What are the responsibilities and job description for the Girls Academy Director position at Football Careers?
LOCATION:
San Jose, CA
OVERVIEW
Based in San Jose, California, Almaden FC is a thriving soccer club that is home to more than 3,500 players. We are seeking a full-time Girls Academy Director to join our team of professional coaches.
The Girls Academy Director will provide key support to the Head of Development, both on and off the field within the gender-specific group. The ideal candidate will be tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and well-organized. They will maintain a visible on-field presence and provide strong technical leadership.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring an environment that maximizes the potential and prioritizes the development of Almaden FC’s U12 to U19 players. In addition to overseeing the Academy, they will act as Head Coach of two Girls Academy teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Development
Implement the AFC game model and player development methodology consistently across all Girls Academy teams and programs, while improving the methods aimed at maximizing potential in key pillars of the game (technical, tactical, physical, and psychosocial)
Continuously review learning objectives for players and provide education to all relevant coaches
Work with the Head of Development to guide and mentor coaches
Train coaches and players on analytics and how to utilize video content to improve performance
Collaborate with the Head of Development and other Phase leaders to develop seasonal training plans, pre-season camps, curriculum outlines, and competition schedules
Plan and deliver high-quality training sessions for various age groups
Act as an ambassador for AFC across the larger regional and national soccer community and be responsible for strategic initiatives within that community
Program Management
Coordinate with other club leaders and administrators to ensure seamless program operations and effective communication with club membership
Handle questions, manage issues, and resolve conflict through timely and effective communication with players, parents, coaches, and team managers
Work with AFC leadership to develop strategies for player retention
Create and track depth charts for each age group, solving for shortages before they occur
Drive player recruitment efforts through scouting, partnerships, and marketing
Attend all Girls Academy games and events
Handle red cards, parent behavior, and on-field incidents related to the Girls Academy teams and communicate appropriately, involving the Head of Development and General Manager as needed
Build relationships with PDP, ODP, college coaches, and USYNT staff to advocate for our players
Player Wellness Program
Develop and manage a player wellness program, including injury prevention and recovery, sports psychology, athletic performance, leadership opportunities, and related workshops, seminars, and educational materials for coaches, parents, and players
Assist in creating and implementing Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for Performance players
Help to develop and implement age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs tailored to the needs of youth soccer players
Collaborate with coaches to integrate physical training sessions into the overall player development curriculum, ensuring alignment with technical and tactical objectives
Develop a college program that supports AFC players’ aspirations to play beyond high school
THE PERSON
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated coach with:
Significant knowledge of the US Soccer Coaching Curriculum
USSF A License or international equivalent (or B License holder working towards A License)
A minimum of seven (7) years of comparable coaching experience
Excellent leadership and decision-making capabilities
Sound technological skills and the ability to work with software programs, including spreadsheets, databases, Google Suite, word processing, Hudl, and presentation software
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to lead projects and create, manage, and deliver training clinics and practice sessions
The ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
The ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends – must have your own transportation
The following would be beneficial in this role:
Previous management experience in youth soccer
College and/or professional playing experience
USSF National Youth License
A college degree
A good working knowledge of the youth soccer landscape in the US
At the discretion of the General Manager, a combination of education and playing/coaching experience may be substituted for specific licensing and/or experience requirements. Likewise, licensing requirements may be waived for one year if a coach is working to obtain licensure.
This position is not suitable for applicants who do not have the right to work in the United States of America, and any such application will be automatically rejected.