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Sports Mental Performance Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hyperion Biotechnology

Cognitive Performance Specialist

TX · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Role requirements: * (Preferred) Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP) or Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) (formerly CC-AASP). * MS or MA ...

Monument Health

Performance Psychology LPC

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

... Sports Psychology LPC serves as a primary resource for the development and delivery of a mental performance program designed to improve the mental skills of athletes and/or other groups looking to ...

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$20.5K

$50.7K

$84.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 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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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 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,654 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS)

Reef Systems

Charleston Air Force Base, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS)
437th Airlift Wing Human Performance Team (HPT) Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina 29404
Introduction & Background
The 437th Airlift Wing conducts some of the most demanding missions in the U.S. Air Force, including global rapid airlift operations, long-duration flights up to 36 hours, NVG low‑altitude ingress, and high‑altitude personnel delivery above 25,000 feet. These missions require exceptional cognitive resilience, mental acuity, and decision‑making under pressure.
Historically, aircrew relied on personal strategies to manage cognitive load and stress, often resulting in degraded performance and long-term fatigue. Modern operational requirements now demand a deliberate, science‑based approach to cognitive performance, mental readiness, and stress management.
The Human Performance Team (HPT) integrates cognitive, physical, and emotional performance strategies to enhance aircrew readiness and mission effectiveness.
Purpose & Overall Objective
The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) provides expert-level cognitive skills training, mental performance coaching, and applied human performance psychology to mobility aircrew. The objective is to improve decision‑making, situational awareness, emotional resilience, information processing, and sustained cognitive performance in complex, high‑stress operational environments.
Position Overview
The CPS serves as a subject matter expert in sports/performance psychology, delivering individual and group cognitive training, developing performance programs, supporting applied research, and integrating cognitive performance with physical training to optimize aircrew readiness.
Place of Performance
Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina Work will be performed at a building/office designated by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Alternate work locations are not permitted unless formally approved. Telework is not authorized.
Duty Hours & Schedule
  • Normal Duty Hours: 0730–1630, Monday–Friday
  • Flexibility: Up to one hour earlier or later when mission‑dictated and pre‑approved by the COR
  • Permanent schedule changes: Require Contracting Officer (CO) approval
  • Federal Holidays: Observed per Joint Base Charleston holiday schedule
  • Travel: May be required; all travel must follow BTAR submission and approval procedures

Required Qualifications
Education
  • Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sport Sciences, or a closely related field
  • Specialization in Sport Psychology or similar required
Experience
  • Minimum 5+ years providing cognitive performance services
  • Experience in one or more of the following:
    • Collegiate (or higher) athletics
    • Professional athletics
    • Tactical athletics
    • Aerospace industry
    • Test pilot / astronaut / man‑machine high‑performance environments
Certifications
  • Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) – Association for Applied Sport Psychology
  • Current CPR/AED certification
Security Clearance
  • Favorable Tier 3 (T3) investigation required for access to Secret information via briefings
  • May begin unclassified duties with initiated T3 and written COR approval

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
  • Provide cognitive skills training to optimize aircrew mental performance
  • Enhance decision‑making, situational awareness, emotional resilience, and information processing
  • Support applied research in cognitive enhancement, accelerated learning, instructor development, and man‑machine interface
Tasks & Subtasks (PWS‑Derived)
1. In‑Processing & Training
  • Complete all in‑processing requirements
  • Participate in job‑specific training, simulations, and hands‑on learning activities
2. Cognitive Assessment & Program Development
  • Analyze aircrew cognitive performance needs
  • Develop individualized programs (IPs) for each aircrew member
  • Emphasize warfighting cognitive skills in complex, demanding environments
3. Cognitive Skills Training & Integration
  • Deliver individual and group cognitive performance training
  • Integrate cognitive performance with physical fitness training
  • Use simulation technology and biofeedback to enhance performance under pressure
4. Research & Program Innovation
  • Assist in developing research procedures
  • Support applied research across cognitive enhancement, accelerated learning, instructor development, and tactical training
  • Apply best practices from military, aviation, and professional sports psychology
5. Briefings, Education & Leadership Support
  • Develop and deliver cognitive performance content for HP syllabi
  • Provide briefings, seminars, and educational sessions
  • Attend staff meetings with unit commanders
  • Identify opportunities for program improvement
6. Documentation & Reporting
  • Document all aircrew assessments, encounters, and contacts within 3 business days
  • Prepare and submit data for the Human Performance Measures of Effectiveness Report (HP‑MER)
  • Provide monthly data reports to mobility aircrew
7. Collaboration & Professional Standards
  • Maintain all professional credentials and certifications
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary HPT members
  • Provide data and support to government entities (e.g., AFRL) with written COR approval

Position Deliverables
  • HP‑MER: Due by the 5th day of each month
  • Monthly Data Report: Delivered to mobility aircrew

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal CPS is a mission‑focused performance psychology expert with experience supporting elite performers. They excel at teaching cognitive skills, thrive in dynamic military environments, communicate effectively with aircrew and leadership, and deliver measurable improvements in mental readiness and operational performance.