What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist position at Minnesota United FC?
Position:
The Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist is part of the Sporting Operations department for Minnesota United FC (MNUFC), a sports business located in the Twins Cities area of Minnesota and a member of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier soccer league in North America.
Position Summary:
Minnesota United FC is looking for a Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist to lead the physical development and readiness of our MNUFC2 & Academy players throughout the season. This role is central to helping athletes perform at their best — consistently, safely, and sustainably.
Minnesota United FC is looking for a Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist to lead the physical development and readiness of our MNUFC2 & Academy players throughout the season. This role is central to helping athletes perform at their best — consistently, safely, and sustainably.
As a key member of our Performance Team, you’ll design and implement training plans that align with the demands of soccer, contribute to return-to-play strategies, and create a strong, professional environment in the gym. You’ll report to the Head of Performance, work closely with the Chief Medical Officer, and collaborate daily with technical, medical, and support staff to ensure our MNUFC2 & Academy players are prepared for the MLS Next Pro & MLS Next seasons.
We’re looking for someone who brings a high level of expertise, sweats the details, and a people-first mindset — someone who leads with consistency and care.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead the design and execution of strength, power, and recovery training for MNUFC2 & Academy players
- Develop and implement individualized and team-based programs that reflect positional demands, player profiles, and performance goals
- Build and manage season-long periodization plans that align with training cycles, travel schedules, match loads, and competition phases
- Oversee all gym-based work — ensuring quality, safety, and consistent standards of professionalism
- Communicate and collaborate daily with the Head of Performance, Medical Team, and Development Coaching Staff to align player readiness, workload, injury prevention, and return-to-play strategies and protocols
- Conduct and analyze performance testing, applying insights to support development and guide decisions
- Track, interpret, and present strength and conditioning data to key stakeholders in a clear, meaningful way
- Support holistic player development by fostering accountability, ownership, and trust in the training environment
- Contribute to a collaborative, high-trust performance culture rooted in preparation, communication, and shared goals
- Participate in all required MLS Next Pro & MLS Next compliance activities, including ongoing education and league-directed programming
- Uphold MLS Next Pro & MLS Next medical and performance policies
- Provide support and guidance to Club’s Development Pathway in relation to the transition of players from Academy & MNUFC2, and streamline strategies and protocols throughout the Sporting Department
- Such other duties and services as may reasonably be assigned by Club to Employee that are consistent with employment as a Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist for a team in MLS Next Pro & MLS Next
What You’ll Bring:
- 1 years of full-time experience in strength and conditioning at the professional level OR 3 years at the MLS NEXT, Elite Academy, NCAA, U SPORTS, or comparable youth level
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential
- Proven ability in key performance domains: Olympic lifting, plyometrics, SAQ development, energy system development, recovery protocols, injury prevention, nutrition, and applied sport science
- Demonstrated experience building adaptable training programs informed by real-time feedback and evolving competition demands
- Strong proficiency in data analysis related to performance and wellness, with an ability to communicate key takeaways clearly and effectively
- Ability to work closely with athletes, coaches, and multidisciplinary staff in a high-pressure, team-focused environment
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and performance tracking software
- Spanish language skills are preferred
- Ability to lift, move, and demonstrate exercises with up to 50 pounds of force; must be comfortable spotting lifts and guiding athletes safely through complex movements
Why You’ll Love It Here:
At MNUFC, we’re building a championship culture by focusing on the daily work that drives performance and strengthens our team. As our Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist, you’ll play a key role in preparing players to meet the demands of the season — and in creating a professional, high-trust environment where they can thrive.
At MNUFC, we’re building a championship culture by focusing on the daily work that drives performance and strengthens our team. As our Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist, you’ll play a key role in preparing players to meet the demands of the season — and in creating a professional, high-trust environment where they can thrive.
We invest in each other, grow as a team, and believe that every person — whether on the field, in the gym, or behind the scenes — plays a meaningful role in shaping who we are as a Club. If you sweat the details, thrive in a team environment, and are committed to helping others succeed, we’d love to have you on our team.
Who We Are:
Minnesota United FC (MNUFC) is a professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of soccer in North America. As a club driven by passion and community, we operate under the oversight of the U.S. Soccer Federation, a member of FIFA. Our headquarters are in Golden Valley, MN, with soccer operations based at the MNUFC Training Center in Blaine. On matchdays, we call Allianz Field in St. Paul home—one of the premier soccer-specific stadiums in the country.
Compensation and Benefits:
Minnesota United FC values the contributions of our team members and is committed to transparency in our compensation practices. The compensation range for this role is $50,000 - $65,000 annually, with the final offer based on experience and qualifications. We provide a competitive benefits package that includes health coverage, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and additional perks to support you both personally and professionally.
MNUFC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $50,000 - $65,000
