Manager, Football Development

Job Summary:

The Manager, Football Development will work directly under the Director of Football Development to help expand and enhance youth and high school football programs throughout Southern California. This role will focus on growing high school tackle football, girls’ flag football, youth flag and tackle football, and youth camps.

The successful candidate will be passionate about football and dedicated to fostering the sport’s growth, particularly among young athletes in diverse communities. This position will collaborate with the Director to execute strategic initiatives, build strong partnerships, and manage various football-related activities that engage local communities and inspire youth participation.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development and Growth:

• Collaborate in the creation and execution of a strategic plan to promote football growth in Southern California, with a focus on increasing participation in both male and female youth football.
• Assist in the planning, organization, and execution of youth flag football programs, including leagues, clinics, and tournaments.
• Partner with local schools, youth organizations, and community leaders to promote football participation across the region.
• Oversee logistics, scheduling, and communications for all football-related activities.
• Help recruit, train, and support coaches, volunteers, and staff involved in youth flag football programs.
• Contribute to the development of age-appropriate curriculum and training materials for various football programs.
• Play a key role in organizing and executing youth football camps, ensuring they provide a positive, educational, and fun experience for all participants.

Relationship Building and Partnerships:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders in the youth and high school football community, staying informed about both local and national trends.
• Foster and sustain strategic partnerships with school districts, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), local youth leagues, regional football leaders, and corporate sponsors to advance the Chargers' football initiatives.
• Collaborate with community leaders and influencers to highlight the benefits of youth football and encourage broader participation.

Administrative Duties:

• Assist with managing budgets and resource allocations for football development programs.
• Maintain accurate records, including participant data, program statistics, and inventory of equipment and materials.
• Oversee program registration processes, including managing online registration platforms.
• Analyze participation data and track program attendance year-over-year, generating insights to inform program improvements.
• Ensure adherence to budget constraints, managing program expenses effectively.
• Assist with long-term strategic planning for football development, including setting clear goals and measurable milestones.

Qualifications:

• We are looking for candidates with proven expertise in logistics, program management, and event coordination, as well as a passion for advancing youth sports. Ideal candidates will have a deep understanding of the Southern California sports landscape and a track record of driving growth and engagement in youth and high school football programs.
• Passion for youth and high school football and a strong commitment to creating equitable access to sports for all.
• Established relationships within the Southern California youth sports community, particularly in football.
• 5 years of professional experience in youth sports programming, coaching, or a similar field.
• A self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a high level of organization and an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas in an engaging and accessible manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across various groups and communities.
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.
• Experience in managing logistics and coordinating events with multiple moving parts.
• A demonstrated understanding of servant leadership, with a focus on supporting and empowering others.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and travel as needed.

Additional Considerations:

• A background in youth sports program management or coaching is strongly preferred.
• Experience in growing and managing gender-inclusive sports programs, particularly for girls' flag football, is a plus.
• Familiarity with regional and national youth football governing bodies, such as CIF and Pop Warner, is advantageous.
• Strong proficiency in digital tools, such as registration platforms, data management systems, and communication tools, is preferred.