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Sports Mental Performance Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$85K/yr

A masters degree or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution degree in exercise, performance or sport psychology, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) by the Association ...

$85K/yr

A masters degree or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution degree in exercise, performance or sport psychology, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) by the Association ...

... mental performance, and sport psychology. * Provide information, education, and training about ... directed by the USSOCOM Directive 10-12. Adjustments to the productivity level for this labor ...

... mental performance, and sport psychology. * Provide information, education, and training about ... directed by the USSOCOM Directive 10-12. Adjustments to the productivity level for this labor ...

... mental performance, and sport psychology. * Provide information, education, and training about ... directed by the USSOCOM Directive 10-12. Adjustments to the productivity level for this labor ...

... mental performance, and sport psychology. * Provide information, education, and training about ... directed by the USSOCOM Directive 10-12. Adjustments to the productivity level for this labor ...

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Sports Mental Performance Director information

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$20.5K

$50.7K

$84.5K

How much do sports mental performance director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports mental performance director in the United States is $50,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sports mental performance director do?

A Sports Mental Performance Director is responsible for developing and leading mental training programs to enhance athletes' psychological skills and overall performance. They work closely with coaches, athletes, and teams to address mental aspects such as focus, motivation, confidence, stress management, and team cohesion. Their role often includes conducting workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and collaborating with other health professionals to support athletes' mental well-being. They play a critical role in helping athletes achieve their peak performance by fostering resilience and a strong mindset.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports mental performance director?

To thrive as a Sports Mental Performance Director, you need expertise in sports psychology, mental training techniques, and a relevant advanced degree (often a master's or doctorate) in psychology or a related field. Familiarity with assessment tools, biofeedback systems, and mental skills training software is commonly required, along with certifications such as Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Outstanding interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust with athletes set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for enhancing athletes’ mental resilience, optimizing performance, and fostering a positive team culture.

How does a sports mental performance director typically collaborate with coaches and athletes to enhance team performance?

A Sports Mental Performance Director works closely with both coaches and athletes to develop tailored mental training programs that address the unique needs of the team and individuals. They often attend practices, games, and team meetings to observe dynamics and provide real-time feedback. By facilitating workshops, one-on-one sessions, and group discussions, they help build resilience, focus, and effective communication skills. Collaboration with coaches ensures that mental strategies align with overall training and performance goals, fostering a culture where psychological well-being and peak performance go hand-in-hand.

What is the difference between Sports Mental Performance Director vs Sports Psychologist?

AspectSports Mental Performance DirectorSports Psychologist
CredentialsCertifications in mental performance coaching, sports psychology, or related fieldsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, licensed
Work EnvironmentSports teams, athletic organizations, private coachingClinics, hospitals, private practice, sports organizations
Industry UsageCommonly hired by teams and athletes for performance enhancementOften involved in mental health therapy and clinical assessments

The Sports Mental Performance Director focuses on enhancing athletic performance through mental skills training, often working directly with athletes and teams. In contrast, a Sports Psychologist typically provides clinical mental health services, including therapy and diagnosis. While both roles require knowledge of sports psychology, the director emphasizes performance optimization, whereas the psychologist addresses broader mental health concerns.

More about Sports Mental Performance Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Sports Mental Performance Director jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Mental Performance Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Mental Performance jobs?

The most popular types of Sports Mental Performance jobs are:

What states have the most Sports Mental Performance Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Mental Performance Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Sports Mental Performance Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Mental Performance Director jobs are:

Infographic showing various Sports Mental Performance Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,654 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT / NF4

U.S. Marine Corps

Oceanside, CA • On-site

$102K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Summary
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community. We offer a team oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.
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Duties
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This position serves as a Mental Performance Consultant for Semper Fit, Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience Program (WARR) to improve the readiness, lethality, and resilience of the total force in the four domains of fitness-physical, mental, social, and spiritual. The incumbent provides non-clinical expertise and services to assist Marines and families develop mental skills such as confidence, focus, and resilience to enhance mindset and mental strength.
Utilizes skills in the practice and theory of sport and mental performance coaching to enhance health, wellness, and performance of Marines in tactical and training environments as part of primary prevention. Focusing on providing resources to strengthen Marines ability to perform and thrive. Implements and follows policy and practice in the areas of tactical, sport, exercise, and cognitive development by providing structured group and individual mental performance consultations and sessions, and by designing and implementing mental and cognitive skills, drills and programs for units and Marines. Practices and implements programming modalities such as building mental resilience, strengthening the ability to perform and thrive in highly stressful situations. Promotes cognitive skills like confidence, focus, and motivation. Enhances positive perceptions of physical activity and operational training. Assists Marines with achieving peak performance in all areas of their lives.
The incumbent provides education, assessment, practical skills and tools associated with cognition, personal and professional perceptions, confidence, resilience, and motor skill development. The incumbent assists Marines in the development of mental performance strategies to enhance performance and cognition under pressure, develop resilience, and educates Marines on the role of emotion as it relates to human performance and action in operational, competitive, and daily living environments. The incumbent considers relevant cultural variables that may be impacting one's experience. Practices and utilizes a combination of individual and group consulting or non-clinical counseling depending on the needs of the client.
Incorporates biofeedback and neurofeedback for performance enhancement and administers attentional and interpersonal style testing and other testing methods or mental performance inventories associated with job tasks and MOS of Marines and Units.
Attends and participates in Marine physical training sessions, and provides services as needed during land, water or crossover-based training sessions and supports unit training events in the field and onsite at unit locations. Teaches mental imagery, goal development, concentration skills, anxiety and arousal control, and relaxation techniques to Marines.
Documents all assessments, sessions, and follow-up sessions rendered and keeps records of everyone requiring documentation to include non-clinical assessment, modalities prescribed, duration, follow-ups and referral used to improve performance outcomes.
Develops and teaches non-clinical group sessions regarding mental performance development skills for optimal performance such as mental imagery, goal development, concentration skills, anxiety and arousal control, and relaxation techniques to Marines, families, staff, and other authorized users.
Works with local marketing department to develop content for digital and printed promotional materials - such as articles, social media messages, webinars, health fair content, and infographics using evidence-based resources for public distribution aboard the installation.
Provides recommendations to the supervisor regarding the implementation of a performance mental skills consultative program. Monitors and controls environmental risks, develops and reports organizational Measures of Effectiveness and Measures of Performance (MOE/MOP) to the assigned supervisor.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • See Duties and Qualifications

EVALUATIONS:
Qualifications
Maintains liaison with various organizations to include but not limited to Behavioral Health Programs-Community Counseling, Transition Readiness, Operational Stress Control and Readiness and Religious Ministry personnel, Uniformed Services University-Consortium for Health and Military Performance, and Navy Medicine. Maintains working relationships with an interdisciplinary team who provides services related to physical, mental, spiritual, social fitness, sleep, and nutrition. Ensures alignment between programs and methodologies, mission, and vision aligns.
Manages distribution and movement of secure information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure such as treatment records, follow-up care, reconditioning programs, referrals, and subjective, objective, assessment and planning notes. Inspects and ensures installations safeguards sensitive information and prevents unauthorized reading, printing, retaining, copying, or dissemination of information, messages, or correspondence in accordance with rules and regulations such as those covered by the Privacy Act, 5 USC 552(a), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Public Law 104-191, and DoD Directive 6025.18. The incumbent notifies supervisor immediately when proprietary information has been released and advises on how to properly recover and protect information.
Functions as an integrated member of an interdisciplinary team for the development of human performance capabilities.
May serve as a participant in advisory boards, working groups, and collaborations related to MCTF, WARR, and other committees to enhance primary prevention efforts across the Marine Corps.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy. Assists customers and communicates positively in a friendly manner. Take action to solve problems quickly. Alerts the higher-level supervisor, or proper point of contact for help when problems arise. Adheres to safety regulations and standards. Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor. Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment.
This position requires the incumbent to have a valid, state issued driver's license.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A master's degree or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution degree in exercise, performance or sport psychology, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) by the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP), AND 1 year of experience is required.
Proficiency in applying a wide range of professional performance-based applied mental skills tools, assessments, and implementation methods to a diverse military population. Skilled working with athletes, military personnel, or first responders developing short and long-term or mission specific performance programs. Knowledge of military operational or athlete specific lifestyles, and situations which can contribute to stress, performance anxiety, self-efficacy, and self-determination, performance enhancement, and injury recovery. Ability to communicate and educate large groups that consist of a wide variety of audiences. Experience in developing, planning, and initiating programs to support mental performance for Marines and their families. Capability to provide professional expertise, consultation, and ensure increased awareness in the areas of tactical and operational performance, interpersonal enhancement strategies, mental health optimization, and enhanced coordination of services.
Expertise in delivering professional consultation and fostering awareness across tactical and operational effectiveness, interpersonal development strategies, mental health resilience, and integrated service coordination. Ability to consult with individual Marines and authorized patrons regarding assessments, goal setting, performance plan development and implementation, and follow-up or referral as needed. Demonstrated understanding of the mental health literacy requirements of high-performing individuals' particularly in areas such as physical and injury recovery, reconditioning, and stress management with the ability to create targeted written content that educates, empowers, and enhances mental performance skills.
Skills to review standardized course content of a similar scope and complexity and make recommendations regarding standardized content for target populations as part of a working group. Expertise in guiding and coaching performance mental health modalities such as mental imagery, goal development, concentration skills, anxiety and arousal control, and relaxation techniques not associated with healthcare or treatment. Proficient with administering and interpreting various evidence-based cognitive assessment tools such as neuro or biofeedback, athlete mindfulness questionnaires, self-regulation assessments, neuro-visual training tools, and transcranial brain stimulation.
Additional information
GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicants are assured of equal consideration regardless of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, GINA, political affiliation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, marital status, physical handicap which has no bearing on the ability to perform the duties of the position. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
It is Department of Navy (DON) policy to provide a workplace free of discrimination and retaliation. The DON No Fear Act policy link is provided for your review: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Site/Pages/No-Fear-Act.aspx
As part of the employment process, Human Resources Division may obtain a Criminal Record Check and/or an Investigative Consumer Report. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). For all positions requiring access to firearms or ammunition, the Federal Government is prohibited from employing individuals in these positions who have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or a felony crime of domestic violence adjudged on or after 27 November 2002. Selectees for such positions must submit a completed DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition, before a final job offer can be made.
Direct Deposit of total NET pay is mandatory as a condition of employment for all appointments to positions within MCCS.
Required Documents:
*Education/certification certificate(s), if applicable.
*If prior military, DD214 Member Copy
This activity is a Drug-free workplace. The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated. Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Marines, sailors, and their family members have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.
Involuntarily separated members of the armed forces and eligible family members applying through the Transition Assistance Program must submit a written request/statement (may be obtained from the MCCS Human Resources Office) and present ID card with "TA" stamped in red on front of card.
INDIVIDUALS SELECTED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE CHANGED TO PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME AT MANAGEMENT'S DISCRETION WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION.
ALL ONLINE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 1159PM EASTERN TIME (ET) ON THE CLOSING DATE LISTED IN THE JOB POSTING.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees. Benefits you get to enjoy while working at MCCS include but are not limited to:
• Stability of Federal Civilian Service
• People with passion for doing work that matters
• Quality of Work Life Balance
• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Benefit Packages
• Marine Corps Exchange and Base Facility Privileges
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.