Academy Head of Performance

POSITION SUMMARY

The Academy Head of Performance will develop and implement strength and conditioning training for D.C. United’s academy teams in accordance with the academy’s curriculum, periodization, objectives, and values. They will work in conjunction with head coaches, goalkeeper coach, athletic trainer and other teams in the club to maximize the potential of each player, and the efficiency of each session. The Head of Performance will be required at team training sessions, matches, and tournaments, as directed by the Academy Director. They are also expected to test and monitor the player’s physical profiles to highlight areas of improvement/strength, to inform appropriate training prescription. Constant, specific and accurate feedback to players/coaching staff will be necessary as is the tracking of specific, trackable data points. The priority of the Academy Performance Coach will be to monitor and develop the academy players physical capabilities and aligning the programming to D.C. United’s football and development philosophy.

COMPENSATION

$60,000 – $65,000

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Director of Performance and Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), including technical staff, athletic trainers, and support staff, to provide an integrated High-Performance LTAD program for Academy players, in line with the Club and department philosophy
• Direct and/or assist in the delivery of field, prehabilitation, strength, rehabilitation sessions and match day warm-ups in the team and individual settings, teaching proper technique and safety for all exercises and movements
• Direct and/or assist with GPS distribution, collection, download, and cutting, wellness monitoring, testing administration, RPE collection, compiling analysis, and reporting
• Contribute to and advance LTAD programming and curriculum, data collection, testing, analytics, and reporting to develop high-performance football-oriented solutions
• Direct and/or assist with delivery of scientifically based optimal recovery strategies post-training and post-match
• Develop individual and team off-season training programs
• Perform routine micro-testing to track player physical progress in relation to LTAD model and club/college scouting expectations
• Establish individuals’ yearly goals based on test results
• Develop key performance metrics and benchmarks to track players physical progressions over time
• Plan and execute all activation, strength and conditioning programs in conjunction with head coaches, assistant coaches, athletic trainer, club curriculum, periodization, and values (4/5 sessions per week)
• Warmup academy teams on match days (up to 2 matches per week)
• Travel to away matches and tournaments, help manage off-field activities and travel
• Attend in person staff/league meetings as directed
• Log on to virtual staff/league meetings as directed
• Keep in constant communication with academy coaches (players and families when necessary)
• Update Academy Director, Director of Coaching when requested/necessary
• Work with Scouting Director to evaluate trialists
• Help coach/evaluate talent identification training sessions
• Help with club logistics when necessary
• Manage club projects as directed
• Utilize/manage the development of the assistant coaches
• Represent D.C. United with top class appearance & professionalism
• Guide and develop the academy performance interns

QUALIFICATIONS

• On field expertise: professional/college/high level club/academy coaching experience
• Exceptional management skills: both of groups and individuals
• Ability to plan sessions in coordination with professional coaching staff
• Exceptional organization, communication & presentation skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Available to work flexible hours including nights, weekends & holidays
• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Sport Science, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field
• NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• Competency in data science, including use of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI (desirable), GPS systems (Catapult desirable), Monitoring software, etc.
• Ability to contribute to a High-Performance environment and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team
• Clear understanding of and proven ability to implement Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD)
• Competency in data science, including use of Microsoft Excel, GPS systems, Monitoring software, etc
• First aid and CPR certification
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented and have a sense of accountability
• Ability to work productively under pressure and be consistently proactive
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays when required
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a background check and driving record check.

PREFERRED

• Knowledge of MLS/DMV
• Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Sport Science, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field
• Expertise in data science, including use of Microsoft Excel, GPS systems, Monitoring software, etc
• Expertise in Strength, Power, and Speed programming, curriculum development, and delivery