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Sports Performance Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Physical Therapy Aide

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

This position involves direct, face-to-face patient interaction and operates within a structured ... Our clinic specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation, injury recovery, sports performance, personal ...

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Physical Therapy Aide

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

This position involves direct, face-to-face patient interaction and operates within a structured ... Our clinic specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation, injury recovery, sports performance, personal ...

Director, Sports Marketing

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$149K - $224K/yr

The Sports Marketing Director leads sports marketing strategy and execution across the region ... Highly motivated self-starter, with high standards of work performance * Travel 50-60% * Permanent

Company Description The Sports Marketing Director leads sports marketing strategy and execution ... Highly motivated self-starter, with high standards of work performance Additional Information This ...

Sr. Director of Marketing

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Description We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sr. Director of Marketing to lead our ... in sports performance. * Background in both B2B and B2C marketing strategies. * MBA or advanced ...

Sr. Director of Marketing

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Description We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sr. Director of Marketing to lead our ... in sports performance. * Background in both B2B and B2C marketing strategies. * MBA or advanced ...

Performance Coach

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Maintain continuous communication with the Director of Performance regarding scheduling, workouts ... Communicating with sports med if a client is injured during or prior to a workout Education

Provides information about cognitive performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports ... as directed by HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by headquarters and staff.

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Sports Performance Director information

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$20.2K

$50K

$83.4K

How much do sports performance director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports performance director in California is $49,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $54,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sports performance director do?

A Sports Performance Director oversees athletic training programs designed to enhance athletes’ physical performance, reduce injury risk, and support overall health. They develop and implement strength and conditioning programs, coordinate with coaches and medical staff, and supervise performance staff such as trainers and nutritionists. Their role often includes monitoring athlete progress, utilizing sports science data, and ensuring best practices in training and recovery. Sports Performance Directors typically work for professional teams, colleges, or specialized training facilities.

How does a sports performance director collaborate with coaches and medical staff to optimize athlete performance?

A Sports Performance Director works closely with coaches, athletic trainers, and medical professionals to create holistic training and recovery plans tailored to each athlete. This role involves regular meetings to review performance data, discuss injury prevention strategies, and adjust training loads. Clear communication and a team-oriented mindset are crucial, as the director must balance input from various specialists to ensure athletes reach peak performance while minimizing injury risks. Collaboration also extends to educating athletes and staff about best practices in nutrition, recovery, and conditioning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports performance director, and why are they important?

A Sports Performance Director needs expertise in exercise science, athletic training, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree and professional certifications such as CSCS or NASM. Familiarity with performance analysis software, athlete monitoring systems, and recovery technologies is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster collaboration among coaches, athletes, and medical staff. These competencies are crucial for optimizing athlete development, ensuring safety, and achieving organizational performance goals.

What is the difference between Sports Performance Director vs Strength and Conditioning Coach?

AspectSports Performance DirectorStrength and Conditioning Coach
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in exercise science, sports science, or related fields; certifications like CSCS or SCCC are commonUsually holds CSCS, NSCA, or similar certifications; may have a degree in exercise science or related areas
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple teams or sports programs, develops overall performance strategies, and manages staffWorks directly with athletes to improve strength, conditioning, and performance through training sessions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in professional, collegiate, and high school sports organizations for broad performance managementCommonly employed by sports teams, gyms, and training facilities focusing on athlete conditioning

The Sports Performance Director focuses on strategic oversight and program development across teams or organizations, while the Strength and Conditioning Coach works directly with athletes to enhance their physical performance through targeted training. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Sports Performance jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Performance Director jobs in California?

For Sports Performance Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Sports Performance Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sports Performance Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Sports Performance Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,990 per year, or $24 per hour.

Associate Athletics Director, Counseling & Sport Psychology

Istss

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

A. POSITION PURPOSE

The Associate Athletics Director, Counseling and Sport Psychology is a functional support position within the Health, Wellness, and Performance Department. This person is responsible for assisting in the developing, coordinating, and administering of all aspects of a Division I sport and clinical psychology program that serves approximately 425 intercollegiate student athletes. This position is responsible for the comprehensive behavioral health services for all student-athletes. The person in this position is responsible for abiding by all SCU, WCC, and NCAA regulations and assisting to ensure departmental compliance.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESComprehensive Behavioral Health Services & Patient Care

Provide individual and group psychological services to student-athletes, including initial evaluations, interventions, and overall treatment planning on psychological issues most salient to student-athletes.

Demonstrate competence with delivery of services related to clinical issues experienced by student-athletes including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood concerns, eating disorders, grief, suicidal ideation, sexual identity, family crisis, issues related to transition into and out of college, academics, injury, burnout, conflict, interpersonal relationships, social challenges, personal conduct, distress tolerance, stress management.

Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary athletic department team (athletic administration, coaches, team physicians, sports medicine, sports performance, academics, compliance, registered dietitians, and other university personnel).

In conjunction with the sports medicine staff, manage referrals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for student-athletes needing outside services (team physician, in-patient care, etc.). Adhere to all medical directives from the team physician.

Offer performance enhancement counseling and education with individuals and teams related to skills needed for optimal performance.

Provide professional consultation and outreach to Santa Clara University coaches, staff, and student-athletes regarding issues impacting student-athletes, including but not limited to: body image & disordered eating, other mental health concerns, psychological response to injury, student behavior, and behavioral decision-making in order to enhance the departmental climate for student success.

Contribute to the development and delivery of educational programming on mental health issues and wellness topics, including but not limited to: transitioning in and out of the university, athlete identity, interpersonal relationships, cultivating resilience and perseverance, healthy striving and stress management.

Actively participate in scheduled team and/or department wellness meetings.

Work in conjunction with university Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) when appropriate for case management of student-athletes.

Participate in new student orientation, welcome back meetings, and any other athletic department/university programming by introducing psychology services, topics, and staff introductions.

Maintain confidentiality of all patient, SCU Sports Medicine, CAPS and Cowell Center information at all times.

Administrative Services

Oversight of staff in the Athletics Counseling & Sport Psychology unit

Develop programs, policies, and procedures.

Develop a working relationship with behavioral health personnel on campus and in the Bay Area.

Maintain current and accurate documentation as it relates to medical cases using the department’s Titanium software.

Develop appropriate screening protocols for student-athletes.

Work within an established budget to create, monitor, and maintain appropriate inventory. Order, receive, and distribute resources as needed.

Oversee the development of programs for student workers, interns, volunteers, practicum students, graduate assistants, residents, etc.

Assist with recruiting visits of prospective student-athletes within NCAA guidelines.

Serve as a representative for athletics and/or sports medicine on campus committees as requested.

Lead and/or participate in sports medicine and/or athletic department educational in-services.

Other Duties as Assigned

Actively and collaboratively support the mission, goals, and initiatives of the Sports Medicine Department.

Attend continuing education symposiums as required to maintain licensure and certification.

Maintain membership in Professional Organizations as deemed appropriate.

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

Provides supervision and work direction to the Assistant Athletic Director, Counseling & Sport Psychology

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.

Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.

Maintains contact with student-athletes and solicits feedback for improved services.

Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.

Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.

Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals.

Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.

Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.

Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Certifications/Knowledge
  • Doctoral Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology required.
  • California licensed psychologist or licensed eligible required.
  • Specialized training or experience in sport psychology.
    • Preference will be given to candidates who are certified or in the process of becoming certified by AASP as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant.
  • Knowledge of FERPA and HIPPA bylaws.
Skills

Basic computer skills required

Abilities

Ability to provide accurate, timely and courteous service.
Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to and training in working with culturally diverse individuals.
Ability to evaluate, recognize, and manage behavioral health conditions.
Ability to create and implement policies & procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively within students and an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to motivate and provide a positive influence for students.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, staff, and the general public.
Ability to think critically and problem solve.

Education

Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology

Years of Experience

5-7 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics and/or working with elite athletes strongly preferred.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area and/or in- or out-of-state locations.
May be required to occasionally travel to outside customers, vendors, suppliers or institutions.
Considerable time may be spent outdoors attending practices or athletic events.
Considerable time spent at athletic events with associated noise and crowds.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Typical office environment.
Mostly indoor office environment.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.
Athletic fields and events.
Outdoor athletic events.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Certifications/Knowledge
  • Doctoral Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology required
  • California licensed psychologist or licensed eligible required
  • Specialized training or experience in sport psychology.
    • Preference will be given to candidates who are certified or in the process of becoming certified by AASP as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant.
  • Knowledge of FERPA and HIPPA bylaws.
Skills

Basic computer skills required

Abilities

Ability to provide accurate, timely and courteous service.
Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to and training in working with culturally diverse individuals.
Ability to evaluate, recognize, and manage behavioral health conditions.
Ability to create and implement policies & procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively within students and an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to motivate and provide a positive influence for students.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, staff, and the general public.
Ability to think critically and problem solve.

Education

Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology

Years of Experience

5-7 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics and/or working with elite athletes strongly preferred.

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