The Academy Director is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the Dundee United FC Youth Academy. This role is essential for nurturing elite youth talent and ensuring a steady pipeline of players for the future of Dundee United. Overseeing a dedicated team of twelve full-time staff, the Academy Director will manage all aspects of coaching, physical performance, performance analysis, medical care, talent identification and recruitment, as well as player care and education.
Main responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Strategic Plan Development: Lead and implement the Youth Academy Strategic Plan, integrating all Academy functions to achieve the club’s player development goals, covering physical performance, data analysis, mental performance, and educational initiatives.
• Player Pathway: Establish a clear and structured pathway for youth players to progress to full-time professional football.
• Football Philosophy: Uphold and manage the DUFC Football Philosophy, ensuring consistency across coaching, playing, and off-field programs.
• Program Integration: Ensure the academy coaching programme aligns with other football initiatives such as the Scottish FA Performance School, international tournaments, and various performance and medical programs.
Operational Management
• Talent Identification and Recruitment: Align the Academy’s player identification and recruitment processes with the DUFC Football Philosophy.
• Quality Coaching: Maintain high standards of coaching across all age groups within the Academy.
• Technical Solutions: Optimise the use of technical software solutions (BEPro, Hudl & Sports Session Planner) across Academy functions.
• Development Plans: Regularly review and implement individual development plans for players and staff.
• In-service Training: Organise and attend regular training sessions for coaches and scouts to ensure effective execution of the Youth Academy Philosophy.
• Program Cooperation: Ensure consistency in the development of Academy players attending Scottish FA Performance Schools or other relevant programs.
• Performance Forums: Conduct formal forums focused on achieving key performance objectives for each Academy function.
• Compliance: Meet and maintain governing body criteria and Club Academy Scotland standards.
• Safeguarding and Medical Standards: Maintain exacting standards of safeguarding and medical care for all Academy members, taking action as needed.
Leadership
• Respectful Environment: Foster an environment where youth are respected, supported, and encouraged to develop in a safe setting.
• Staff Development: Implement a Continued Personal Development program for all Academy staff.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Develop and manage a coaching and mentoring program for Academy staff.
• Performance Evaluation: Continuously assess the Youth Academy’s performance for ongoing development.
• Learning Culture: Promote a culture of learning within the Academy, encouraging feedback and knowledge sharing.
Communication
• Brand Strategy: Collaborate with the Media and Marketing teams to develop the Youth Academy branding strategy, adhering to safeguarding guidelines.
• Internal Communication: Use formal meetings, MS Teams, and other tools to ensure cross-departmental cooperation and keep all Club functions informed about Academy activities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Consult with Youth Academy parents, football associations, and other relevant stakeholders to build and maintain positive relationships.
• External Relationships: Foster connections with external Club Partners and stakeholders to ensure ongoing support and development of the Academy.
• First Team Collaboration: Maintain a strong communication line with the first team Head Coach for individual player progress and succession planning.
Personal Qualities & Experience
Essential:
• Strong leadership skills with experience of leading a multidisciplinary team.
• Exceptional knowledge of talent development and performance
• Excellent organisational skills; to effectively manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Effective communication skills to engage with coaches, parents, players, and other football professionals.
• Experience in talent identification and player recruitment.
• Wide network of football contacts across key stakeholder groups
• Experience of coach development

Desirable:
• Experience in delivering football development programs.
• Background in recruitment and transfers at an elite level, preferably as a Head of Recruitment

Qualifications & Training
Essential:
• UEFA A Licence.
• UEFA Elite Youth A Licence or equivalent.
• A proven record working in a performance environment with evidence of notable achievements.
Desirable:
• UEFA Pro Licence (or working towards).
• Scottish FA Advanced Children’s Licence.
• Degree level educated in Sports or Management.

How to apply

To apply for this position please submit your CV via email.