Elite Athlete Performance Specialist: Return-to-Play

Exercise Physiologist – Athlete Performance & Return-to-Play Position Type : Full-Time Location : On-Site (In-Clinic Support Hub) Reports To : Clinic Director / Lead Physical Therapist We are seeking a motivated and skilled Exercise Physiologist to lead performance programming and daily operations within an athlete-specific gym as part of a sports physical therapy clinic. This role bridges high-level athletic performance and clinical rehabilitation, supporting athletes from performance enhancement through late-stage return-to-play. The Exercise Physiologist will design and implement evidence-based strength, conditioning, speed, and metabolic training programs for both well athletes and rehabilitating athletes while collaborating closely with physical therapists to safely progress patients transitioning back to sport. Athlete Performance Programming Design and deliver individualized and group performance training programs for youth, collegiate, and adult athletes Develop periodized strength & conditioning plans focused on speed, power, agility, endurance, and injury risk reduction Conduct baseline and ongoing performance testing (force production, movement quality, aerobic capacity, sprint mechanics, etc.) Coach proper lifting technique, movement mechanics, and sport-specific skill development Monitor athlete workload, fatigue, and readiness to optimize performance outcomes Work directly with physical therapists to progress clients in late-stage rehabilitation and return-to-sport phases Implement and advance return-to-running, plyometric, change-of-direction, and sport simulation progressions Modify training sessions based on clinical restrictions, pain response, and functional readiness Participate in case discussions and interdisciplinary planning meetings Assist with discharge planning and transition athletes into ongoing performance programs Gym Operations & Program Development Lead day-to-day operations of the performance gym including scheduling, equipment oversight, and session flow Develop and grow athlete performance programs, camps, and small group offerings Ensure a safe, clean, and high-energy training environment Track performance outcomes and contribute to program quality improvement initiatives Assist with community outreach, team relationships, and athlete recruitment Education & Communication Educate athletes and families on training principles, recovery strategies, and injury prevention Provide clear communication with physical therapists regarding progress, setbacks, and readiness milestones Maintain accurate documentation of athlete performance metrics and return-to-play progression Education & Certifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or related field Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent preferred Experience working with competitive athletes in a performance or sports medicine setting Strong understanding of biomechanics, energy systems, and return-to-sport progressions CPR/AED certification required Preferred Experience Experience working within or alongside rehabilitation professionals Familiarity with objective return-to-play testing and criteria-based progression Coaching experience in speed development, Olympic lifting, or plyometrics Background in youth athlete development models Experience in use and interpretation of force plate and dynamometry tools High energy and strong coaching presence Clinical reasoning and ability to adjust programming safely Team-oriented mindset and collaborative communication Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple athletes and schedules Growth mindset with commitment to evidence-based practice What We Offer Opportunity to work in an integrated sports medicine and performance model Collaborative team environment with physical therapists and performance staff Ability to build and lead athlete performance programming Continuing education and professional development support #J-18808-Ljbffr