What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Sports Performance position at Rhode Island FC?
Job Overview
The Director of Sports Performance will manage the day-to-day sports science operations - implements protocols and procedures to monitor all facets of Player well-being, training and games; applies scientific knowledge to improve performance and prevent injury of Players; management of the return to participation of injured Players for Rhode Island FC, a men’s pro soccer club playing in the USL Championship.
This position is for a year-round employee, the Director of Sports Performance will attend all training, scrimmages, treatment sessions, as well as all home and away games. The projected start date is July 1st, 2026.
Licenses or Certifications
The Director of Sports Performance will manage the day-to-day sports science operations - implements protocols and procedures to monitor all facets of Player well-being, training and games; applies scientific knowledge to improve performance and prevent injury of Players; management of the return to participation of injured Players for Rhode Island FC, a men’s pro soccer club playing in the USL Championship.
This position is for a year-round employee, the Director of Sports Performance will attend all training, scrimmages, treatment sessions, as well as all home and away games. The projected start date is July 1st, 2026.
Licenses or Certifications
- CPR certification for Health Care Provider
- Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree or higher in related Sports Science or Applied Kinesiology field
- Minimum four (4) year’s experience in Strength and Conditioning or comparable field
- Experience with elite level athletes
- Experience working in a high tempo, high stress environment
- Professional soccer experience preferred
- Must be willing to travel for business – weekend work and travel is necessary
- Preferred Proficiency in Microsoft applications and knowledge of current technologies
- Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred
- Technical responsibilities will include the development, implementation, and delivery of the following:
- Return to play protocols
- Strength and conditioning (Mobility, Pre-Activation, Post-Session S&C)
- Warm-Up
- Data Monitoring/GPS
- Assist coaches with the planning, delivery and review of training sessions
- Periodization of team off-season, preseason and in season programs.
- Monitor daily wellness and readiness data as it relates to preparing players to perform, and provide feedback to performance, medical, and technical staffs on short, medium, and long term performance plans.
- Manage and maintain all GPS and heart rate equipment, act as primary point of contact with GPS company.
- Ensure that all players are monitored during sessions using GPS and heart rate monitors.
- Provide feedback to Performance/Coaching staff during training sessions using live GPS data.
- Implement, analyze, and report the use of GPS monitoring systems to aid in injury prevention and ensure an optimal training environment.
- Organize and implement daily Wellness Questionnaires to track physical well-being and aid in injury prevention, maintain player health and safety.
- Produce daily, weekly, and monthly reports on team/player loading.
- Report to Medical staff on progress of injured players during Return to Play process using GPS/Wellness/Performance data.
- Act as lead Strength & Conditioning coach for non-travel training group, present for all training and gym sessions.
- Teach correct techniques and methods with all physical activities when required.
- Generate reports and provide feedback on non-travel training sessions, while working with technical and medical staffs.
- Manage and organize all performance/medical testing data obtained from pre-season physicals and periodic in-season testing.
- Work with Technical and Medical staff to report/advise on physical loading plans prior to Match Day.
- Continually monitor all players through regular physiological testing procedures, analyze data, and implement new strategies/programs and targets when appropriate.
- Ensure the role of sports science within the club is actively developed.
- Comply with all League medical policies and protocols.
- Consult with Players regarding dietary needs, nutritional supplements, and League/FIFA banned substances.
- Communicating daily with technical staff and being proactive with their approach to player care. Maintains proper lines of communication to ensure athletes are getting optimal care within the team.
- Works closely with physical therapists and area physicians to treat Players.
- Develop and manage Emergency Action Plans Seeks outreach opportunities and participates in events to promote the company.
- Work with sponsorship and marketing departments in the fulfillment of partner contracts, as related to the medical aspects of the club.
- Attend all activities/meetings/programs as required by the League.
- Perform other duties as assigned or required by the Club.
- Ability to lift patients using biomedical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift; must be capable of easily lifting fifty (50) pounds of weight alone.
- Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a workday/shift. Ability to participate in sustained activities for many hours in duration in accordance with state labor laws.