What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Operations - USL W League position at United Soccer League?
United Soccer League
Job Title: Director, Operations – USL W League
Position Type: Full Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: USL Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.
Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."
Position Purpose
The Director, Operations – USL W League will directly assist in accomplishing the mission to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity and career development. Through leading the operational responsibilities by the League and its member clubs, a successful candidate will recognize the role that operational excellence plays in achieving the League’s mission and strategies. This role requires a highly operational individual who can manage extensive processes, standards, and internal collaboration which are integral to the League’s success and pedigree.
In addition, a successful candidate must have strong interpersonal skills to develop lasting relationships with key stakeholders at member clubs and manage challenging situations that require strong decision-making abilities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
Internal Management:
- Manage the daily work duties for any W League operations team members as directed.
- Perform the annual review process in collaboration with the Vice President for any direct reports.
- Manage internal collaboration across departments for any W League activities.
- Lead the USL W League Work Experience Program, overseeing task dissemination and training for the seasonal intern participants.
External Management:
- Forge strong relationships with each member club’s leadership and primary points of contact.
- Directly liaise with the designated club administrators on all league operations issues.
- Assist in the integration and onboarding of new franchises into the league.
- Provide unparalleled customer service and maintain positive relationships with clubs.
- Assist the USL communications staff with outward facing relationships such as media partners, podcasts or any external organizations that support the League.
Operations & Competition:
- Assist in the initial league scheduling and schedule change processes starting at the annual general meeting (USL Winter Summit).
- Work with the league and club operations staffs to develop operations initiatives, including game day operations and presentation, facility management, security procedures, team administration, and supporters group management.
- Oversee and enforce league discipline for players and coaches, as well as team compliance with the league’s minimum standards.
- Coordinate referee assignments through the online US Soccer management portal, ensuring correct and timely assignments.
- Develop standard procedures / policies for common occurrences (e.g., Rainout Policy).
- Assist with player registration and pre-season league development initiatives.
- Assist in ensuring league deliverables are sent and received by clubs (Soccer Balls, Signage, Apparel, etc.).
- Coordinate and manage league events.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in sport management, business administration or similar highly preferred.
- 4-6 years of league/club operations or sport management experience, preferably in the soccer industry.
- Previous experience in managing team members or direct reports.
- Previous experience in customer service or client success strongly preferred.
- Attention to detail and ability to perform detail-oriented work in a timely manner a must.
- Adaptability and eagerness to learn.
- Desire to find creative solutions to variously shaped challenges.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / when necessary.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Work Environment
Based in Tampa, FL, USL Headquarters provides a vibrant and open working environment designed to promote collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and knowledge sharing. We believe in fostering a culture that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Currently, USL HQ operates on a hybrid work model. From Monday to Thursday, team members gather in person to harness the power of face-to-face collaboration. This not only strengthens the bonds within the team but also enhances communication and innovation. On Fridays, we transition to a remote work setup, providing our team with the flexibility to manage their tasks in an environment of their choosing.
Typical USL HQ hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm ET. Evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel may be necessary based on business demands.
We have great Perks - Comprehensive Benefits Package • Medical, Dental, Vision • Health HSA and FSA • 401k w/ up to 6% company match • Pet Insurance • Corporate Discounts • Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days • Business Casual Dress • Optional Remote Work Fridays • And More!
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
