Head of Performance and Sports Science - Austin FC II & Austin FC Academy

Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the League’s 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC officially began competing in MLS in April 2021 and will play its fifth season in 2025.  Austin FC plays its home matches at Q2 Stadium, a 100% privately financed, state-of-the-art stadium which earned certification as a zero-waste venue.  Austin FC sold out all 70 MLS home matches it played at Q2 Stadium during its first fourth season in the league, including two MLS Cup Playoff matches in 2022 as the team reached the Western Conference Final. 

 

Austin FC also operates Austin FC II, a professional-level development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro which won the league title during its inaugural season in 2023.  In addition, Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy, which is the fully funded development academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region’s most talented young players.  Combines, Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy teams complete the pro player pathway between elite youth soccer (MLS NEXT) all the way to MLS, and allow for players to develop, improve, and move up to Austin FC or Austin FC II.

 

Austin FC is actively seeking a highly knowledgeable Head of Performance and Sports Science for Austin FC II & Austin FC Academy who will be responsible for delivering coaching in the weight room and on field, delivering recovery strategies, injury prevention programs, as well as providing expertise in sports science for Austin FC II while supervising and directing Austin FC Academy staff and reporting to the High Performance Director. This position will be responsible for managing primarily all performance coaching and sports science related duties within Austin FC II and be responsible for data collection and management for that team, as well as directing and educating Austin FC Academy performance coaches. 

 

The position is based in Austin, TX and will work in-person out of the St. David’s Performance Center. 

·        Is motivated to assist athletes to realize their potential?

·        Possesses a strong understanding of sports-related injuries treatments and rehab methods?

·        Uses qualitative and quantitative data to inform solutions? 

·        Is detail-oriented, analytical, and attentive?

·        Enjoys working as a positive team player to meet goals? 

·        Is agile and able to respond effectively to the changing needs of a fast-paced growing organization? 

 

·        Collaborate with the High Performance Director in the designing and administering of individualized pre-training activation protocols and in-season strength training sessions; and

·        Aid in performing all practice warm-up activities in conjunction with the needs of the coaching staff of Austin FC II and High Performance Director; and

·        Manage all in-training GPS tagging, and post-session uploading of all training sessions of Austin FC II; and

·        Liaise with the 1st Performance Coach to perform activation/regeneration sessions as needed; and

·        Liaise with the first team Return to Play Specialist to conduct Austin FC II’s end-stage rehab sessions when required; and

·        Educate and counsel Austin FC II players regarding strategies to improve performance; and

·        Manage, design, and implement weight room physical testing protocols including force plate technology; and

·        Evaluate player performance through performance testing, workload monitoring, and body composition testing; and

·        Provide feedback to players regarding all sports science data collected; and

·        Maintain the appearance and organization of equipment in weight facility, as well as educate and enforce weight room rules; and

·        Attend all important team/staff meetings; and

·        Participate in activities/meetings/programs as required by MLS NEXT Pro; and  

·        Direct and supervise Austin FC Academy Performance coaches in all aspects of training. 

 

·        Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science/Sports Science field required. Master’s in Exercise Science/Sports Science preferred

·        Minimum of three (3) years professional or college experience, preferably with experience in MLS or other elite level soccer organizations

·        Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S) certification by NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) or equivalent certification and/or Performance Enhancement Specialist (P.E.S.) certification by the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). CPSS is recommended 

·        Experience in utilizing sports science technologies such as: Catapult GPS, FirstBeat, VALD (NordBord & ForceDecks), and 1080 Sprint

·        Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively using a variety of media with diverse audiences

·        Proficiency in Microsoft applications, data visualization platforms, knowledge of current technologies and commitment to remain up to date with industry best practices

·        High ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion

·        English and/or Spanish language proficiency is essential and Spanish/English bilingual skills are a plus. Additional languages – even better

 

·        It is the policy of Austin FC not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  

·        All selected candidates are subject to passing a background check prior to employment.

·        Travel with the team is considered essential and being accessible to support the performance department is also considered essential to this role.

·        Hours are variable and can easily include early mornings, evenings, weekends and some holidays in addition to the traditional Monday through Friday hours.