Cognitive Performance Specialist

** see application instructions below**

Cognitive Performance Specialist

Pope International

Various CONUS & OCONUS Locations | Full-time | Contingent upon Contract Award

About Pope International

Pope International provides strategic advisory, project management, and grant implementation support across public sector and community development initiatives. The firm specializes in federally and state funded programs, with deep experience in compliance management, performance reporting, and partnership coordination. Pope International is headquartered in Virginia and operates internationally and nationally.

Position Summary

The Cognitive Performance Specialist develops, coordinates, and delivers evidence-based mental readiness and cognitive performance services for military personnel. The role strengthens the psychological and behavioral skills needed to learn, adapt, make decisions, manage stress, and perform effectively under operational pressure.

Working within an integrated Human Performance team, the specialist translates research into practical individual and group training aligned with unit missions, training calendars, and performance priorities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cognitive Performance Training

• Design and deliver individual and group instruction in attention control, self-regulation, goal setting, confidence, imagery, arousal regulation, adaptive thinking, and performance routines.
• Provide education on executive function, memory, skill acquisition, decision-making, sleep, stress, and other factors affecting performance.
• Integrate cognitive skills into realistic mission, physical training, and leader-development contexts.
• Coach personnel before, during, and after training events to reinforce skill transfer.

2. Program Development & Integration

• Develop and maintain mental readiness programs aligned with approved doctrine, unit priorities, and operational schedules.
• Advise program leaders and command stakeholders on cognitive performance, sport psychology, behavior change, and readiness.
• Coordinate facilities, resources, courses, and training support for approved activities.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and performance nutrition professionals.

3. Assessment, Research & Improvement

• Use approved assessments and feedback methods to identify needs, monitor progress, and evaluate training effectiveness.
• Conduct literature reviews and translate peer-reviewed findings into practical recommendations.
• Collect, analyze, and report program data in accordance with government and organizational requirements.
• Recommend improvements based on outcomes, stakeholder feedback, and emerging evidence.

4. Professional Practice

• Operate within professional credentials, ethical standards, and the non-clinical boundaries of the assigned role.
• Refer clinical mental health concerns to appropriately licensed providers.
• Protect confidential, health, and performance information and maintain accurate records.
• Participate in team meetings, quality assurance, in-service training, and continuing education.

5. Culture, Rank, and Structure

Understand and/or be familiar with the culture and rank structure of the organization within the military or law enforcement organization the position resides. Becoming familiar with the customs, courtesies and the protocols and policies are paramount to becoming a successful member of the team.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's or doctoral degree in sport/performance psychology, psychology, human performance, kinesiology, exercise science, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, counseling, or a closely related discipline.
• At least three to five years of recent, relevant experience as a mental performance coach, cognitive performance practitioner, or sport psychology practitioner supporting individual and group performers.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver evidence-based cognitive performance education and coaching.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a NACI/Tier 1 investigation, Secret clearance, or other access required by the assignment.
• U.S. citizenship or legal work status as required by the contract.

Preferred

• Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential, sport psychology proficiency, or other relevant professional certification.
• Biofeedback Certification International Alliance training or demonstrated heart-rate variability/biofeedback experience.
• Experience supporting Service Members, tactical athletes, NCAA Division I, Olympic, or professional performers.
• Military service or prior work within an integrated readiness program.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to lift and manipulate equipment or loads up to 45 pounds when the assignment requires it.
• Ability to deliver training in classrooms, fitness facilities, field environments, and variable weather and terrain.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 10 percent or as required by the assignment.

What Pope International Offers

• The opportunity to contribute to an emerging Human Performance & Readiness service line supporting consequential missions.
• Collaboration with experienced professionals across physical, cognitive, clinical, and operational performance disciplines.
• Competitive compensation and benefits consistent with the position, location, and final contract requirements.
• Professional growth opportunities within a mission-focused and performance-driven organization.

Employment Conditions & Equal Opportunity

This position is contingent upon contract award, funding, customer approval, and completion of all required background, credentialing, medical, security, and installation-access processes. Duties, location, schedule, travel, compensation, and benefits may be modified to meet final contract requirements.

Pope International is committed to equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.

To be included in this roster kindly take 10 minutes to:

• Complete our short Google Form: https://forms.gle/FiUes4z2WR2cMtDG9
• Email your current resume to [email protected] using the naming convention: 2026 LastName_FirstName Resume
• When emailing your resume you must include the job title in the subject line Cognitive Performance Specialist

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person