SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving 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.

The Director of Sports Performance is responsible for the successful implementation of high-performance strategies, research and development, and management outcomes in the areas of sports performance (i.e., strength and conditioning, sport science, and performance analytics), sports nutrition, and mental performance. This position provides the leadership to deliver on a world class athletic health and performance program, including the potential for innovative solutions that support player wellness, injury prevention, recovery, rehabilitation and testing and monitoring. Must have the ability to effectively manage and enhance collaboration efforts within a highly skilled cross functional staff.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee, manage, and direct the overall strategy and budget for the Performance department


• Periodization of in-season and off-season athlete health, strength and conditioning, fitness, wellness, and nutrition including the provision and selection of supplements


• Injury prevention, recovery, and end stage rehabilitation, and return to play regiment and protocols, in connection with medical team and coaching staff


• Capture of baseline data, screening processes and equipment to regularly evaluate and monitor athlete health, athlete functional movement and athlete performance metrics at a best practice standard


• Analyze and track all performance statistics and data for all athletes in all workouts, training activities, training sessions, recovery sessions, training matches and match day


• Participate in Club player development process to include attending regular player development meetings


• Manage and supervise all department full time and part time staff and independent contractors


• Enforce Club Rules and League Rules applicable to the Club’s players and/or coaching staff


• Together with SFC Leadership, foster, develop and manage an inclusive culture consistent with the organizational values of Sounders FC and the club’s commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.


• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience managing high performance and conditioning soccer programs at the collegiate, professional, or international level


• NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification or equivalent


• Knowledge of current NSCA Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines


• Experience contributing to applied sports performance research and development initiatives


• Knowledge of medical equipment, technology, and performance aspects within soccer


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Strong organizational and personnel management skills


• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and multi-task effectively


• Excel and lead in a collaborative, fast-paced environment


• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual skills strongly preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position will work in-person from the Sounders FC training facility in Tukwila, WA. The new Sounders FC headquarters and training facility in Renton, WA will open in 2024.


• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.


• Will be required to travel to competitions. Must be able to facilitate own local travel.


• Must be fully vaccinated at the time of hire and follow all club and league COVID-19 protocols.


• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.


• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship


• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time as well as lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds).

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000 - $135,000. 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:

• Healthcare plans with 100% employer sponsored premiums for employees and dependents


• Generous PTO plan that includes unlimited paid vacation to support employee health and well-being


• 401k retirement plan matching


• Gender-neutral parental leave program offering 12-16 weeks of paid leave for new parents


• Discounts on Sounders FC products, merchandise and with Sounders FC Partners


• Complimentary tickets to Sounders FC and Tacoma Defiance matches


• Volunteer opportunities in the Seattle community offered in support of social impact and RAVE Foundation initiatives