Director of Athlete Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,959,000 - 2,938,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Director of Athlete Development to lead the holistic growth and success of athletes in a fully remote leadership role. Design and implement strategies covering technical skill, physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and career guidance to empower athletes worldwide.

The ideal candidate has extensive knowledge of performance enhancement, a track record in elite development, and the ability to foster a high-achieving, remote-friendly environment through

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sports Science, Coaching, Psychology, or a related field.
• Substantial experience in elite athlete development or sports program management.
• Proven track record of developing athletes to reach potential.
• Deep understanding of periodization and long-term athlete development models.
• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Experience managing remote teams and using digital tools for program delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a strategic framework for athlete development from junior levels to professional ranks.
• Create and implement individualized development plans focusing on technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects of performance.
• Lead and mentor a team of coaches, sports scientists, and support staff.
• Collaborate with recruitment teams to identify high-potential talent.
• Monitor athlete progress, conduct performance reviews, and provide ongoing feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Talent development

Performance coaching

Remote leadership

Digital tools

Education

Master's degree in Sports Science/Coaching/Psychology

Tools

LMS tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Athlete Development to lead the holistic growth and success of their athletes. This is a fully remote leadership position, offering the flexibility to shape programs and mentor talent from anywhere. You will be responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive strategies that encompass technical skill development, physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and career guidance. The ideal candidate is deeply passionate about empowering athletes, possesses extensive knowledge of performance enhancement across various disciplines, and can foster a supportive, high-achieving environment through innovative, remote-first methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a strategic framework for athlete development from junior levels to professional ranks.
• Create and implement individualized development plans focusing on technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects of performance.
• Lead and mentor a team of coaches, sports scientists, and support staff involved in athlete progression.
• Collaborate with recruitment teams to identify and attract high-potential talent.
• Monitor athlete progress, conduct performance reviews, and provide ongoing feedback and support.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including educational institutions and professional leagues, to support athlete pathways.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in Sports Science , Coaching, Psychology, or a related field.
• Substantial experience in elite athlete development, coaching leadership, or sports program management.
• Proven track record of successfully developing athletes to reach their highest potential.
• Deep understanding of periodization, talent identification, and long-term athlete development models.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Experience managing remote teams and utilizing digital tools for program delivery and monitoring.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits.
• Full remote work flexibility, enabling a global reach.
• Opportunity to significantly impact the careers and lives of aspiring athletes.
• Budget for program innovation, technology adoption, and professional development.
• Work within a forward-thinking organization committed to athletic excellence and well-being.