The Director of Mental Performance and Leadership at Lafayette College provides comprehensive mental performance training and support to student-athletes across all 23 varsity programs. This role is dedicated to enhancing athletic performance, promoting mental well-being, and fostering resilience through individualized and team-based interventions. Working closely with coaches, athletic trainers, peak performance staff, and academic support personnel, this position integrates mental skills training, leadership development, stress management, and overall wellness strategies to help student-athletes thrive in competition, academics, and personal growth.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Provide one-on-one and group mental performance coaching to student-athletes, focusing on areas such as confidence, focus, motivation, and resilience.
● Develop and implement mental skills training programs, including visualization, goal setting, stress management, and mindfulness techniques.
● Lead leadership development programs to help student-athletes cultivate effective communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills both on and off the field.
● Coordinate with and refer to campus counseling services for athletes experiencing anxiety, depression, or other psychological concerns.
● Work closely with coaches and staff to integrate mental performance strategies into team culture and training programs.
● Conduct educational workshops and seminars on topics such as mental toughness, handling pressure, and maintaining a growth mindset.
● Support student-athlete well-being initiatives, promoting a holistic approach to health, performance, and personal development.
● Collaborate with coaches to enhance their leadership, communication, and ability to support student-athletes’ mental performance and well-being.
● Support coach development programs by providing resources, training, and strategies on fostering a positive and mentally strong team culture.
● Collaborate with athletic trainers and medical staff to assist in the mental aspects of injury recovery and return-to-play readiness.
● Be knowledgeable of campus crisis intervention and emergency protocols.
● Maintain confidentiality and compliance with NCAA, Patriot League, and institutional policies regarding student-athlete mental health and performance services.
● Stay current on sports psychology research and best practices, incorporating evidence-based techniques into training and support services.
Qualifications:
● Doctoral or Master’s degree in Sport/Performance Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Applied Psychology, or a related field.
● Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) preferred but not required.
● Experience working with collegiate or elite-level athletes in mental performance coaching or sports psychology.
● Upon position acceptance, successful completion of PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Candidates must exhibit the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with student-athletes and staff, showcasing a genuine passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience. Ability to provide evidence-based interventions for mental health concerns affecting student-athletes and create/facilitate workshops, team talks, and educational sessions. Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate will excel in collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, educational levels, and cultural perspectives. They must demonstrate a commitment to adhering to Lafayette College, Patriot League, and NCAA rules and regulations. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends is required.
Compensation & Application:
This is a full-time 12 month position and includes a competitive benefits package. Salary range is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please apply via Interfolio link and provide 3 professional references, resume, and cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. https://apply.interfolio.com/168908
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is responsive inclusive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.