Performance Specialist

CT United FC; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

CT United FC is seeking a Performance Specialist to enhance player performance and prevent injuries. Responsibilities include designing strength and conditioning programs, conducting soccer-specific testing, and working closely with the medical staff to ensure athletes' health and safety. Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and relevant certifications. This role is positioned in Bridgeport, Connecticut, fostering a collaborative work environment with an emphasis on player well-being and performance enhancement.

Qualifications

• Must hold CSCS or PES certification.
• Minimum one year of experience in an elite sports environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement strength and conditioning programs.
• Lead and supervise training sessions.
• Evaluate Player performance through testing.

Skills

Strength training

Olympic lifting

Plyometrics

Nutrition guidance

Sports science analytics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science or related field

Master’s Degree in Exercise Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft applications

Performance testing equipment

Job description

Job Overview

CT United FC is seeking an experienced and motivated Performance Specialist. This role applies scientific knowledge to improve a Player’s performance and prevent injuries. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: conduct soccer‑specific physical testing, design and implement strength and conditioning programs, assist in recovery protocols, provide nutritional guidance, and deliver sport science support. Must work under the supervision of the League and Club Chief Medical Officer and the Athletic Training Staff as it relates to Player health and safety.

Educational Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field or National Federation’s equivalent
• Preferred: Master’s Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field

And/or

Licenses or Certifications

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), or Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification by the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
• CPR certification
• Recommended additional certifications: Certified Performance Sport Specialist (CPSS), USAW, CPT‑NASM, CES, and XPS
• Preferred HIPAA compliant Course and Health Information Certification. PIPEDA compliance training preferred for Canadian Clubs. GDPR compliance education recommended for all Clubs.

Work Experience

• A minimum of one (1) year of full‑time experience with athletes in an elite‑level sports environment, preferably including soccer players. Elite level sports experience is working in a high‑tempo, integrated, and interdisciplinary medical support team that includes direct involvement in collegiate, professional, Olympic, tactical (e.g., Special Forces, Service Academies), performance (e.g., Cirque du Soleil, Performing Arts) or equivalent environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Proven ability in the following areas: strength training, Olympic lifting, plyometrics, SAQ (speed/agility/quickness) development, specific and non‑specific energy system development, flexibility, recovery, injury prevention, nutrition, sports science and analytics
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of strength and conditioning programming for athletes
• Preferred experience with analyzing data pertaining to player health and performance, conducting performance testing, manage performance, safely and effectively present pertinent data to appropriate stakeholders in the Club. Preferred Proficiency in Microsoft applications

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Working in collaboration with the Medical Staff and under the supervision of the CMO:

• Design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for CT United Players
• Lead and supervise sports performance training sessions
• Design the daily, weekly, and monthly training plans and periodization strategies
• Educate and counsel Players regarding strategies to improve performance
• Communicate with the sports medicine staff regarding injured, rehabilitating and deconditioned Players to modify strength and conditioning programs with agreement from sports medical staff
• Work with medical staff to design and modify return to play strength and conditioning programs for post rehabilitation Players
• Evaluate Player performance through performance testing, including but not limited to, workload monitoring and body composition testing
• Manage all incoming strength, conditioning, performance data streams
• Manage all in‑training/game tracking and other data streams, and develop structures around data collection
• Maintain the appearance, safe functionality, and organization of equipment in the weight facility, as well as educate and enforce weight room rules
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills required to work effectively with Players, coaches, other Club personnel, and MLS NEXT Pro staff
• Comply with all MLS NEXT Pro medical policies and procedures
• Attend activities/meetings/programs as required by MLS NEXT Pro

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.