Performance Coach

Athletic Coaching and Management

• Gym Session Execution: Assist the Head of Performance during first-team strength, speed, and power lifting blocks. In the absence of the Head of Performance, will lead both team based and individual lifting, activation, recovery, and mobility-based sessions.
• Program Design: Assist the Head of Performance with team-based in and individual player performance programming to support athletic development.
• Program Implementation: Execute the periodized team lifting blocks and individualized programs while making adjustments to programs in the presence of symptoms or injuries.
• Facility Care & Environment: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe weight room environment, ensuring all player-focused training spaces reflect top-tier professional standards.
• Player Trust & Education: Build authentic, trusted relationships with athletes on the gym floor. Educate players daily on proper mechanics, intent, and the physical benefits of their specific programming to drive maximum buy-in.

Return to Play (RTP)

• Interim RTP Management: Assume responsibility of field-based and gym-based Return to Play (RTP) sessions for rehabbing athletes whenever the Head of Performance is traveling.
• Medical & Rehab Liaison: Partner directly with the Medical Staff and Rehab Specialists on-site to support program adjustments or symptoms management during performance training programs.
• Workload Progression Coordination: Utilize GPS and wearable targets left by the Team Sport Scientist and Head of Performance to carefully step up physical workloads for non-traveling or injured players.
• Up to 25% Travel Rotation: Provide high-level performance support during designated first-team travel blocks ensuring a flawless continuum of care on the road.

Pathway Execution (Gotham 2 & Academy Integration)

• Youth Pathway Coaching: Assist the Head of Performance and act as a performance coaching link to Gotham 2 and Academy teams to support talent development.
• Baseline Standards: Ensure the club’s unified physical development framework is implemented across youth ranks to prepare prospects for senior demands.

Operations & Logistics Assistance

• Supply & Inventory Support: Assist the Head of Performance by conducting routine inventories of supplies and gym equipment, helping compile order requests for the VP of Performance and Medical.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform regular safety and operational checks on all weight room training hardware, gym technologies, and tracking equipment.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the year.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather events as needed.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, stoop, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree: Must hold a Master's degree in Exercise Science, Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, or a closely related field.
• CSCS Certification: Required Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPSS Certification: Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) credential from the NSCA is preferred.
• Soccer Background: Previous experience coaching within elite youth academy, collegiate, or professional soccer environments is highly preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience as a performance coach, strength and conditioning coach, or athlete development coach within a highly structured collegiate athletic program (NCAA DI/DII preferred) or professional sports team setting.
• Proven Session Leadership: Exceptional, demonstrable experience commanding the floor and confidently leading large group/team physical development sessions.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal communication skills with an innate ability to connect with elite athletes, breakdown movement patterns simply, and work collaboratively across a multidisciplinary medical staff.
• Adaptability: Comfortable maintaining a high standard of coaching excellence while shifting fluidly between first-team, reserve squad, and rehab-specific athlete profiles.