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High Performance Sport Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues ... The Role The Senior Director, High Performance, is a key leadership role within the NWSL's Sporting ...

The High-Performance Director (HPD) will play a vital role in the professional team's daily ... sports science analysis, and overseeing on-field return-to-play protocols. Additionally, the HPD ...

About Farm & Forge Club Farm and Forge Club is a high-performance youth and adult training facility that blends elite sports coaching, academic enrichment, and holistic development. Located in the ...

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High Performance Sport information

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$40K

$99.5K

$153.5K

How much do high performance sport jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for high performance sport in the United States is $99,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is high performance sport?

High performance sport refers to the elite level of athletic competition, where athletes train and compete at the highest standards, often representing their country or professional organizations. This field encompasses coaching, sports science, athlete management, and support services designed to maximize athletic potential and achieve top results in national and international events. High performance sport programs use advanced techniques in training, nutrition, psychology, and technology to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in high performance sport?

To excel in High Performance Sport, you need advanced knowledge of sport science, coaching principles, and athlete development, often supported by degrees in sports science or related certifications. Familiarity with performance analysis software, strength and conditioning tools, and physiological monitoring systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for inspiring athletes and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are vital for optimizing athlete performance, ensuring effective training, and achieving competitive success in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in high performance sport environments?

Professionals in high performance sport often navigate challenges such as managing athlete burnout, balancing intense training schedules with recovery, and maintaining open communication among multidisciplinary teams. The fast-paced environment requires quick problem-solving and adaptability, especially when addressing injuries or sudden changes in athlete performance. Additionally, there is continuous pressure to deliver results, which means staying updated on the latest sport science and training methodologies to support athletes’ peak performance.

What is the difference between High Performance Sport vs Sports Coach?

AspectHigh Performance SportSports Coach
CredentialsSports science degrees, certifications in athletic training, coaching licensesCoaching certifications, experience in specific sports
Work EnvironmentElite training facilities, national/international competitionsSchools, community centers, local clubs
Employer & IndustryNational teams, professional sports organizationsSchools, amateur clubs, youth programs

High Performance Sport focuses on training elite athletes for competition at national and international levels, requiring advanced credentials and working in specialized facilities. Sports Coaches work with athletes at various skill levels, often in community or school settings, emphasizing skill development and enjoyment. While both roles involve athlete development, High Performance Sport is more specialized and competitive.

More about High Performance Sport jobs

What are popular job titles for High Performance Sport?

Popular job titles for High Performance Sport:

Infographic showing various High Performance Sport job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, and 83% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,528 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Senior Director, High Performance

New York, NY • On-site

National Women's Soccer League
Spectator Sports • 51 - 200 employees

$165K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the U.S., powered by 16 clubs and a deep roster of the world's best players, and built on record-shattering fan, media and commercial growth. Now in its 13th season, the league's momentum continues to accelerate, with viewership and attendance numbers growing rapidly, social media fandom on the rise, team valuations massively increasing and new top sponsors investing in the NWSL brand.
This unprecedented growth in audience, media reach, and franchise value reflects the NWSL's expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture. The future of the NWSL is now - and we're looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum.
The Role
The Senior Director, High Performance, is a key leadership role within the NWSL's Sporting Department. This role is responsible for overseeing the NWSL's medical and high performance functions, serving to ensure that the highest standards are met at both the league and club level, as it relates to player health, wellbeing, and performance.
What You Will Own & Drive
Strategic Leadership
  • Responsibility and leadership of the medical and high performance team at the NWSL;
  • Responsible for the integration of performance and medical standards into the League decisions;
  • Contribute to the successful delivery of the NWSL regular season and tentpole events, ensuring safety and wellbeing of participants;
  • Contribute to league-wide research initiatives that focus on player health, wellbeing, and performance, alongside the NWSL Foundation Director and the VP, Sporting;
  • Contribute to NWSL schedule processes and discussions, bringing a considered and informed perspective.

Medical Operations
  • Responsible for oversight of all systems and structures that relate to workers compensation and insurance, working closely with the Director, Sports Medicine, and the NWSL legal team;
  • Lead the delivery of the NWSL Medical Manual;
  • Contribute expertise to other league-wide manuals as it relates to player performance.

High Performance and Sports Science
  • Drive the NWSL's high performance strategy, supporting the clubs and the broader ecosystem to enhance systems and structures that will improve the performance landscape at the clubs;
  • Lead a data-driven approach to high performance and sports science on behalf of and within the NWSL;
  • Develop and lead the delivery of a High Performance/Sport Science Guidance Manual;
  • Assist in the build and progression of relevant data and technology systems that contribute to an evidence-based approach to athlete performance and wellness;
  • Assist in the build and progression of relevant wearable technology, performance technology, scouting and recruitment technology, and player performance and wellness tracking e.g. methodologies and findings to drive league sporting decision making.

Stakeholder Management
  • Manage and oversee the relationships between NWSL league office and NWSL club medical and performance staff, ensuring competencies and compliance obligations are met;
  • Instigate and maintain connections to the broader high performance and medical sports stakeholder environment, both domestically and internationally;
  • Initiate and foster relationships both domestically and internationally with leading practitioners and institutions that work in the soccer and broader sports performance space;
  • Build and manage relationships with performance and medical leads at other women's soccer and women's sports leagues, ensuring a constant connection to industry innovations and best practice that is applicable to the NWSL.

What You Will Bring
Core Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., PhD, DPT, ATC, or equivalent advanced clinical or sports science qualification)
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in sports medicine, high performance, or athlete health leadership
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams in elite or professional sports environments
  • Strong understanding of injury prevention, return-to-play frameworks, and performance integration
  • Proven ability to develop policy, manage risk, and ensure compliance.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
  • Willingness to travel (up to 20%) and work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in women's soccer
  • Experience within professional leagues, national teams, or high-performance institutes
  • Experience implementing sport science technologies and performance data systems
  • Prior budget ownership and vendor negotiation experience

Our Investment in You
In addition to working in an incredible, inclusive, and committed-to-diversity culture, we offer:
  • Competitive Compensation: $165,000 - $195,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
  • Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
  • Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
  • Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
  • Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
  • Additional Perks: Commuter benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The NWSL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. All employment decisions-including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, and termination-are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@nwslsoccer.com.