Full Job Description
Overview:
The Director of Performance (DOP) ensures that Columbus Crew players achieve an elite-level of fitness, physical performance and creates a professional environment for injury prevention, performance optimization and return to play. The DOP applies scientific knowledge to improve a player’s performance and prevent injuries. The DOP will be an integral part in the physical preparation of the Crew players. Duties will include year-round testing, design and implementation of performance programs, integration of sports science data into overall training plans, physical preparation/recovery sessions and department lead for all performance, nutrition and sports science data stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
Direction and leadership of performance department and all staffing stakeholders underneath you in the performance, nutrition, and sports science data departments. Engage strong management skills that demonstrate the ability to lead, mentor and develop staff
Main priority will be first team activities, leadership of department will mean guidance of programming to second team and academy stakeholders to ensure alignment
Design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs that align with a player first culture
Plan and develop training/game warm-up periods
Work with sports science data department to integrate daily heart rate and GPS data collection into player programs and plans
Lead and supervise performance training sessions
Improve player performance through multiple strategies to ensure player health and sustainability
Communicate with the sports medicine staff regarding injured and/or rehabilitating players to modify and individualize strength and conditioning programs
Evaluate player performance through consistent performance testing, monitoring training workload and body composition testing
Maintain the appearance and organization of equipment in weight facility, as well as educate and enforce weight room rules. Create culture of enthusiastic weight room and strength program participation
Create offseason individual programming for each player
Maintain and work with club technologies and platforms as required – ex: Sports Office, STATS Sports, Bridge Athletic, and more.
Creation of weekly/monthly reports for various stakeholders as required
Demonstrate interpersonal skills required to work effectively with players, coaches and other team personnel and MLS staff
Comply with all MLS medical policies, protocol and Game Operations Manuals
Work under the direction of the Head of Sports Science & Medicine
Requirements & Education Experience:
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) certification by the NSCA
Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach by UKSCA (if International)
Level Three ASCA Accreditation
Current CPR/First Aid certification
Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
Master’s Degree in related field highly preferred
A minimum of two (2) years of full-time experience at the Professional level within a Performance department
Proven ability in the following areas: strength training, Olympic lifts, plyometrics, speed development, conditioning, flexibility/mobility, prevention and HR/GPS tracking
Extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of strength and conditioning programming for Elite level athletes
Strong communication and interpersonal skills and experience working in a cooperative environment
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage many projects
Passionate and enthusiastic manner that has a proven history of motivating professional athletes
Strong management skills with a work history that demonstrates the ability to lead and develop your staff / people
Fluency in second language preferred (preferably Spanish, Portuguese or French)
Computer skills necessary in MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook
Strong background in technical platforms within the field (Catapult, Polar, My Coach, StatsSports, etc)
Must be willing to travel for business – weekend work and travel is necessary
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
