Original Post • Send resume, cover letter and references to careers@usa.rugby.
General Manager of High PerformanceJob Title: General Manager of High PerformanceEmployer: USA RugbyJob Status: Full TimePosition reports to: USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer with accountability through the Joint Management Group to World Rugby GM High Performance.
USA Rugby MissionFounded in 1975, USA Rugby is the national governing body for the sport of Rugby in America, and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and World Rugby (WR). Currently headquartered in Glendale CO, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has over 120,000 members. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes.
USA Rugby Values: Passion, Accountability, Transparency, Inclusivity, Integrity
Job PurposeProvide oversight and overall leadership to USA Rugby High Performance (HP) programs including the planning, staff management and budget responsibilities. Provide advice and recommendations to the Joint Management Group consisting of World Rugby and USA Rugby representatives.
The General Manager of High Performance, reporting to the CEO, will be responsible for the leadership and management of all elements of USA Rugby High Performance National Teams and agreed upon elite competition programs. The primary focus of the role is to manage national team coaches, managers, and pathways personnel. A key function will be also be oversight of the identification, development and socialization of the USA Rugby High Performance brand, HP team strategy creation (on and off the field) and facilitate the growth and awareness of HP opportunities within rugby in the United States. This role will be located at the national office in Glendale, CO.
Desired Outcomes● Consistent measured growth and development of the High Performance Pipeline, year over year
● Provide varied and continued opportunities for nationwide talent identification, recruitment, and development of rugby athletes.
● Drive the international competitive success of the Women’s and Men’s National Teams, both sevens and XVs.
● Ensure the identification and talent development opportunities exist for elite coaches and referees.
Essential Job Functions
● Establish and model effective National Team culture to all players, coaches and staff that hold all accountable to the USA Rugby Code of Conduct.
● Lead, manage and advocate for USA Rugby High Performance programs
● Establish role clarity and develop effective working relationships with USA Rugby HP Program Leads:
○ Director Women’s High Performance (DWHP)
○ Head Coach Men’s Sevens ○ Head Coach Men’s XVs ○ Manager – High Performance Pathways (MHPP)
● In conjunction with Program Leads, identify and agree critical success factors (CSFs) and priorities for each program.
● Manage HP budget, ensure expenditure is in line with agreed USA Rugby, WR and USOPC strategic priorities and targets
● Support the development of operational plans and monitor their implementation.
● Collaborate with the Program Leads to identify key staff to enable effective delivery of operational plans and coordinate their employment / re-employment.
● Lead frequent and regular cross program HP Leads meetings.
● Ensure competition schedules are appropriate for each program.
● In conjunction with the DWHP & GMHPP, ensure high quality Talent ID and Development programs are in place for pathway athletes.
● Support the GMHPP in the delivery and monitoring of a successful USA Rugby Academy.
● Oversee the creation and maintenance of a dynamic depth chart of all USA eligible athletes available on Smartabase AMS system.
● Advocate the creation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all players and staff within the USA Rugby HP program, recognize and disseminate best practice across programs and identify relevant internal and external professional development opportunities.
● Ensure the welfare of all players & coaches through the provision of high-quality trained personnel to administer medical education and services, strength & conditioning, analytics, nutrition and psychological services.
● Develop positive relationships with key partners: World Rugby, USOPC, MLR, Club ownership, coaches, support staff, match officials, high schools, and colleges in order to promote best practice, upskill staff, influence behaviors and share relevant information.
● Develop, establish and model the USA Rugby High Performance brand on and off the field.
● Build effective relationships with key internal USA Rugby department leads (eg commercial, philanthropy financial) to leverage joint resources to maximize potential funding streams.
● Provide for the effective communication and reporting on all things HP to key stakeholders including JMG USA Rugby Board, World Rugby, USOC, Golden Eagles and USA Rugby leadership team.
● Oversee and ensure effective coaching & referee selection and development including management, appointment, and reporting, providing a clear and directed succession pathway.
Performance KPIsWork with the CEO to develop on a yearly basis KPIs that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time sensitive to specific yearly projects and linked to the outcomes/functions laid out above.
Internal Supervision
● Women’s Director of High Performance
● National Teams Head Coaches (Women’s and Men’s)
● Manager High Performance Pathways
● Operations Manager, High Performance
● High Performance Referee Manager
● Director of Medical Services
External Relationships
● World Rugby GM High Performance
● WR Head of Head of Competitions
● USOPC High Performance Director (Team Sports)
● Major League Rugby
● United States Rugby Players Association
● Donor groups (Golden Eagles)
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
● Excellent communication skills both written & verbal
● Knowledge and understanding of rugby.
● Have a good knowledge of the US sporting landscape and how rugby fits into it.
● Ability to build and leverage effective business relationships.
● Advanced analytical abilities
● Proven track record of developing and improving sports performance among athletes and staff
Required Experience & Education
● Have the legal ability to work and live in the United States.
● Advanced degree (Bachelors required/Masters preferred) in business, sports management or relevant field.
● 5-7 years’ experience in the High Performance field.
● 5-7 years’ experience in a supervisory role.
Compensation: The range for this position is set between $120k-150k, commensurate with experience
If you are interested in applying to this role, please send your resume, cover letter and references to careers@usa.rugby.