What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Manager, Refereeing Platforms & Technology position at UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION 1?
Description
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
The Sr. Manager of Refereeing Platforms & Technology will serve as the strategic leader driving the integration of cutting-edge technology to elevate the refereeing experience across U.S. Soccer Refereeing. As the primary visionary for the department’s technological evolution, this role oversees the seamless implementation, optimization, and ongoing operation of key platforms such as the Referee Education & Development (RED) platform, Evaluation Tool, Appointment Tool, and Refereeing Dashboard.
In collaboration with the Product team, Refereeing department, and external vendors, the Sr. Manager will spearhead the development and delivery of innovative solutions that shape the future of refereeing technology. This role also provides leadership in creating engaging educational materials, including video content, and ensures impactful referee training by managing on-site feedback systems and video analysis tools.
As a pivotal leader within the Refereeing department, the Sr. Manager will mentor teams, guide cross-functional collaboration, and champion initiatives that enhance education, operations, and development. Reporting to the Director of Refereeing Strategy & Operations, this role will drive a forward-thinking vision, empowering referees and supporting U.S. Soccer’s commitment to excellence in Refereeing Education & Development.
Primary Responsibilities
- Strategic lead driving the integration of cutting-edge technology to elevate the refereeing experience across U.S. Soccer Refereeing
- Be Refereeing’s main point of contact for all Referee Technology Solutions with the US Soccer Product team
- Lead refereeing technology implementation of Referee Education & Development (RED) for US Soccer refereeing & point person for FIFA and the with product team for API/SSO implementation
- Work closely with Refereeing Education & Development team to implement referee development content, materials and courses into our Refereeing Education tool
- Create multimedia content within in the Referee Education& Development (RED) tool
- Develop format to organize consistently & accurately the clip library
- Manage the video library
- Responsible to manage all users’ access and rights on RED including: sending new invitations, managing the approval process for new registration requests, creating and managing user groups
- Weekly/daily add new content to RED, this requires each clip to be tagged, add all metadata and ensure the naming convention process is followed and ensure accuracy
- Responsible to create any new collections and projects (all seminars, competitions, press conferences, LOTG presentation, other new presentations, etc.)
- Manage the implementation of training curricula and assignment to learner roles
- Participates in the implementation and upgrades of the system
- Collect feedback from users, for any mistakes in RED or updates that need to be made
- Support the introduction of improvements and new functionalities in cooperation with FIFA
- Test new implementations and updates
- Lead refereeing technology implement of Evaluation tool, point person with product team for API/SSO implementation, big fixes, upgrade planning and update roll-outs
- Lead Refereeing technology implementation in collaboration with US Soccer Product team, Refereeing Strategy & Operations (S&O) and Refereeing Education and Development (E&D) for Appointment tool, Refereeing Dashboard and future Referee and Referee administration specific tools
- Assist in the technical development of new educational materials including editing of video content, creation of visuals and illustrations, filming of educational materials
- Support with the management of equipment and material
- Maintenance of equipment
- Management of inventory
- Distribution of equipment to events
- On-site support at US Referee Camps & Events, as needed
- Video filming & photos, Instant Feedback system set-up & use, Make video clips, Prepare debriefings, General support to the refereeing delegation on technology matters
- Work closely with Sr. Manager of Refereeing Operations regarding implementation of VAR technology at the NTC
- Stay current with technology solutions and drive recommendations for future products, tools and technology that supports refereeing development, education, operations and administration
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S./B.A. from an accredited college or university required in technology (computer science, information sciences & technology etc..)
- Minimum 5-8 years of experience working in technology management roles
- 5 years experience leading relationship with Technology vendors
- Experience in film production, video editing, multimedia arts, or a related field is often preferred.
- High level of technical expertise working in video editing with a Proficiency in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer is important.
- Knowledge of other multimedia software, such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, or DaVinci Resolve, is also beneficial.
- Familiarity with video codecs, compression techniques, and file formats is essential.
- Strong ability to collaborate, communicate, coordinate with internal and external partners including Technology vendors, FIFA, SRC’s, Referees, Members, Referee Coaches etc..
- Proven proactive problem solver
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Ability to deliver high quality work and execute under pressure/deadlines
- Knowledge of video routing systems, broadcast solutions, and AV IT networking.
- Excellent written, verbal communication skills
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
- Proficiency in Spanish a plus
- 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)
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.