ROLE DESCRIPTION

Job Title:         Head Coach, Tacoma Defiance              
Department:    MLS NEXT Pro Coaching
Reports To:     Director of Development
Type:                Full-Time Regular
FLSA Status:   Exempt
Role Type:       People Manager
                       
SUMMARY
The Head Coach for Seattle Sounders FC’s MLS NEXT Pro team will lead the coaching staff responsible for unlocking players full potential to excel in their professional careers. The ideal candidate will have experience managing and directing technical and tactical components to support the development of players. This role will be responsible for creating an inclusive, supportive environment that challenges players’ growth while learning the importance of coming together as one team. The Head Coach will ensure leadership and actions are in alignment to the club’s core values, DE&I and commitment to social impact.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage and direct coaching staff in arranging for, conducting, supervising and managing the Tacoma Defiance in the professionally sanctioned league, MLS NEXT Pro including trainings sessions, training camps and player or group specific technical or tactical sessions.
Supervise and manage the technical and tactical components of all MLS NEXT Pro pre-season, regular season, tournament, international, friendly and other matches.
Manage and direct staff in preparing for technical and tactical components of all MLS NEXT Pro Team matches, including development of match specific, situational, player specific strategies and supervising the scouting of opposing teams and players
At the direction of the Club Technical Director, assist in the talent identification and players scouting for MLS Next Pro and MLS Next Academy Teams as directed.
Assist the First Team Head Coach and Head of Professional Player Development in the evaluation and performance management of Sounders First Team, MLS Next Pro and Academy players.
Enforce Club Rules and League Rules applicable to the Club’s players and/or coaching staff.
Together with Club Technical Leadership, foster, develop and manage an inclusive culture consistent with the organizational values of Sounders FC and the Club’s commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Participate in promotional, sponsorship and public relations activities including, but not limited to, match day promotions, clinics, speeches, interviews, photo sessions, public appearances, sponsor activities and participating in television, radio and internet programs featuring the Club.
Participate regularly in volunteer and community activities, including but not limited to those of the Club, Club-wide initiatives and programs, the Club’s RAVE Foundation, and of Employee’s choosing.
Other duties as assigned.

 
QUALIFICATIONS 

USSF Pro License preferred
MLS / FFF Elite Formation Coaches License strongly preferred
An in-depth understanding of, and a demonstrated expertise within, the MLS Next Pro platform
Proven and successful experiences of developing players through the MLS player pathway
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships within an organization.
Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to effectively present information.
A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
An understanding of the pressures and commitments required for youth players involved in high level youth soccer (or other elite youth sports development awareness).
Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, vendors, and fans.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when privy to sensitive information.
Demonstrate a willingness to further personal knowledge and development.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) or Multi-Lingual a plus.

 
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.
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 able to facilitate own local travel.
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 some lifting of up to 20 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 - $125,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. 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, and offseason time off 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
Growth opportunities, employee learning and development programs to support professional and personal growth

 OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Our core values define culture and separate those that are selected to join our club and distinguish those that thrive and excel. They are: One Club, Trusted Teammates, Growth is Good, Gritty, Zig, Inclusive, Extraordinary Communicators, and Soccer is Fun.
The physical demands reflected in 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. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing: jobs@soundersfc.com.
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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