Olympic Performance Director

Climbing Business Journal; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation/PTO

Benefits package

Pro Deals

Job summary

USA Climbing is seeking a High Performance Director to lead the National Team program and drive Olympic/Paralympic performance strategy. This role oversees athlete development, contracts, coaching staff, and sports medicine, partnering with USOPC to maximize results.

The HPD will manage budgets, ensure athlete welfare, and align performance plans with global competition schedules while upholding USA Climbing values and safeguarding policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in Olympic/Paralympic or elite sport program management.
• Experience with USOPC High Performance planning, athlete agreements, and team selection processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing national team coaching staff, sports medicine/performance staff, or similar multidisciplinary teams.
• Working knowledge of World Climbing rules and governance structure a plus.
• Strong financial acumen, including departmental budget development, tracking, and reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust with athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including evenings and weekends.
• Valid passport; SafeSport certification or ability to obtain immediately upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision to develop and maintain USA Climbing as a perennial top 3 nation in all disciplines.
• Oversee all aspects of the High Performance Department with regular athlete engagement and feedback.
• Develop, implement, and continually refine athlete health and well-being efforts.
• Develop and refine the High Performance Plan in partnership with USOPC, aligning resources with performance goals.
• Create and administer Team Selection Procedures for all National Team programs in compliance with USOPC and World Climbing requirements.
• Lead planning and execution of participation in Olympics, Paralympics, Pan American Games, Worlds, and World Climbing Series events.
• Hire, direct, and manage the High Performance staff, contractors, and coaching pool.
• Oversee development of athlete agreements, roster/tier management, and athlete benefits programs.
• Oversee sports medicine coordination and medical coverage at events and camps.
• Oversee strength and conditioning support and coordination of providers.
• Develop and advance Coaching and Routesetting Certification programs.
• Maintain National Team communications, medal counts, and rankings; coordinate with Marketing on storytelling.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management/Exercise Science/Business

Advanced degree a plus

Job description

USA Climbing is seeking a High Performance Director to lead the National Team program and drive Olympic/Paralympic performance strategy. This role oversees athlete development, contracts, coaching staff, and sports medicine, partnering with USOPC to maximize results.

The HPD will manage budgets, ensure athlete welfare, and align performance plans with global competition schedules while upholding USA Climbing values and safeguarding policies.