ROLE DESCRIPTION

Job Title:         Head of Professional Player Development
Reports to:      Director of Development
Department:    Development
Type:                Full-Time Regular
FLSA Status:   Salary, Exempt
Role Type:        Individual Contributor             
 
SUMMARY
Sounders FC is where some of the nation’s most talented youth soccer players come to train and play. The Head of Professional Player Development will oversee the development of players to maintain, strengthen, and improve pathway of the highest potential players while valuing the person as much as the player and ensuring a positive culture. Reporting to the Director of Development, this role will work collaboratively with staff from all levels and departments within the Sounders organization to create individualized plans that address the tactical, technical, nutritional, and psychological strengths and needs of players.  
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Work in collaboration with Sounders, Tacoma Defiance, and Academy Head coaches and staff to implement individualized programs and pathways with the goal of enhancing the development of top talent.
Routinely attend Sounders, Defiance, and Academy training sessions to observe current players and their progress within the pathway
Attend competitions to assess players and guide coaches on opportunities
Guide academy staff in player retain/release meetings twice per year (December and July).
Maintain a positive and transparent image as a Sounders FC representative.
Assist with training for affiliate programs of Sounders FC as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Previous experience coaching and /or managing a college or professional soccer team is preferred
Experience in Elite level coaching (DA, MLS NEXT, USL, MLS)
Demonstrated ability to teach techniques, tactics, physical and psychological components of soccer
Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate and educate youth players and youth coaching staff
Knowledge in player development and MLS Homegrown Player requirements
Advanced understanding of curriculum development and implementation
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
Aligns to the values of the organization, with a prior history of community involvement a plus.
Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual skills a plus

 
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

ECFL – FFF French football formation license (MLS) preferred.
USSF “PRO” license preferred.
USSF “AD” preferred.
USSF “A” Minimum

 
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 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 for long periods of time.

 
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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