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Sports Mental Performance Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$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 ...

US Department of the Navy

$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 ...

GDIT

Cognitive Performance Specialist

Columbus, GA · On-site

... 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 ...

GDIT

Cognitive Performance Specialist

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

... 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 ...

GDIT

... 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 ...

GDIT

Cognitive Performance Specialist

Concord, NC · On-site

... 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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$20.5K

$50.7K

$84.5K

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

As of Aug 21, 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.

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

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Sports Mental Performance Director jobs near you
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.

Associate Director/Director of Mental Health & Performance

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

University Of Central Florida rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department:
UCF Athletics
The Associate Director/Director of Mental Health & Performance provides strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and administrative management for UCF Athletics' Mental Health & Performance program. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive mental health, mental performance, crisis intervention, outreach, prevention, and wellness services that support the holistic well-being and peak performance of UCF student-athletes representing 16 NCAA Division I sports.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership & Administration
  • Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Mental Health & Performance department.
  • Supervises, mentors, and evaluates Mental Health & Performance staff, interns, trainees, and consultants.
  • Develops departmental policies, procedures, strategic initiatives, and annual goals.
  • Manages departmental budget, resources, and operational planning.
  • Leads program assessment, outcome evaluation, and quality improvement efforts.
  • Serves as the primary advisor to Athletics leadership regarding student-athlete mental health and performance initiatives.
  • Maintains partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to enhance support services for student-athletes.

Clinical & Mental Performance Services
  • Provides direct counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and mental performance services to designated student-athletes and teams.
  • Conducts assessments and develops treatment plans within scope of professional licensure.
  • Coordinates referrals for specialized care and maintains continuity of services.
  • Collaborates with sports medicine physicians, psychiatrists, athletic trainers, dietitians, academic support staff, and strength and conditioning personnel to provide comprehensive care.
  • Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws.

Crisis Management
  • Leads crisis intervention and emergency response efforts involving student-athlete mental health concerns.
  • Consults with athletics leadership and healthcare providers regarding risk assessment and management.
  • Develops and maintains crisis response protocols and emergency procedures

Education & Programming
  • Designs and implements educational programming focused on mental health, mental performance, resilience, leadership development, life skills, and overall well-being.
  • Develops initiatives that address anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns, eating disorders, burnout, trauma, substance misuse, and other challenges commonly experienced by collegiate student-athletes.
  • Facilitates workshops and presentations for student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, and campus partners.

Compliance & Collaboration
  • Ensures departmental compliance with NCAA legislation, NCAA Mental Health Best Practices, Big 12 Conference policies, University regulations, state law, and professional ethical standards.
  • Collaborates with coaches, athletics administrators, campus counseling services, student affairs professionals, and healthcare providers to support student-athlete success.
  • Participates in university, conference, and national committees focused on student-athlete health and wellness.
  • Remains informed regarding emerging NCAA, Big 12, and intercollegiate athletics mental health initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree and two (2) years of appropriate experience or a bachelor's degree and four (4) years of appropriate experience.
  • Current Florida licensure or eligibility for Florida licensure, as a mental health professional.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Sport Psychology, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related field.
  • 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience in mental health services, sport psychology, collegiate athletics, healthcare or a related field.
  • Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent credential. Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) credential or eligibility.
  • Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and managing clinical programs.
  • Experience providing counseling and mental performance services to collegiate, elite, or high-performance populations.
  • Experience in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and behavioral health program development.

Due to the nature/scope of Athletics and Athletics events, position may require work during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as the ability to stand / walk for extended periods of time and occasional travel.
As a staff member of UCF Athletics, the selected candidate will be a person of integrity and character who shares a commitment for customer service and knowing / complying with NCAA, Conference, and institutional rules as they apply to the UCF Athletics program.
Salary:
Negotiable
Please note that UCF Athletics operates as a Direct Support Organization (DSO) of the University of Central Florida, with different payroll and benefits than university employees. If interested in positions with the university, please click Here to visit their website.
As a proud member of the Big 12 Conference, our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the university. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team."
UCF Athletics values our employees and working for us has its perks, including:
  • Benefit packages: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurances, Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts, and Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness initiatives: UCF Athletics is recognized by Cigna Healthcare with the silver level Healthy Workforce Designation for our commitment to employee well-being and vitality through our benefits offerings, wellness platform and programming
  • Paid time off for applicable positions, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
  • Retirement savings options
  • Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
  • Tickets to UCF sporting events
  • Education assistance

To learn more about UCF and the Knights, visit our websites at ucf.edu and ucfknights.com.

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