What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, MLS NEXT position at Sporting Kansas City?
Sporting City is seeking an experienced and motivated individual with leadership skills to manage the MLS NEXT New Competition program. Sporting City was recently announced as a new member of MLS NEXT’s New Competition Tier and beginning this fall will field six teams in the league, U13 to U18/19. The Director will manage and lead the coaching staff to achieve organizational and performance objectives related to player and coaching development, and overall program management. This is a full-time position that will report to the Vice President, Youth Sports Properties.
About the Club
Based in Kansas City, Sporting City is one of the largest youth soccer clubs in the metro with 1,550 competitive players, 110 team, and 65 coaches and staff. Sporting City is an official member of the Sporting Kansas City Academy Affiliate network and has three main training facilities totaling 24 turf fields and seven grass fields that are managed and operated by the club. At the foundation level, the club’s recreation program, Sporting Recreation League has 3,000 boys and girls players, Pre-K to 4th Grade, each fall and spring season.
Essential Functions
- Oversee all soccer related activities and the development of the teams, coaches, and players.
- Oversee the identification, recruitment, and retention of all players and coaches.
- Develop and implement a club wide coaching curriculum.
- Design and deliver player development and team training programs.
- Organize and administer annual player tryouts.
- Create game content for film sessions and scouting opponents.
- Host and lead coach education events and coordinate continuing education opportunities for coaches.
- Attend weekly practices and weekend games.
- Develop and implement a standard player and coach evaluation plan.
- Manage the MLS NEXT program calendar of events.
- Educate and inform the parents on the club’s policies, philosophies, and events through written communication, webinars, and meetings.
- Team head coach for a minimum of one team.
- Collaborate with Sporting KC Academy Staff and Sporting City Directors of Coaching on player development opportunities and initiatives.
- Work closely with the Sporting City Pre-MLS NEXT team coaches and directors.
- Other duties as assigned.
Personal Attributes and Skills
- Passion for coaching and developing youth players.
- Strong listening, written and verbal communication skills; able to resolve conflict in a professional manner.
- Effective leadership skills, excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong public speaking skills: ability to speak to coaches, parents, or community groups to help promote the program’s vision and objectives.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-motivated with eagerness to grow and develop.
- Highest level of integrity and respect for all
- Professional appearance and demeanor
Job Requirements and Experience
- USSF “B” License or higher required.
- Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred.
- 5-7 years of experience in a youth soccer director position or college coaching experience preferred.
- Experience in developing curriculums and training programs.
- Experience managing coaches.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Calendar
