Director of Sports Performance

Director Of Sports Performance

The Director of Sports Performance provides executive leadership for all athletic development initiatives at Palm Ice, encompassing strength and conditioning, biomechanics, injury mitigation, and performance diagnostics across all athlete demographics, from youth to professional levels. This role is charged with architecting cutting-edge, evidence-based training programs that elevate athletic output while driving fiscal growth through strategic revenue streams, including private instruction, team development, and community partnerships. The successful candidate will serve as a key pillar in the advancement of hockey and figure skating programs, championing an organizational culture of safety, elite coaching standards, and superior service delivery.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive sport-specific performance programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels for hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, soccer, football, baseball, softball, volleyball, and other sports.
• Create sport-specific and seasonal training programs focused on strength, power, speed, agility, mobility, injury prevention, and recovery.
• Develop youth athletic development pathways.
• Establish program standards, evaluate performance outcomes, and continuously improve service offerings.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate sports performance staff while fostering professional development.

Athlete Performance

• Conduct athlete assessments and performance evaluations to develop individualized training programs.
• Monitor athlete progress using measurable performance metrics and adjust programming as needed.
• Maintain confidential athlete performance records.
• Develop individualized training plans based on assessment results.
• Educate athletes on performance principles, including recovery, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, and performance habits.

Operations & Business Development

• Oversee daily operations of the Sports Performance Center, including scheduling, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and facility standards.
• Develop and grow revenue through private training, team training, camps, clinics, memberships, and specialty programs.
• Manage departmental budgets, inventory, and operational reporting while meeting revenue and participation goals.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate sports performance coaches.
• Schedule staff to maximize facility utilization.
• Conduct ongoing coach education and professional development.
• Maintain coaching standards and consistent program delivery.
• Mentor interns and graduate assistants when applicable.

Revenue Development

• Develop new revenue-generating programs including: private training, small group training, team training, adult fitness programs, youth development classes, summer camps, holiday clinics, combine preparation.
• Establish membership packages and pricing strategies.
• Monitor program profitability and participation.
• Assist with annual budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Achieve departmental revenue and participation goals.

Marketing & Community Outreach

• Work with the Marketing Department to promote sports performance programming through digital content, events, and community outreach.
• Participate in community events, open houses, and facility promotions.
• Build relationships with schools, youth organizations, sports clubs, healthcare providers, and community partners to expand programming and participation.
• Conduct seminars, promotional activities, and educational workshops.

Customer Experience

• Provide exceptional customer service to athletes and families.
• Communicate effectively regarding athlete progress.
• Address client concerns promptly and professionally.
• Foster a motivating and inclusive training environment.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain athlete registration and scheduling.
• Track attendance and program participation.
• Prepare monthly operational and financial reports.
• Monitor departmental budgets and expenditures.
• Ensure participant waivers and medical forms remain current.
• Maintain certification and continuing education records for all staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Performance, Exercise Physiology, Athletic Training, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of five (5) years of sports performance or strength and conditioning experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience working with youth, amateur, collegiate, and/or professional athletes.
• Strong knowledge of strength training principles, biomechanics, speed development, athlete monitoring, and injury prevention.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and athlete performance tracking software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sports Science, Human Performance, or related field.
• Experience working with hockey and figure skating athletes.
• Experience managing a commercial sports performance facility.
• Familiarity with force plate technology, velocity-based training, GPS tracking, or athlete monitoring systems.

Required Certifications

Candidates must possess one or more nationally recognized strength and conditioning certifications, including:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) (strongly preferred)
• Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) – National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) – NSCA (preferred for advanced performance programs)
• Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) – Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa)

Additionally, candidates must possess:

• Current CPR/AED Certification
• First Aid Certification

Preferred additional certifications include:

• USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
• Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
• USA Hockey Coaching Certification
• EXOS Performance Specialist or similar advanced sports performance certification.
• Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification
• Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certification (for golf performance programming)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Demonstrate and instruct proper exercise techniques.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, and work in both indoor training facilities and ice arena environments.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible hours based on programming needs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Department revenue growth
• Program participation and retention
• Private and team training sales
• Membership growth
• Customer satisfaction
• Athlete performance improvements
• Staff development and retention
• Budget management
• Community partnerships
• Safety compliance and risk management

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development
• Strategic Planning
• Athlete-Centered Coaching
• Customer Service Excellence
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Program Innovation
• Communication and Relationship Building
• Organizational Skills
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Commitment to Safety and Professional Ethics

Compensation & Benefits

• Healthcare and 401k offered
• Salary: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00/year