:

• A Leader: You command respect through your knowledge, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to your athletes.
• An Innovator: You are constantly seeking to improve your methods and are deeply engaged with the latest research in sports science.
• A Communicator: You can distill complex information into simple, powerful messages for athletes, parents, and fellow coaches.
• A Team Player: You understand that actual high performance is the result of a collaborative, integrated effort.
• Relentless: You have an insatiable drive to see your athletes succeed and are willing to go the extra mile to make that happen.

If you believe you possess the unique combination of skills, experience, and drive to excel in this role, we look forward to receiving your application.

To Apply:

Please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing your experience with FIS-level athletes and your philosophy on the integration of nutrition and conditioning in high-performance ski racing in the submit section to the right of this job profile.

Important Note: This is a Contract Role

Please note that this is a contract role to start, designed explicitly for our high-performance camps, and is not a full-time position. The role will gradually evolve into a full-time position as we mature the Global Camp Program and the Catalyst Racing Team Model. We are seeking a highly committed individual for these specialized camp projects.

Catalyst Sport Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.