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$21.1K

$52.2K

$87K

How much do sports performance director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports performance director in Chicago, IL is $52,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Sports Performance jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Sports Performance Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Sports Performance Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sports Performance Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Performance Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Sports Performance Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Sports Performance Director job openings:
Sports Performance Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Performance Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,181 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Director of Sports Performance

Director of Sports Performance

Purdue University

Hammond, IN • On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Req Id: 42175
Job Title: Director of Sports Performance
City: Hammond
Job Description:
University Profile
Part of the internationally respected Purdue University system, Purdue University Northwest offers world-class educational opportunities at an excellent value on two culturally diverse, student-centered campuses, located in Northwest Indiana and near Chicago. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away. Purdue Northwest has approximately 9,000 students and offers more than 70-degree programs at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels. Purdue Northwest Athletics consists of 530 student athletes and 23 sports competing in NCAA Division II, Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Intercollegiate athletic teams are fielded in men's and women's ice hockey, baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, esports, women's flag football, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track and field, softball, stunt, and women's volleyball. For more information on the Purdue University Northwest athletics program please go to PNWathletics.com
Duties and Responsibilities of a Director of Sports Performance
Budgeted Salary: $45,000 - $50,000
  • This position does have the opportunity for a flexible work schedule but does require a strong on-campus presence.
  • Design, implement and conduct sport-specific strength and conditioning programs that facilitate maximum benefits for all student-athletes to both optimize performance and decrease injury potential.
  • Schedule, supervise and instruct student-athletes and coaches in all facets of weight training, conditioning and nutrition.
  • Work effectively with a diverse population and provide a supportive, motivating and safe working environment for student-athletes.
  • Maintains communication with departmental staff, coaches and medical staff.
  • Assist with the implementation of rehab programs prescribed by the team physician and sports medicine staff.
  • Develop and maintain student-athlete records and monitor progress of training programs.
  • Oversee and assist teams, coaches, staff and student-athletes as needed.
  • Supervision of assistant coaches and student assistants.
  • Compliance with NCAA, GLIAC, and PNW regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Benefits of a Director of Sports Performance
  • Full benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
  • Accrue 15 days' vacation your first year, then 22 days' vacation your 2nd year plus rollover
  • University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period)
  • University contributions to Health Savings Account -
  • Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
  • Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/
Education of a Director of Sports Performance
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Physical Education or related program is preferred.
  • Certified through a nationally accredited strength and conditioning certification program (CSCS).

Experience of a Director of Sports Performance
  • Two years strength and conditioning coaching experience required at the professional, college or high school level.

Core Competencies of a Director of Sports Performance
  • Must have strong team building/mgmt skills
  • Ability to work across academic and administrative departments in a cooperative manner
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to coordinate collaborative efforts
  • Demonstrated experience in program development, management, and leadership
  • Ability to interact with members of the public and media
  • Ability to supervise regular and temporary staff
  • Understanding of the student-athletes commitment to academics
  • Ability to lift & carry up to 50lbs. frequently, and up to 60lbs. occasionally.
  • As a part of the job responsibilities associated with this position, knowledge of rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA and conference should be maintained, reviewed & practiced to ensure compliance relative to those applicable duties.
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must be able to use personal vehicle to drive on behalf of the University
  • Must meet the Minimum Driver Qualifications as defined by the Use of Vehicles for University Business Policy

Additional Information
Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.
Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master's and applied doctoral levels.
Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW's values reflect the university's commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence.
PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Colleges report and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.
FLSA Status
Exempt

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