What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Coordinator - USL Academy position at United Soccer League?
United Soccer League
Job Title: Operations Coordinator – USL Academy
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 Operations Coordinator for USL Academy is responsible for the preparation, management & execution of all operations associated with our USL Academy competitions, and any other special events tied to United Soccer League’s player & coach development initiatives. Given the importance of the USL Academy platform to our clubs & League Office, it is critical that this individual is able to deliver a high-standard body of work, ensuring a professional & memorable experience for teams, players, & coaches attending any events under their responsibility.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- USL Academy Competitions & Operations: Execute short & long-term operational needs for USL Academy competitions & special events, including but not limited to the following:
- Organize & maintain a detailed planning calendar, involving internal & external partners as needed.
- Secure & maintain necessary equipment & signage.
- Lead all scheduling construction & updating processes.
- Coordinate with referees, athletic trainers, hotel providers, vendors, sponsors, partners, and other outside contractors.
- Facilitate necessary communications to participating clubs/teams.
- Track expenses & manage P&L statements.
- USL Academy Membership Services: Serve as first point of contact within USL League Office for USL Academy members, ensuring the following:
- Provide clubs assistance with administrative & operational tasks tied to participation in USL Academy competitions.
- Work with internal team members and departments to deliver league-wide communications, ensuring all members are aware of key processes, updates, and requirements.
- Build rapport & strengthen relationships with key stakeholders at each club.
- USL Academy Player & Coach Registration: facilitate registration process for players & staff associated with USL Academy competitions. Associated tasks include:
- Liaise with US Soccer for international registrations, ITC requests, etc.
- Register & administer background checks for staff in USL Academy competitions.
- Manage SportsEngine registration portal.
- Report on all roster compliance & registration issues.
- Provide customer service to clubs (troubleshoot registration).
- Special Projects – Technical Development: assist with special projects tied to key player, coach, and youth development initiatives for USL HQ (including but not limited to data collection, market research, presentation support, etc.).
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- 1-2 years of experience organizing sporting competitions, tournaments, and/or events, ideally with expertise in overseeing all aspects of hosting soccer tournaments/events.
- Bachelor’s degree in sport management, event management, business administration or related field required or equivalent professional work experience and/or combination of both work experience and education.
- Knowledge and/or prior working experience utilizing registration platforms and facilitating US Soccer registration guidelines and processes highly preferred.
- Organized & autonomous work habits, both independently, and within a team setting.
- Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to manage stressful situations while remaining adaptable.
- Ability to institute & maintain all necessary safety/health protocols, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience at all associated events.
- Understanding of budget-management and financial reporting, tied to event management.
- Capacity to improve operations and general logistics in an effort to drive efficiency and limit overall expenses tied to hosting professional-level events.
- 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.
