What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Strategy & Defiance General Manager position at Seattle Sounders?
JOB TITLE: Vice President of Strategy & Defiance General Manager
CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC
DEPARTMENT: Soccer Operations / Executive
REPORTS TO: Chief Soccer Officer & General Manager
TYPE: Full Time
FLSA: Salaried, Exempt
ROLE: People Manager
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
The Vice President of Strategy & Defiance General Manager plays a critical leadership role in roster management, player development, budget oversight, and strategic planning for both the Seattle Sounders FC and Tacoma Defiance. This role ensures compliance with MLS and MLS NEXT Pro (MLSNP) regulations, oversees player recruitment, contract negotiations, and operational strategy, and serves as a key liaison between league offices, player agents, and the club’s executive leadership.
The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of MLS roster rules, salary cap management, and player development pathways while excelling in strategic decision-making and cross-department collaboration.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Defiance Responsibilities
- Represent Defiance in all MLSNP league meetings
- Oversee implementation of, and adherence to bi-annual MLS academy homegrown list submissions, in conjunction with Director of Development and Head of Academy Recruitment
- Organize, document, and coordinate all national team call-ups with respective federations
- Oversee implementation and adherence to MLSNP roster and budget rules
- Lead budget planning and financial recovery strategies for Defiance operations.
- Lead hiring processes for Tacoma Defiance staff as directed by the CSO.
- Oversee registration of Defiance Players
- Liaise with MLSNP league staff
- Liaise with Defiance player representation
- Negotiate and execute player contracts for Defiance as directed by CSO
- Collaborate with the Technical Director, Director of Scouting, and Director of Analytics on talent identification and player recruitment.
- Oversee College Super Draft process and build of target lists
Sounders Responsibilities
- Assist in implementation of, and adherence to MLS roster and budget rules
- Serve as primary liaison between technical and communications staff for coordination of team-specific communications matters
- Organize, document, and coordinate all national team call-ups with respective federations
- Assist and liaise with MLS League office with regards to salary cap compliance
- Negotiate and execute player contracts for Seattle Sounders as directed by CSO
- Advise and participate in player contract negotiations as advised by CSO
- Liaise with player agents as directed by CSO
- Liaise with MLS League office
- Oversee all FIFA Clearing House – EPP including all incoming and outgoing solidarity and training compensation claims
- Serve as the club’s point of contact for Transfer Matching System (TMS) activities.
- Act as Roster and Budget Compliance Designee, ensuring all transactions meet league regulations.
- Assist in MLS year over year roster and player spend modeling and roster strategy
Club Responsibilities
- Oversee all FIFA Clearing House – EPP including all incoming and outgoing solidarity and training compensation claims
- Serve as the club’s point of contact for Transfer Matching System (TMS) activities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Extensive professional experience in soccer operations, sports management, or a related field.
- Deep understanding of MLS and MLS NEXT Pro roster rules, salary cap management, and player development structures.
- Proven experience negotiating player contracts, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with league regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee player recruitment, talent development, and scouting strategies.
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills to liaise with leagues, agents, players, and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to analyze and leverage data for roster planning and player performance evaluations.
- Experience managing high-performance teams and working cross-departmentally in a dynamic environment.
- Familiarity with FIFA Clearing House procedures, training compensation, and TMS processes.
- Proficiency in budget forecasting and financial strategy related to player spending.
- High-level strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Familiarity with global player markets, talent acquisition, and international soccer regulations preferred.
- Understanding of data analytics and sports technology to optimize decision-making.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This in-person role works from our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton, WA, home matches at Lumen Field and Starfire Sports Complex, and select away matches requiring travel.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
- Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
- Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.
The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 - $150,0000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.
Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:
- Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored premiums for you and your dependents.
- Generous and Flexible PTO: Our Paid Time Off plan is designed with your well-being in mind, offering unlimited paid vacation.
- Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
- Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12-16 weeks of paid leave, giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
- Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
- Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
- Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
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Salary : $100,000 - $1,500,000
