Mental Skills Coach (IC)

TITLE: Mental Skills Coach

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC

TYPE: Independent Contractor

SCHEDULE: 15-20 hours a week

RATE: $90 -150/hour

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders FC is seeking an Independent Contractor to serve as a Mental Skills Coach. In this role, you will work with the club on a part-time, as-needed basis to build a comprehensive mental performance framework, foster a culture of mental resilience, and support the development of first-team players and high-potential athletes. This position will focus on providing expert guidance, personalized coaching, and innovative strategies aligned with the club’s values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

As an independent contractor, you will manage your own schedule and provide professional services under the terms of the contract while collaborating closely with players, coaches, and staff. This role is strictly offered as an independent contractor position; contractors are not employees of Seattle Sounders FC and are solely responsible for their own scheduling, invoicing, taxes, and maintaining any required insurance. All contractors must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and oversee a comprehensive mental performance system for first team players and staff, fostering a culture of mental health and resilience.
• Build strong relationships with high potential players, coaches, and staff to support mental skills, performance and health, enhancing the club's on-field success.
• Provide individualized coaching to enhance performance, manage stress and build resilience.
• Utilize assessments to improve self-awareness, communication, and performance under pressure.
• Collaborate with performance, coaching and medical staff to integrate mental performance strategies into training, match preparation, and player habits.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions to implement and refine mental performance strategies.
• Deliver engaging presentations and workshops to educate players, coaches and staff on mental performance principles.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Sports Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a related field (e.g., MSc or PhD).
• Certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) or eligibility for licensure as a sports psychologist.
• Proven experience working with elite athletes, preferably in professional soccer or other high-performance team sports.
• Strong understanding of mental performance principles, player development, team dynamics and culture enhancement.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse teams.

Preferred

• Familiarity with international soccer schedules, high-pressure environments, and multicultural teams.
• Background in competitive sport as an athlete.
• Experience with technology-driven performance tools and data analytics.
• Background in holistic performance practices.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Services are provided in-person 2–3 days per week at the Sounders FC training facility in Renton, WA, with additional remote work as needed.
• Contractor must reside in Washington State and be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• May require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some heavy lifting (20 pounds).