Assistant Director of Psychological Health and Performance, Athletics

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder welcomes applications for the Assistant Director of Psychological Health and Performance, to assist the Director and staff in the planning and operations of psychological services (evaluation, treatment, and education) to student-athletes competing for a highly competitive, Division I athletics program. This person will oversee the evaluation of the mental performance work with teams as well as plan and implement group offerings. Additionally, the individual in this role will provide consultation and relevant training to coaches, athletic trainers, academic staff, and other athletic department staff within the realm of psychological services and mental performance.

The Assistant Director will also provide individual and/or group clinical supervision for trainees and staff. The Assistant Director will work closely with Psychological Health and Performance's Director and Staff in designing and implementing programming with direct service and outreach needs to the athletic department (athletes, coaches and staff), and in ensuring high quality, inclusive and responsive services to athletes and the department as a whole. The Assistant Director will evaluate the effectiveness of the programming in achieving improved mental health and performance.

This position is responsible for promoting the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletics program. This shall include adhering to the principles of the Athletic Department’s Mission Statement, Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement, Core Values, Policies and Procedures, as well as the rules and regulations of the University, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

As one of 34 U.S. public research institutions belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU)—and the only member in the Rocky Mountain region—our goal at CU Boulder is to directly affect Colorado communities through collaborative research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Our faculty, staff, and students work with the broader community to establish outstanding connections that have lasting outcomes—both across Colorado and around the world.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Clinical and Clinical Administration:

• Provide consulting and outreach services to coaches, athletic trainers, academic staff, and other administrative personnel regarding the psychological well-being of individual student athletes and team members.
• Work closely in collaboration with team physicians regarding appropriate NCAA documentation as well as making medication recommendations for disorders/disabilities.
• Lead and coordinate the student-athlete pre-performance evaluations (PPEs) by introducing behavioral health concepts and how to access services.
• Identify psychological and performance education outreach needs and offer relevant programming.
• Responsible for assessing and treating common psychological issues such as anxiety/depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, grief, trauma, and personality disorders
• Provide daytime crisis intervention and emergency services in situations involving individual student-athletes or teams. Be on-call on a rotation for backup to The Buffs Helpline.
• Participate in relevant special projects and meetings
• Other duties in support of mission as assigned.

Administration:

• Oversee, manage, create and coordinate the day-to-day operations of program implementation.
• Provide supervision of staff and trainees.
• Participate and facilitate ongoing training and education of trainees and staff
• Develop and maintain relationships with organizational units that can assist and/or enhance the mental health services provided to student-athletes.
• Participate in continuing education and professional association activities related to the performance of job functions and the maintenance of skills.
• Participate in professional organizations and activities, workshops, seminars, and develop programs related to expertise.
• Other duties in support of mission as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned which could include assistance with the PHP policy and procedure manual as well as other administrative tasks not related to clinical caseload.

Departmental Responsibilities:

• Understand and align with state statutes governing the ethical provision of psychological care, as well as those rules governing the Athletic Department, University, Big-12, and the NCAA.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of and remain current on rules and regulations of the NCAA and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regarding banned drugs and restricted substances, particularly NCAA by-law 16.5.2. (g) & (h).
• Adhere to principles stated in the Athletic Department’s Mission Statement and promote loyalty to the mission by all staff and student-athletes under their supervision.
• Other duties in support of mission as assigned.

What We Can Offer

• The starting salary range is $90,000 - $104,000. Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.
• Additional Compensation Details: Athletic Event Tickets: Per Athletic Department Policy and NCAA regulations, Nike Elite Employee Benefit: Per Nike Elite Policy.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be impactful. Be proactive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Master's degree in Counseling Psychology or Clinical Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work.
• Active license in at least one of the above fields.
• At least five years of post-graduate clinical experience. A doctorate degree may substitute for experience.
• At least three years of experience providing clinical and administrative supervision to both trainees and paid staff.
• Experience working with developing populations (late adolescence/early adulthood).
• Ability to obtain a license in the State of Colorado within six (6) months of employment.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas is required:
  • Eating concerns
  • Substance abuse
  • Crisis management
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

What You Will Need

• Multicultural competence and interest/expertise in trauma-informed therapeutic approaches.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and inclusivity in a multicultural learning environment.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Earned Doctorate in Counseling Psychology or Clinical Psychology.
• At least five (5) years of post-graduate clinical experience.
• Experience treating clients across various spectrums, including: race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and economic status.
• Experience in trauma-informed care.
• Experience working with high-risk populations.
• Experience in program development and implementation and supervision of staff.
• Mental health counseling experience embedded in a collegiate athletic department

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that briefly describes how your background and experience align with this position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by 5/25/2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu