High Performance Academy (HPA) is on a mission to empower individuals to reach their potential through sports enrichment, and positive development experiences. We partner with schools and districts across California to provide dynamic, inclusive, and high-quality after-school and enrichment programs, camps and leagues that combine sports, social-emotional learning, and mentorship. Our goal is to serve 100,000 youth by 2030 through experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills, on and off the field.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Program Operations is a strategic leadership role responsible for building, documenting, and optimizing the systems, processes, and infrastructure that drive High Performance Academy's programs. Reporting to the Vice President, this position oversees the Program Operations department through a shared functions model, ensuring operational excellence, scalability, and alignment across Programs, Camps, and Leagues. The Director leads through systems development, process documentation, KPI management, budget oversight, and cross-functional collaboration while managing and developing operational leaders. This role is ideal for a systems-minded builder who thrives on creating sustainable operational frameworks, driving accountability, and supporting HPA's mission to serve 100,000 youth by 2030 through high-quality, values-driven programming.
HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE
- Build & Optimize Systems: Design, document, and continuously improve operational processes that support consistent, scalable program delivery.
- Lead & Develop Teams: Provide strategic leadership to the Program Manager and oversee accountability, performance, and professional development across the department.
- Drive Data & Accountability: Establish KPI frameworks, reporting cadences, and performance metrics that inform decision-making and operational excellence.
- Manage Budget & Resources: Oversee departmental budgets, labor costs, procurement, inventory, and financial performance to maximize efficiency and sustainability.
- Align & Partner Cross-Functionally: Collaborate with Growth, People, Marketing, Finance, and Regional teams to ensure operational readiness and organizational alignment.
- Scale Program Operations: Create infrastructure, documentation, and playbooks that enable HPA to expand into new regions and serve more youth without sacrificing quality.
- Champion Culture & Values: Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and team development while supporting employee engagement and recognition initiatives.
WHO YOU ARE
We’re looking for someone who lives our HPA Core Values. At HPA, our values start with “I” and end in “us”
- Integrity – You do what’s right, even when no one’s watching.
- Caring – You lead with empathy and put others first.
- Driven – You’re committed to growth, on and off the field.
- Resourceful – You’re a creative problem solver, always finding ways to make things work.
- Team Player – You believe we’re better together and always show up for your team.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field
- 7+ years of experience in program operations, program management, or a related leadership role
- Demonstrated ability to build and document operational systems, processes, and infrastructure — not just manage existing ones
- Ability to navigate, lead and be decisive even in times of ambiguity.
- Strong organizational and people leadership skills, with experience managing managers
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software (Asana preferred), and HRIS/scheduling tools (Deputy, Paycor, or equivalent)
- Knowledge of program evaluation, KPI frameworks, and budget management
- Experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment — ideally in youth development, education, community programs, or sports/enrichment
- Familiarity with the K-12 education and afterschool landscape preferred
- Passion for youth development and a deep commitment to HPA's mission to serve 100,000 youth by 2030
- Must be available occasionally on Saturdays and able to travel; valid driver's license required
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Salary: $93,000 – $98,000 annually, based on experience.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- Employee Assistance Program supporting mental health, well-being, and life resources
- Paid Time Off, Holidays, and California Sick Leave
- 401(k) with financial wellness resources
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Family discounts for HPA camps and programs
- Employee recognition and rewards through our Nectar platform
- Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At High Performance Academy everyone belongs. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a team as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex including gender identity, gender expression, and pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and religious observances, in accordance with applicable law.
