Director of High Performance

PORTLAND THORNS

Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

WHO ARE THE PORTLAND THORNS?

We are the Portland Thorns.

We will be the #1 women’s football franchise in the world.

We fight to protect the integrity of our team and to inspire our city.

We are stewards of innovation…on and off the pitch.

We have a storied history of winning with a championship pedigree.

We believe in inclusiveness and demonstrating an authentic commitment to the community.

We are diverse, multi-cultural and we take action with purpose and intent.

We will relentlessly be a thorn in our opponent’s side and forever be the crown jewels of Portland.

We are the Portland Thorns.

The Role

The Director of Performance oversees and manages the physical preparation and performance optimization of the team and individual athletes. This includes communicating updates to directors, supporting sports science and strength and conditioning staff, formulating effective systems of operation, and delivering on-field and gym-based sessions. The role is integral to fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring athletes meet and exceed their physical potential while minimizing injury risk.

What You’ll Be Up To

• Communication and Collaboration
• Act as the primary liaison between the performance department and other club directors, providing timely updates on player progress, department initiatives, and program outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with coaching, medical, and technical staff to maintain an integrated approach to athlete performance and well-being.
  
  

Communicate with athletes to understand their needs, address concerns, and relay critical insights to staff and directors.

• Program Development and Delivery
• Develop and implement strength and conditioning programs tailored to individual and team needs, emphasizing injury prevention, recovery, and performance enhancement.
• Deliver high-quality performance sessions on the field and in the gym, ensuring alignment with team goals and best practices.
• Formulate and monitor off-season training programs in collaboration with medical and coaching teams.
• Leverage data-driven insights to inform training adjustments and enhance athlete outcomes.
• Work collectively with medical in athletes return to play working both on the field and off the field. The ability to be on field and train soccer specific drills with the athlete would be ideal
• Athlete Monitoring and Data Utilization
• Manage and maintain sports science systems, including GPS, heart rate monitors, and other performance tracking tools.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on player wellness, workload, and readiness, ensuring actionable insights are provided to the coaching and medical teams.
• Provide regular feedback to athletes based on data trends to support performance goals and injury prevention strategies.
  
  

Return to play – support medical and lead at the appropriate time according to athlete’s timeline

• Support and Leadership
• Mentor and develop sports science and strength and conditioning staff, fostering professional growth and maintaining high standards of service delivery.
• Collaborate closely with nutritionists and sports psychologists (both full-time and consultants) to integrate holistic support into performance programs, focusing on mental health, nutrition, and athlete well-being.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for staff, identifying development opportunities and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Establish clear expectations and hold team members accountable for their roles and responsibilities.
• Administrative and Operational Excellence
• Oversee performance facilities, equipment, and budgets, ensuring resources are effectively managed.
• Develop and implement efficient workflows, policies, and procedures to optimize the department’s operations.
• Prepare detailed reports and updates for directors, coaching staff, and medical personnel on player progress, departmental initiatives, and key performance metrics.
• Athlete-Centered Approach
• Prioritize athlete health and well-being by integrating recovery strategies, nutrition plans, and stress management techniques into performance programs.
• Focus on long-term athletic development, emphasizing sustainability and holistic athlete care.
  
  

What It Takes To Be a Thorn

• Education: MSc in Sport and Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Certification : NSCA CSCS or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years full-time experience at the professional sports level, preferably in soccer and women’s Sports.
• Skills: Proficiency in athlete monitoring systems (e.g., GPS, heart rate), data analysis tools, and program design. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively manage staff and communicate with players and stakeholders. Capable of delivering high-quality group and individual training sessions on and off the field.
• Travel: The role may include regular travel for matches, training camps, and other professional commitments.
• Quickly adapt to the fast-paced, dynamic environment of professional sports.
• Balance individual athlete needs with team objectives.
• Maintaining flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and during travel.
  
  

Standards of Excellence

• Consistently demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.
• Uphold the values and mission of the organization, fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration.
• Commit to continuous personal and professional development to remain at the forefront of industry standards.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $140,000 - $175,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
  
  

Ready to Be a Thorn in the Best Possible Way? Apply Now!

If you’re ready to shape the future of the Portland Thorns, send us your application. Let’s make history together!

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.