Executive Director of Soccer

Executive Director of Soccer (EDS) – Job Description

Club: Dubuque Soccer Club (DSC)
Title: Executive Director of Soccer (EDS)
Reports to: DSC Board of Directors (President)
Status: Full-time, exempt; evening/weekend work required (training, matches, festivals, events)
Salary Range: $72,000–$76,000
, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Primary Focus: Academy leadership and club-wide soccer operations; also coaches two teams each cycle—one girls, one boys (age groups determined annually).

Note: This role is designed to grow with the club. Responsibilities may be expanded or adjusted over time by the Board of Directors as DSC evolves (e.g., new facilities, programs, or leagues).

Lead DSC’s soccer operations with an Academy-first approach that delivers high-quality player development, aligned coaching, and positive family experiences—while partnering with the board on growth, sponsor ships, DSC’s capital campaign for an indoor training facility, and overall community presence.

• 1. Academy Leadership & Coordination (≈40%)
  • Own Academy operations (U8–U18): annual planning, tryouts/placements, rostering, training cadence (typically 2x/week), and league/tournament scheduling consistent with EIYSL/CDL frameworks and travel profiles.
  • Plan and coordinate friendlies and supplemental matches across Academy teams to support development goals while respecting player workload and travel constraints.
  • Appoint and supervise Age Group Coordinators; align session plans, periodization, and matchday standards.
  • Ensure a consistent technical methodology and style of play across game formats (5v5, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 as applicable).
  • Oversee player pathways from Developmental → Academy; collaborate with the Developmental Director on identification, evaluation, and communication to families.
• 2. Coaching & Team Management (≈25%)
  • Serve as Head Coach for two Academy teams (one boys, one girls) each seasonal cycle (age groups set annually in partnership with the Board).
  • Provide on-field leadership: session design, training organization, feedback (including film where appropriate), match management, and player evaluations.
  • Mentor assistant coaches; model positive sideline behavior, player‑first culture, and alignment with DSC’s values.
• 3. Coach Development & Quality Assurance (≈10%)
  • Recruit, onboard, and evaluate coaches; establish a realistic professional development plan (e.g., USSF / United Soccer Coaches pathways).
  • Lead in‑house clinics and workshops; build and maintain a shared practice library and game‑model reference.
  • Conduct periodic training and match observations to ensure standards, methodology, and playing style are being implemented consistently.
• 4. Board Partnership, Administration & Compliance (≈10%)
  • Attend Board meetings as requested; provide monthly soccer operations updates, including key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Coordinate with the Registrar and Director of Managers on rosters, carding, league registrations, communications, and logistics.
  • Ensure compliance with Safe Sport, concussion protocols, background checks, and all league/regulatory requirements.
  • Align the annual Academy calendar (Fall/Winter/Spring) with facility availability, league schedules, and major club events.
• 5. Community, Sponsorship, Capital Campaign & Events (≈10%)
  • Partner with the Board’s Marketing/Communications and Fundraising leads on storytelling, sponsor ships, and community outreach.
  • Play a key soccer‑operations role in DSC’s capital campaign for the new indoor training facility, including:
    • Providing technical input on facility needs (fields, training spaces, equipment).
    • Helping model program usage (winter training, futsal, camps, clinics).
    • Supporting presentations to potential donors and community partners from a soccer perspective.
  • Attend DSC festivals, club‑wide tournaments, and major events; serve as a visible and approachable point of contact for families and partners.
• 6. Developmental Program Collaboration (≈5%)
  • Maintain strong integration with the Developmental Program (all games local at the DSC Complex).
  • Align:
    • Player identification and recommendations for Academy.
    • Parent education around the Academy pathway…