Position SummaryThe Washington Nationals are seeking a Director of Physical Development to oversee Major League and Minor League Strength and Conditioning, Rehab Strength and Conditioning, and Nutrition. This includes organizational programming, player progressions and regressions, staff development, testing, and data tracking across each area.
This role will serve on the organizational leadership team and ensure Strength and Conditioning, Rehab Strength and Conditioning, and Nutrition are fully integrated with Medical, Rehabilitation, and the skill departments to support player performance, availability, and long-term health. The position requires excellent communication, the ability to provide effective feedback, and the vision to create and implement a high-performance, player-centered development model.
This position will be based in Washington, D.C.
Primary Responsibilities- Develop and implement the Physical Development vision across Major League and Minor League Strength and Conditioning, Rehab Strength and Conditioning, and Nutrition.
- Lead, align, and develop Physical Development staff to support the needs of Major League and Minor League players and coaches.
- Establish organizational standards for programming, testing, player monitoring, and staff development across each area.
- Partner with Medical, Rehabilitation, and the skill departments to create integrated plans for healthy and injured players.
- Oversee the strength, conditioning, and nutrition components of rehabilitation and return-to-performance plans. Medical will establish diagnosis, restrictions, and clinical readiness.
- Lead the organizational nutrition strategy, including fueling, hydration, supplementation, body composition, and recovery.
- Use data, technology, and key performance indicators to evaluate programs and improve player-development decisions.
- Develop injury-risk-reduction strategies and objective physical-readiness criteria in collaboration with Medical.
- Establish clear communication, meeting, and feedback processes that maintain alignment and drive staff development.
- Oversee Draft physical-development evaluations in coordination with Medical and Scouting.
- Manage Physical Development staffing, budgets, resources, and capital planning.
- Maintain evidence-based best practices and build an external network that supports research, consultation, and staff recruitment.
Qualifications- Requirements
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA (CSCS)
- Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) or the ability to obtain the credential
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field
- Preferred
- Licensed Massage Therapist, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Athletic Trainer, or comparable medical licensure
- Master's Degree or doctorate-level education
- Bilingual; Spanish preferred
CompensationThe projected annual salary range for this position is $200,000 - $250,000 per year. Actual pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to the applicant's: qualifications, skills, expertise, education/training, certifications, and other organization requirements. Starting salaries for new employees are frequently not at the top of the applicable salary range.
BenefitsThe Nationals offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that presently includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) and pension plan
- Access to complimentary tickets to Nationals home games
- Employee discounts
- Free onsite fitness center
