What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Coaching position at Hartford Athletic Youth Academy?
Mission:
We are Hartford Athletic. Our mission is to provide a world class professional soccer experience and make our community the best place to live, work, and play.
Hartford Athletic Youth Academy:
We are Hartford Athletic. Our mission is to provide a world class professional soccer experience and make our community the best place to live, work, and play.
Hartford Athletic Youth Academy:
Hartford Athletic Youth Academy (HAYA) is the official youth development program of Hartford Athletic, serving approximately 300 players across 15 teams (10 boys' teams, 5 girls' teams). Operating at Trinity Health Stadium and Day Hill Dome, our academy provides professional-level training and development pathways for aspiring young athletes in the greater Hartford community.
Position Overview:
The Director of Coaching (DoC) is a critical leadership role responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive soccer development strategy that embodies Hartford Athletic's mission to develop exceptional soccer players and outstanding citizens. This position oversees a staff of 10 coaches and manages programming for 300 academy participants.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Coach Development Bonus (Up to $5,000 annually)
- $1,000 per coach obtaining new professional coaching license
- Academy Growth Bonus (Up to $5,000 annually)
- $2,500 for achieving 85% capacity in youth clinics and camps
- $2,500 for maintaining player retention rates above 90%
- Benefits package includes:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development allowance
Governance and Reporting
- Reports directly to Hartford Athletic Director of Business Development
- Primary point of contact: Youth Academy Coordinator
- Key Collaborations:
- Academy Coaching Staff
- Youth Program Coordinators
- Community Engagement Team
- Professional Team Technical Staff
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Development
- Implement comprehensive, age-appropriate curriculum aligned with Hartford Athletic's core values
- Develop long-term player development pathways
- Create innovative training methodologies balancing technical skills and character development
- Continuous evaluation and refinement of developmental strategies
- Scout youth players throughout Connecticut
Player Interaction Requirements
- Mandatory Field Presence:
- Minimum 3 direct interactions per month with EACH academy team
- On-field participation in at least 60% of academy training sessions
- Personal engagement in player skills assessment and mentorship
- Direct observation and feedback for all age groups
- Individual player development evaluations at Fall and Spring season's end
Coaching and Staff Development
- Recruit, train, and mentor coaching staff
- Implement a comprehensive coach evaluation and development program
- Manage coach licensing and continuous education initiatives
- Create mentorship opportunities between professional and youth coaches
- Foster a positive team culture and professional environment
Camps and Clinics Management
- Design, execute, and oversee all youth camps and clinics
- Develop revenue generation strategy for academy programs
- Create marketing and engagement plans for each clinic
- Implement quality control and participant feedback mechanisms
Key Performance Indicators :
Player Development Metrics
- Individual player skill progression
- Competition results
- Character development assessment scores
- Professional pathway placement rates
Program Growth Metrics
- Clinic and camp participation rates
- Player retention percentages
- Diversity and inclusion of program participants
- Revenue targets achievement
Coaching Staff Development
- Percentage of coaches obtaining additional licenses
- Staff satisfaction and retention
- Internal coaching promotion rates
- Professional development program completion rates
Required Qualifications
- Advanced coaching license (minimum USSF National C License)
- 5 years experience in youth soccer development
- Strong understanding of long-term athlete development principles
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Demonstrated commitment to holistic player development
- SafeSport certification (or ability to obtain)
- First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain)
- Clean background check
- Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
- USSF B License or higher
- Experience managing youth academy operations
- Bilingual abilities (English/Spanish)
- Experience with academy management software
- Budget management experience
Working Conditions
- Full-time position requiring flexible schedule
- Evening and weekend work required during season
- Local travel within Connecticut required
- Physical requirements include ability to demonstrate coaching techniques and manage field equipment
- Year-round position with peak periods during spring/fall seasons
Restrictions and Expectations
- Cannot have professional affiliations with competing soccer organizations
- Must disclose all potential conflicts of interest
- Expected to embody Hartford Athletic's core values in all interactions
- Commitment to continuous learning and innovation
- Residence within greater Hartford area required
Vision Statement
The Director of Coaching will be the critical bridge between Hartford Athletic's professional ambitions and our commitment to developing outstanding young athletes who will make our community proud, both on and off the field.
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Three professional references
- Copies of relevant licenses/certifications
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.
Salary : $5,000