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The Director of Sports Performance provides leadership, vision, and oversight for Cannon School's comprehensive Sports Performance program. This position develops student-athletes through evidence-based strength and conditioning, injury prevention strategies, sport-specific performance training, and collaborative partnerships that support the mission and vision of Cannon Athletics.

This position is a full-time, 12-month member of the Athletics Department, reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, and serves as a member of the Extended Athletics Leadership Team.

The Director of Sports Performance is responsible for leading all aspects of Sports Performance while supporting the mission, vision, and values of Cannon School.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead and oversee all Sports Performance operations.
• Develop and communicate a clear vision for Sports Performance.
• Foster a positive, student-centered culture focused on growth, accountability, and excellence.
• Serve as a visible and engaged member of the Cannon School community.
• Supervise and mentor assistant coaches, fellows, and interns.
• Model professionalism, integrity, collaboration, and servant leadership.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and resource to Program Directors in support of athletic performance, athlete development, and program growth.

Departmental Alignment

• Support and advance the vision, priorities, and operational expectations established by the Athletics Department.
• Participate actively in department initiatives, planning efforts, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Demonstrate a commitment to organizational alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Embrace and model the values of #CANNONEXCELLENCE and #WEARECANNON.

Program Design & Implementation

• Design and implement age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs for middle school and upper school student-athletes.
• Develop sport-specific training plans in collaboration with Program Directors.
• Monitor athlete progression and performance outcomes.
• Implement best practices related to injury prevention, movement quality, and long-term athletic development.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and effective training environment.
• Evaluate and refine programming based on current research and industry best practices.

Collaboration

• Serve as a strategic partner to Program Directors in the development and implementation of sport-specific athletic performance initiatives.
• Collaborate with Athletic Trainers regarding injury prevention, rehabilitation support, and return-to-play strategies.
• Collaborate with College Counseling to support student-athletes and families through the collegiate recruiting process as appropriate.
• Participate in Athletics Department meetings, Extended Athletics Leadership Team meetings, Coaches Council meetings, and departmental initiatives as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and school leadership to support the holistic development of student-athletes.

Student-Athlete Development

• Promote the physical, mental, and character development of student-athletes.
• Support leadership development opportunities for student-athletes.
• Encourage habits that contribute to lifelong health, wellness, and athletic performance.
• Support multi-sport athletes through effective communication and coordinated planning.
• Build meaningful relationships with student-athletes while maintaining high expectations and standards.

Operations & Administration

• Manage daily Sports Performance operations and facility oversight.
• Maintain training schedules and athlete participation records.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, inventory, and replacement planning.
• Assist with budget development and resource stewardship.
• Assist with strategic planning and annual goal setting for Sports Performance in alignment with Athletics Department priorities.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and risk management protocols.
• Develop and maintain written systems, procedures, records, reports, and documentation that ensure program sustainability, accountability, and continuity.
• Maintain organized systems and operational procedures that support departmental effectiveness.

Community Engagement

• Support Athletics Department events and initiatives as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
• Serve as a resource for coaches, families, student-athletes, and school personnel regarding Sports Performance best practices.
• Partner with Admissions, Advancement, Communications, College Counseling, and other school departments as appropriate to support student-athlete development and the overall Cannon experience.

Professional Growth

• Maintain current professional certifications.
• Pursue ongoing professional development opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
• Stay current on emerging trends, research, and best practices in Sports Performance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Performance, or a related field required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification required and maintained in good standing throughout employment.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs.
• Experience supervising staff, fellows, interns, and/or multi-sport athletic programs preferred.
• Independent school experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, relationship-building, and collaborative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with coaches, athletic trainers, administrators, students, and families.
• Experience developing long-term athletic development models preferred.