Based at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, national governing body USA Triathlon (USAT) is seeking a High Performance General Manager, following the resignation of Andy Schmitz announced earlier this month. The position reports to USAT CEO Rocky Harris and leads all aspects of the organization’s Olympic and Paralympic High Performance Program including the National Team, Elite Development (Collegiate Recruitment Program, U23, Junior) and Talent Identification (TID) programs.
The High Performance General Manager is a member of the USAT executive management team. The primary objectives of the position are to produce top of the podium performances at World Championships and major games and to develop a strong, sustainable pipeline through which the next generation of champions will be produced. The General Manager is required to travel extensively in support of these objectives.
This position works directly with USA Triathlon staff, board, coaches, athletes and the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to advance the organization’s mission and goals. The General Manager plans, administers and directs the High Performance Program by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors and direct reporting employees.
General duties and responsibilities:
Departmental oversight (Olympic and Paralympic)
- Lead the creation and delivery of the quadrennial High Performance Plan. Oversee the ongoing facilitation of this plan including the annual review process to incorporate strategic updates.
- Foster a culture that demands strict adherence to anti-doping regulations and emphasizes the pursuit of excellence
- Ensure strict compliance to USA Triathlon and United States Olympic Committee SafeSport policies
- Direct and hire USA Triathlon employees and contract labour which report to the High Performance General Manager with final approval from the CEO
- Plan and coordinate activities of High Performance staff, including management of annual staff objectives, appraisals and scheduling
- Create an annual budget based upon long term planning documents and their needed modifications; authorize program expenditures
- Prepare annual operating reports, annual applications for financial assistance and other reports as required
National Team Program (Olympic and Paralympic)
- Ongoing review and monitoring of National Team performance objectives
- Administer all aspects of high performance management including major games, international ITU events and performance camps. This includes, but is not limited to, performing advance site visits, serving as Team Leader for competitions and directing staff and contract labour to support athletes in international competition
Development and management of criteria for:
- Athlete selection for major games
- Coach selection criteria for major games
- National Team Program athlete selection
- Entry selection to ITU events, including but not limited to World Triathlon Series, World Cups, Continental Cups, World Paratriathlon Series, Paratriathlon World Cups, Continental Championships, Mixed Relay events, etc.
- Athlete funding
Elite Development (CRP, U23, Junior; Elite Coaching Pathway)
- Provide direction and oversight to the scouting, recruiting and development of emerging and existing elite athletes to ensure sustainable excellence by American triathletes
- Devise and implement talent ID and recruitment strategies
- Direct recruitment and scouting and training camps (current programs include Select, Collegiate and Collegiate Recruitment Program camps)
- Direct all aspects of the Collegiate Recruitment Program and Project Podium
- Create and direct programs and systems to enhance the level and quality of draft-legal style coaching available to athletes
Partnerships and Relationships
- Coordinate with appropriate USOC personnel and supervise High Performance staff to complete appropriate forms for grants, facility use and other purposes as needed
- Develop positive relationships with high performance coaches and seek their input
- Coordinate with the USA Triathlon Marketing department to facilitate the securing of appropriate sponsors and organize the distribution of value-in-kind items to National Team members
- Attend or invite USA Triathlon coaches to attend educational workshops related to the USOC and ITU special events
- Liaise with all relevant committees of USA Triathlon’s Board of Directors and represent USA Triathlon by serving on international committees
USAT notes that the High Performance Program and the High Performance General Manager are among the most valuable assets of USAT, being highly visible and influential extensions of the USA Triathlon image, name and reputation. ‘The High Performance General Manager, in performing all of the job duties and responsibilities, will act at all times in a manner that is a positive force and influence in enhancing value, name, reputation, image, character and acceptability of USA Triathlon, its leadership, and the High Performance / National Teams Program.’
Expectations:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Demonstrated understanding of Long Term Athlete Development
- Demonstrated understanding of elite competitors’ needs
- An ability to effectively communicate with elite athletes and coaches, including providing fair and objective reasoning for decision-making
- Experience in managing budgets and staff
- Technical (swim, bike, run, transition) knowledge
- Significant experience of elite coaching and substantial experience of high performance sport as an athlete, coach, or administrator
- Experience of an Olympic Game/s or professional sport equivalent
- An ability to work with a number of athletes and balance individual and team requirements
Compensation and benefits:
Full-time position. Salary commensurate with experience plus benefits including health, dental, 401(k), disability and vacation/personal time. A review of applications will begin immediately. Applications should submit a resume, cover letter, salary requirements and references online.
USAT is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
