Director of Scouting - Columbus NWSL

Position: Director of Scouting - Columbus NWSL 2028
Overview:

The Director of Scouting leads all scouting and player identification for the club, at every level from professional to NCAA college and youth. The role sets the scouting vision, manages the scouting network, and gives provides expert, documented assessments of players worldwide.

Working closely with the Data Analytics department, the Director combines live, video and data scouting into one evidence-based process. The role provides critical and direct support to all player acquisition, roster planning and salary cap decisions and will be critical to the build of the Club's inaugural expansion roster

Key responsibilities

Scouting process and strategy

• Design and run a proactive scouting process to identify, assess and monitor players against the positional archetypes in the club's sporting identity.
• Develop and implement a club-specific player reporting and grading system that is implemented throughout the process
• Hold regular review meetings with scouts to keep grading consistent across the network.
• Oversee long lists and short lists built from a combination of data analysis and video scouting.
• Establish and maintain Shadow Squads across all markets (pro and amateur, domestic and international), with multiple options in every position, planned at least two transfer windows ahead.
• Create and maintain depth charts that show current squad depth alongside potential targets.

Player acquisition and movement

• Provide expert knowledge of each player's fit within the club's sporting identity.
• Recommend acquisition targets to the GM based on roster needs and the current and future salary cap position.
• Provide multiple player options in every position, each supported by subjective and objective scouting assessments
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of league trade values, global transfer fees and player salaries, brief leadership on attainability and likely financials
• Support the GM in player proposals, negotiations, trades and transfers
• Assist in the onboarding of new signings

Scouting schedule and budget

• Manage the annual scouting calendar and budget to give in-depth coverage of priority markets.
• Assign scouts to games and players, and recommend trips to specific tournaments, events and games each year.
• Attend games and events worldwide as needed

Data, technology and information management

• Partner with the Data & Analytics department to give long-term technical input on player profiles and scouting needs.
• Use data and video analysis so every target has an evidence-based assessment.
• Evaluate and consolidate internal and third-party data sources to assist in decision-making and presentation of target players
• Research scouting technology, software, data and consultancy services, and recommend solutions that keep the club at the forefront of innovation
• Integrate AI into workflows

Network, relationships and market intelligence

• Build strong relationships with player agents, clubs and coaches, acting as the point of contact for enquiries and interest.
• Provide market intelligence on trades and transfers based on roster needs (internal and external)

Scout management and development

• Lead the scouting staff and ensure continued alignment in player reporting and evaluations
• Document key processes (grading systems, information required at each stage) to drive consistency
• Organize and lead scouting meetings within the department and with other stakeholders.
• Act as a mentor to staff in the reporting line and manage annual performance reviews in line with Club policy

NCAA college soccer and youth landscape

NCAA college soccer and the youth game are core markets for this role. The Director strategizes and oversees a scouting process with a particular focus on college and youth prospects.

• Build and lead dedicated coverage of NCAA college…