Player Support Manager (MLS and MLS Next Pro)

Job Title: Player Support Manager (MLS and MLS Next Pro)

Department: Soccer Operations 

Business Unit: Colorado Rapids

Location: Commerce City, CO

Reports To: Assistant Director of Player Personnel

Employment Type: Full Time– Salaried– Exempt

Supervisor Position: No

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Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) is an American Sports and Entertainment holding company based in Denver, Colorado. KSE is committed to providing world class sports and entertainment for both live and broadcast audiences. We are the employer of choice as the owner and operator of Ball Arena, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, the Paramount Theatre, Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), Colorado Rapids (MLS), KIMN,KXKL, KKSE (FM/AM), Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Major League Fishing/Fishing League Worldwide (MLFLW), Winnercomm, Outdoor Sportsman Group and SkyCam. 

Nature of Work

The Player Support Manager (MLS and MLS Next Pro) will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of player welfare and support services for the Colorado Rapids First and Second Team.

Examples of work performed

• Ensure First Team and Second Team support and welfare programming is conducted in compliance with all KSE, Colorado Rapids, US Soccer and MLS risk management requirements including SafeSport initiatives.
• Responsible for the relocation and onboarding of First Team and Second Team players including, but not limited to, assisting with identifying housing accommodations, setting up bank accounts and phone providers, securing personal vehicles and registration of such vehicles, and obtaining Social Security numbers.
• Provide support and transition services for players who change contractual status between First Team, Second Team and Academy.
• Manage First Team and Second Team player offboarding process
• Develop, assess, and manage program for the delivery of life skills sessions for First Team and Second Team players.
• Create and implement first-time MLS or MLS NEXT Pro player curriculum as an extension of player onboarding (rookie draft picks, Homegrown players, foreign players in first MLS season, etc).
• Develop and coordinate mechanism for connecting players to club support services in the fields of mental health, academics, financial, and other personal needs.
• Maintain and uphold best practices in player support services through MLS collaboration
• Act as liaison and provide support for family of First Team players.
• Provide relocation resources to First Team and Second Team new staff hires.
• Coordinate First and Second Team staff education related to player welfare issues.
• Ongoing welfare checks with First and Second team players.
• Collaborate with First Team, Second Team and Academy technical and operations staff on player welfare issues, ensuring all departments receive robust communication.
• Work closely with Player Support Manager (Academy and Homestay) in overlapping education, welfare or support areas.
• Assist Assistant Director of Player Personnel with any other duties as assigned. 

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business needs. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority. 

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: 

• Travel as required
• Typical Office Conditions
• Lift 50 lbs. daily
• Work in extreme weather conditions

Qualifications:

• Minimum
  1. BS/BA degree in field or related field 
  2. High School or GED
  3. Minimum 5 years experience in player care, team operations or elite player development
• Preferred
  1. Previous experience with high school, collegiate or professional athletes
  2. Knowledge of professional sports team operations, public relations, and/or sponsor relations
  3. Ability to speak and write Spanish
  4. Experience working with youth
  5. Certification or additional degree
  6. Familiarity with relevant legislation, government guidance, SafeSport and other policies and procedures to safeguard youth
  7. Ability to acquire or produce and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet company vehicle driving standards.

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to maintain positive attitude and demonstrate professionalism
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently & in a group setting and demonstrate good judgment skills
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and adapt to changing environments
• Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution and problem solving techniques

Compensation:

• Base salary $75,000 

Benefits Include:

• 12 Paid Company Holidays
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term Disability
• Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Flexible Spending plans (FSAs) 
• 401K/Employer Match

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary : $75,000