Head of Physical Performance and Player Wellness, Academy/CF II

• Uphold the common purpose, values, and shared vision for the Academy and the organization.
• Ensure the players’ physical, health and wellness services are aligned with the strategic direction and goals of the Club.
• Facilitate an environment that promotes player and staff development and wellbeing.
• Oversee education to the staff, players and parents in the Academy and CF II in accordance with the club.
• Futureproof the Academy and second team through process, transparency and the exploration and analysis of technology and science-based solutions to advance player performance and physical development.
• Promote an environment of continuous learning and support professional development planning and growth pathways for staff.
• Recruit, integrate, and manage staff who drive excellence and continuous improvement of departmental services and processes.
• Ensure effective communication, collaboration, and support for Coaching and other departments for needs related to departmental services.

• Manage the Physical Performance and Player Wellness department’s multidisciplinary experts in the fields of Therapy, Medicine, Sports Sciences, Strength & Conditioning and Rehabilitation in the academy and second team.
• Implement the Club’s strategy for player physical development.
• Work with the Director of Player Wellness and Physical Performance to execute the vision of the club and lead sports science approaches of collection, analysis, and presentation of physical performance data; and oversee data management practices to analyze prevention and performance related data.
• Supervise strength and conditioning staff performance programs, recovery protocols, and training preparation sessions are delivered with elite football academy standards.
• Provide cutting edge education and feedback to academy and CF II staff around performance, movement skills, strength and conditioning, recovery and return to play.
• Create effective player monitoring practices that inform individual player profile, guide individual player programming, support return to play decisions, and bespoke recovery programs.
• Foster a culture of high performance and ensure we are embracing best practices to constantly improve our player availability.
• Ensure rehabilitation and return to play services enable players to be conditioned in alignment with the playing philosophy of the Coaching department while concurrently reducing the risk of re-injury.
• Collaborate with the Nutritionist, Club Chef’s, and Team Operations that meal planning, and player nutrition needs to uphold high performance standards.
• In conjunction with Head of Medical, foster sound clinical reasoning, neuromuscular evaluation, manual therapy, and rehabilitation skills throughout the medical staff to properly diagnose and treat both acute and chronic injuries.
• In conjunction with Head of Medical, audit emergency responder training and certifications to ensure emergency first aid services are delivered within scope of practice in a pre-hospital setting.
• Create systems to promote and safeguard defensible documentation of timely and accurate player physical performance and player wellness records within an electronic medical records system and athlete management system in accordance with the Club requirements.
• Accompanying players to physical performance and player wellness appointments as required.
• Facilitate Continuous Professional Development for self and staff to ensure the Club is on the leading edge of current trends in the profession.
• Carry out other reasonable tasks directed by the Academy Director or Director of Player Wellness and Physical Performance.
• The ability to manage and execute budget related scenarios in line with the club..

• Master’s degree or higher in related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Hold relevant performance-based accreditations and association credentials.
• 5 or more years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams in elite professional sports and performance environments.
• Previously worked in a professional soccer environment (MLS academy or elite youth player development).
• Experience of using the Kitman Labs system.
• Ability to work in a team environment with proven leadership experience.
• Excellent communication, education and organizational skills.
• Availability to travel.
• Fluency in English, both oral and written.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays
• Conversational Spanish language fluency preferred

• This role offers a salary range of $90,000.00 - $110,000.00
• Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt
• This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals
• Additional benefits & perks: https://www.chicagofirefc.com/careers

• Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club. 
• CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination.   The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.  
• If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at Peopleandculture@chicagofirefc.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.    
  
  

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Salary : $90,000 - $110,000