Director for Sports Performance

Clark Atlanta University; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark Atlanta University is seeking a Director for Sports Performance to lead strength and conditioning for student-athletes in Atlanta. This on-site role partners with coaches, athletic trainers, and sports medicine to optimize performance and safety across programs.

The position emphasizes data-driven training, testing protocols, and ongoing program development while supervising staff and interns and ensuring compliance with institutional and conference guidelines.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in strength and conditioning and sport-specific training design.
• Experience with periodization for student-athletes and performance analysis.
• Knowledge of injury prevention and rehabilitation with sports medicine teams.
• Leadership and staff supervision with mentoring and program development.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with coaches, administrators, and campus stakeholders.
• CSCS or equivalent certification strongly preferred; master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate strength and conditioning programs for student-athletes.
• Lead daily training sessions and coordinate with coaches and athletic trainers.
• Develop individualized performance plans aligned with sport demands and safety.
• Manage testing protocols, track metrics, and adjust strategies throughout the year.
• Supervise staff and interns; ensure compliance with regulations.
• Promote holistic wellness and injury prevention across programs.

Skills

Strength & Conditioning

Periodization

Performance analysis

Data tracking

Staff supervision

Leadership

Communication skills

Program development

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor in Exercise Science

Bachelor in Kinesiology

Bachelor in Sports Performance

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CSCS Certification

Performance data software

Job description

Company Description

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a premier historically Black university formed in 1988 through the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, institutions founded in the 19th century. Located in the historic heart of Atlanta, CAU offers 38 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs focused on innovation, leadership, and student success. As a leading research institution, CAU attracts a diverse student body from across the United States and around the world. Signature initiatives such as the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development (CCRTD), one of the largest prostate cancer research centers in the country, reflect the university’s commitment to addressing health disparities and advancing knowledge. Building on more than 150 years of academic excellence, CAU prepares graduates to shape the future of the global community.

Role Description

The Director for Sports Performance is a full-time, on-site role based in Atlanta, GA, responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of strength and conditioning and sports performance programs for student-athletes. This role leads daily training sessions, collaborates with coaches, athletic trainers, and medical staff to optimize performance and recovery, and develops individualized plans that align with sport-specific demands and safety standards. The Director manages testing protocols, tracks performance metrics, and uses data to adjust training strategies throughout the year. This position also supervises staff and interns, ensures compliance with institutional and conference regulations, promotes holistic wellness and injury prevention, and contributes to a culture of academic and athletic excellence.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong expertise in strength and conditioning, sport-specific training design, and periodization for student-athletes.
• Candidates should possess skills in performance analysis, data tracking, and use of technology or software to monitor training outcomes and athlete readiness.
• Candidates should possess knowledge of injury prevention, rehabilitation support, and collaboration with sports medicine professionals to promote athlete health and safety.
• Candidates should possess leadership and management skills, including staff supervision, mentoring, program development, and effective collaboration with coaches and administrators.
• Candidates should possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills to work with diverse student-athletes and campus stakeholders.
• Relevant certifications such as CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), SCCC, or equivalent credentials are strongly preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Performance, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Previous experience directing or leading collegiate or elite-level sports performance or strength and conditioning programs is highly beneficial.