ROLE DESCRIPTION

About the job
Job Description

Title: Director of Player Development

Location: Audi Field, Inova Performance Center, Segra Field, other locations

Department: Academy

Reports to: Academy Director

Job Summary

At the direction of the Academy Director, the Director of Player Development will work to maximize the efficiency of the academy coaching staff. They will monitor academy training sessions and matches as they relate to player development, academy periodization, cub curriculum, pedagogy, communication, style of play and culture. They will run and manage all Individual Development Plan/small group sessions on the field. They will also manage player movement among the academy teams as well as with other entities including the first team, second team and other professional/amateur clubs. They will do all of this in accordance with D.C. United objectives and values.

The Director of Player Development will oversee daily session-building meetings, give feedback to coaches, meet with staff members outside of the academy to coordinate curriculum and player movement; and generally keep the Academy Director updated on the status of the academy staff, players and teams. Seamless communication between academy staff, Loudoun United, D.C. United’s first team, and partner clubs will be an important aspect of this job.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Manage the planning and execution of all team sessions in conjunction with head coaches, performance coach, gk coach, athletic trainer, club curriculum, periodization and values
Manage and run all Individual Development Plan sessions with the coaching staff
Manage all player movement within the academy, club and partner clubs
Keep in constant communication with academy staff, players and their families when necessary
Implement principles of play/game model/curriculum and manage coaching staff accordingly
Observe coaching staff during training sessions/matches and provide feedback
Update the Academy Director on staff, players and teams
Work with first team staff to properly understand and implement principles of play
Work with Academy Director and Scouting Director to evaluate players, develop depth chart and create rosters
Coach talent identification training sessions
Help with club logistics when necessary
Represent D.C. United with top class appearance & professionalism

Qualifications

Exceptional organization, communication, presentation & management skills
Management experience
Professional/collegiate/high level academy coaching experience
Minimum USSF B/equivalent preferred
Knowledge of MLS/DMV soccer landscape preferred
Ability to plan sessions in coordination with club direction & professional coaching staff
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Ability to take initiative and problem solve
Available to work flexible hours including nights, weekends & holidays

D.C. United is committed to uplifting our community, staff, and club. We are seeking candidates to be a part of our journey in our quest for continued organizational growth and another MLS Cup.

D.C. United will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

D.C. United is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). D.C. United reaffirms its commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. D.C. United is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. D.C. United is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions can include hiring, termination, compensation, benefits, promotion, training selection, or other statuses or conditions of employment. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skills, knowledge, abilities, job performance, and other appropriate qualifications.