What are the responsibilities and job description for the Talent Identification Manager: Women’s/Girls-YNT West Region position at U.S. Soccer Federation?
U.S. Soccer Overview
The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.
We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That’s why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: From the grassroots, to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of US.
U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for US soccer in the near and far future. We are therefore, looking for dynamic servant-leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.
Position Description
Reporting into the Talent Identification Director, the Talent Identification Manager is responsible for gender specific, Youth National Team scouting for an assigned geographic region. The role involves leading all aspects of U.S. Soccer’s Talent ID plan, while building and managing a quality and diverse network of part-time scouts and developing intimate knowledge and relationships with key clubs to gather detailed information and drive an accurate, efficient, and collaborative decision-making and player selection process.
Primary Responsibilities
- Commits to the mission, objectives, and policies of U.S. Soccer.
- Applies U.S. Soccer Talent Identification Philosophy, Framework, Processes and Structures.
- Creates and executes an annual strategic scouting plan for designated scouting territory.
- Collaborates with Talent Identification Directors and Managers, Youth National Team Coaches, National Team Player Scouts, YNT Scouting Network.
- Identifies, examines, monitors, and recommends players to expand and improve player pools U-14 through U-23.
- Leads Talent Identification Centers in their assigned region and U-14 Regional and National TID Camps.
- Expands and improves the YNT Scouting Network.
- Manages online technology platforms for reporting and longitudinal monitoring.
- Contributes to US Way Technical Projects as assigned.
- Communicates effectively with all internal and external stakeholders (staff, scouts, clubs, directors, coaches, members, parents, etc.).
- Completes a personal development plan and reviews with direct report on an annual basis.
Role and tasks of the position are based on 4 Key Areas: Youth National Team Scouting, Building and Managing YNT Scouting Network, Talent Identification Centers and U-14 Programs, and Technology & Analysis
Youth National Teams Scouting
- Strategically and systematically manages individual player identification, tracking and weekly scouting assignments for key games, training sessions, tournaments in assigned region.
- Maintains regional depth charts for all YNT age groups.
- Creates, submits, presents, and reviews player reports (written and video).
- Cross-checks and recommends players for YNT camps as part of longitudinal and collaborative selection and decision-making process.
- Attends key days at YNT age group camps to support assessment process and gain knowledge of current player pool when making comparisons and recommendations. As assigned and approved by Talent ID Director.
- Attends/Co-Leads weekly TID/YNT Age Group Zoom Meetings to review players. Serve in lead role for a YNT age group as assigned by TID Director.
- Leads player selection process for the U-14 Talent ID Program through YNT Identification Centers, Regional Mini-Camps, and National ID Camp (in collaboration with the U-15 YNT Coach).
- Attend Concacaf Championships and World Cups for benchmarking and to support opponent scout analysis, as assigned by TID Director.
Building and Managing YNT Scouting Network
- Builds, manages, and develops a quality, diverse and reliable network of independent/part-time YNT Scouts across their designated scouting markets (recruits and hires new scouts in areas of need).
- Assigns scouts to weekly games, training sessions and annual events based on TID strategy and plan.
- Reviews all scout reports for quality control. Provides feedback, supports development, and organizes a mentoring system for YNT Network Scouts.
- Builds a supplementary network with members, clubs, and tipsters (informal leads).
- Supports scouting efforts in under-served communities and outreach programs.
- Serves as a TID resource to supports clubs in critical markets to advance their scouting program.
Talent Identification Centers and U-14 Programs (Local, Regional and National)
- Creates and executes annual strategic schedule and plan for Talent Identification Centers in assigned key markets (approximately 4-6 targeted locations).
- Leads player (and staff) selection and other planning aspects to meet all technical objectives, guidelines, standards, protocols, and procedures for quality and uniformity across both genders for all 26 Talent ID Center markets nationwide.
- Identifies and trains YNT Network scouts to serve in lead role for Talent Identification Centers, especially in remote market areas.
- Leads player and staff selection for U-14 Regional and National ID Camps and serves in leadership role during the camps, as assigned by TID Director.
Technology & Analysis (Player Monitoring Systems)
- Monitors players continuously over time (reports, documents, notes, etc.)
- Creates video clips to support player examination.
- Applies data and statistic for quantitative analysis of player
Other
- Proficiency required with the following technology, tools, platforms, and player monitoring systems: P3, Sportscode, Wyscout, and PowerPoint and/or Keynote and application/inclusion of data and statistics from available sources like Opta, USSF Match and Player Reports, and Statsports for quantitative analysis of individual players
- Participate in U.S. Soccer Talent Scout Courses for ongoing education and development, as assigned by TID Director
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience as a youth scout (within professionalized environment)
- U.S. Soccer Talent Scout License or equivalent
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Knowledge and understanding of talent identification and development—process, structure, theory, and practice (international and domestic standards)
- Knowledge of the domestic and international soccer landscape/pathway (youth/pro)
- Proficient with analysis, reporting, video editing, data, and scout technology platforms
- Able to build and manage a network of interconnected people with shared mission, objectives and values
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook)
- Strong collaboration skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication combined with a professional demeanor
- Able and willing to travel
- Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
- General knowledge of soccer
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
Desired Qualifications
- U.S. Soccer B License (or UEFA A License)
- U.S. Soccer Talent Scout License
- Professional playing experience
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
- Thorough institutional knowledge of U.S. Soccer’s National Team player pathway, technical plan, policies, practices, and procedures
U.S Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization.
We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.
