Role description
Job Title: Director of Sports Performance
Reports to: General Manager
Department: Performance
Type: Full-Time Regular
FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt
Role Type: People Manager
SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.
The Director of Sports Performance is responsible for the successful implementation of high-performance strategies, research and development, and management outcomes in the areas of sports performance (i.e., strength and conditioning, sport science, and performance analytics), sports nutrition, and mental performance. This position provides the leadership to deliver on a world class athletic health and performance program, including the potential for innovative solutions that support player wellness, injury prevention, recovery, rehabilitation and testing and monitoring. Must have the ability to effectively manage and enhance collaboration efforts within a highly skilled cross functional staff.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee, manage, and direct the overall strategy and budget for the Performance department
Periodization of in-season and off-season athlete health, strength and conditioning, fitness, wellness, and nutrition including the provision and selection of supplements
Injury prevention, recovery, and end stage rehabilitation, and return to play regiment and protocols, in connection with medical team and coaching staff
Capture of baseline data, screening processes and equipment to regularly evaluate and monitor athlete health, athlete functional movement and athlete performance metrics at a best practice standard
Analyze and track all performance statistics and data for all athletes in all workouts, training activities, training sessions, recovery sessions, training matches and match day
Participate in Club player development process to include attending regular player development meetings
Manage and supervise all department full time and part time staff and independent contractors
Enforce Club Rules and League Rules applicable to the Club’s players and/or coaching staff
Together with SFC Leadership, foster, develop and manage an inclusive culture consistent with the organizational values of Sounders FC and the club’s commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Proven experience managing high performance and conditioning soccer programs at the collegiate, professional, or international level
NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification or equivalent
Knowledge of current NSCA Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines
Experience contributing to applied sports performance research and development initiatives
Knowledge of medical equipment, technology, and performance aspects within soccer
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong organizational and personnel management skills
Ability to prioritize responsibilities and multi-task effectively
Excel and lead in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual skills strongly preferred
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position will work in-person from the Sounders FC training facility in Tukwila, WA. The new Sounders FC headquarters and training facility in Renton, WA will open in 2024.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Will be required to travel to competitions. Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
Must be fully vaccinated at the time of hire and follow all club and league COVID-19 protocols.
Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship
Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time as well as lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds).
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.
The annual salary range for this position is $90,000 - $135,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.
Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:
Healthcare plans with 100% employer sponsored premiums for employees and dependents
Generous PTO plan that includes unlimited paid vacation to support employee health and well-being
401k retirement plan matching
Gender-neutral parental leave program offering 12-16 weeks of paid leave for new parents
Discounts on Sounders FC products, merchandise and with Sounders FC Partners
Complimentary tickets to Sounders FC and Tacoma Defiance matches
Volunteer opportunities in the Seattle community offered in support of social impact and RAVE Foundation initiatives
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We celebrate our inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact the Sounders HR department with any questions.
The physical demands reflective of the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Sounders FC is committed to providing Reasonable Accommodations and will work with you to meet your needs.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
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