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Position Overview
Atlanta United FC is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Health & Performance to lead the club’s integrated performance, medical, and sports science operations across the First Team, MLS NEXT Pro, and Academy. This role is responsible for optimizing player availability, performance, and long-term health through evidence-informed practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and aligned methodology with the club’s playing model.
The Director of Health & Performance will serve as a key leader within the organization, working closely with coaches, medical professionals, and executives to ensure players are prepared to perform at the highest level throughout the MLS season and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all health, performance, and sports science operations across the club’s vertically integrated pathway (First Team, MLS NEXT Pro, Academy).
- Manage and oversee Orreco implementation and interpretation for players, with recommendations for player readiness
Design and implement a comprehensive performance strategy encompassing physical preparation, load management, recovery, injury prevention, and return-to-play processes. - Collaborate closely with the Head Coach and technical staff to align physical preparation with tactical objectives, training methodology, and match demands.
- Manage and develop multidisciplinary staff, including strength & conditioning, sports science, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and performance support roles.
- Leverage performance data, monitoring systems, and medical information to inform decision-making and communicate clearly with coaches and leadership.
- Establish standardized processes, benchmarks, and reporting structures to support consistency and clarity across all teams.
- Oversee player monitoring systems (e.g., GPS, wellness, testing, readiness) and ensure insights translate into actionable coaching decisions.
- Support long-term athlete development and transition pathways from the Academy to professional levels.
- Promote a collaborative, athlete-centered, and high-performance culture grounded in accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
- Stay current with industry best practices, research, and innovation within elite soccer performance and health.
Qualifications & Experience
- At least 5 years of experience managing first-team personnel sports performance.
- Extensive experience in high-performance leadership within professional soccer or comparable elite team sport environments.
- Strong background in performance science, strength & conditioning, sports medicine integration, or a related discipline.
- Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and operate effectively within complex, high-pressure environments.
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with coaching staff to integrate physical preparation with tactical and technical objectives.
- Advanced understanding of workload management, injury risk mitigation, and return-to-play decision-making.
- High level of data literacy with experience translating performance metrics into clear insights for coaches and executives.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Preferred Attributes
- Spanish-speaking preferred
- Experience within MLS or comparable international professional leagues.
- Familiarity with vertically integrated club models and academy-to-first-team pathways.
- Advanced degree in sport science, performance, medicine, or related field.
- Commitment to innovation, professional development, and evidence-informed practice.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
