POSITION OVERVIEW: The Academy Director will oversee the club’s academy program operations and strategy, in alignment with the club’s vision for youth development. The person will be responsible for managing the academy staff and promoting an elite development environment for players. They will play a key role in the recruitment process of new academy players and manage the club’s residency program with host families and education programs. The person will report directly to the General Manager, with essential relationships with other key club leadership positions.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the daily operation of training sessions, matches, and travel for all age groups.
Act as key leadership figure for academy staff and players to maintain stable operation.
Observe training sessions to ensure alignment with club methodologies and style of play.
Assist in development and implementation of club curriculum to align with player needs across age groups.
Support identification of high potential academy players.
Assist in development of individual development programs for high potential players.
Collaborate with scouting department to actively scout and oversee identification of youth talent prospects.
Lead recruitment strategy and execution for key player targets.
Plan and organize academy player trials and talent ID camps.
Oversee strategy and operation of academy residency program with host family and education partners.
Schedule and facilitate regular meetings with staff, players, and parents as needed.
Develop strong relationships and regular communication with player parents or guardians.
Provide regular update reports to senior club leadership.
Respond actively to player incidents with consistent contact to key club stakeholders.
Work together with club leadership to plan and oversee annual academy budgets.
Collaborate with youth soccer initiatives to align strategies and connection between departments.
Travel with academy teams as required.

Requirements

Proven experience as an organized leader of a large-scale operation of youth players.
Strong understanding of modern coaching philosophies and youth player development methods.
Collaborative mindset to work together with club leadership to align methodologies and style of play.
Excellent communication skills with various stakeholders including club leadership, staff, coaches, players, and parents.
Experience in talent identification and recruitment of players.
Knowledge of North American youth soccer landscape and various rules and mechanisms of Major League Soccer.
Natural leadership skills with ability to motivate and develop staff.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
USSF Academy Director Course License, EFCL Certificate, or USSF/CSA A license equivalent.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.