Performance Coach (MLS NEXT PRO)

TITLE: Performance Coach (MLS NEXT PRO)

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC

DEPARTMENT:  Performance

REPORTS TO:  Director of Performance

TYPE: Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

 

OUR CLUB

When you join Seattle Sounders FC, you join a soccer-loving, socially progressive, ambitious club rooted in the best soccer city in America. We have one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Sounders FC is searching for a dynamic performance coach to add to the team and service our final pillar of the developmental pathway, MLS NEXT PRO team Tacoma Defiance. We need a teammate who understands the demands placed on an elite footballer and has a passion for player development working with players from U15>MLS NEXT PRO. This individual within the club will need to seamlessly integrate with our performance/medical/technical staff and add to our culture of excellence every day. Utilizing a deep understanding of age-appropriate scientific best practices and the real-world applications in sport will allow this coach to excel. Being able to effectively communicate and connect with people of all backgrounds, educations, and personalities is a must. This role will primarily be based on the field and in the gym, leading MLS NEXT PRO performance improvements, return to play processes and overseeing the final phase of the player development pathway.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Plan all on field MLS NEXT PRO training sessions in conjunction with technical staff and other stakeholders.
• Plan and deliver all MLS NEXT PRO activation/gym sessions in accordance with the performance department objectives and methodology of training/player development.
• Plan and deliver all on field warm-ups and conditioning for MLS NEXT PRO training sessions.
• Ensure the Performance department philosophy and methodology is implemented, with age-appropriate modifications to enhance player development.
• Manage all data streams for MLS NEXTPRO athletes and provide detailed analysis/reporting to performance staff in relation to player/team loading, return to play, performance and program interventions/strategies.
• Provide tailored reporting of performance metrics to technical staff to enhance the training process in alignment with club developmental processes.
• Liaise with the Academy Performance Coach on player development and the fluid movement of players up and down throughout the developmental system to maximize growth of high potential players.
• Liaise with MLS NEXT PRO medical staff in the planning/delivery of end stage rehab and individual injury mitigation programs.  

QUALIFICATIONS   

• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience working in elite soccer (professional, NCAA Division I, etc.) as a Strength & Conditioning Coach / Fitness Coach, in particular youth development.
• Must have National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent (UKSCA, ASCA, etc.).
• Coaching ‘C’ license. (USSF, UEFA, AFC etc.)
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify & Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, and fans.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Experience as a professional or high level athlete.
• Coaching ‘B’ license. (USSF, UEFA, AFC etc.)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist.
• ISAK accredited.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

WORK ENVIRONMENT   

• This is an in-person position working from our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton WA and Stafire Sports Complex. 
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing and available to travel to team away games.
• Employee must have a reliable means of local transportation.
• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 50 pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people by providing the following top-notch benefits.

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored premiums for you and your dependents.
• Generous and Flexible PTO: Our Paid Time Off plan is designed with your well-being in mind, offering unlimited paid vacation.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12-16 weeks of paid leave, giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

 

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