Head of Fitness

OUR CLUB

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, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup 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 fitness coach to add to the team. We need a teammate who understands the demands placed on an elite footballer. This influential 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 scientific best practices and the real-world applications in football 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, driving performance improvements of players and the return to play process, thus a candidate must have a high-level of competence for strength & conditioning of elite athletes and deep understanding of injury pathology as related to football.

YOU ARE

• Authentic – Great understanding of self and lives values every day.

• A Passionate Leader – Ready to drive results while modeling club values.

• Highly Collaborative – Able to effectively work with different departments and stakeholders.

• Composed – Able to provide calm during the emotional ebbs and flows of a season.

• Enthusiastic – A source of energy for the group.

• Curious – Constantly looking to improve processes and inefficiencies, a beginner’s mindset.

• Selfless – Able to check your ego at the door and put the needs of the team first.

• Creative Problem Solver – Ready to identify solutions, rather than pointing out problems.

• Kind – A good human.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• End stage rehab in collaboration with Medical staff to prepare players for return to performance.

• Provide detailed insights and reporting to Performance staff in relation to player loading, return to play, performance improvements, and program interventions/strategies.

• Lead and deliver the MLS gym program.

• Design and deliver individual injury mitigation programs in collaboration with medical staff.

• Support the Performance Director with on-field team training and conditioning as required.

• Lead on field readiness and athletic profiling.

• Program supplemental gym and/or fitness work as required.

• Administer daily team and individual activations as required.

• Support the integration of performance philosophy and methodology across all phases of the club.

• Travel with the team as required.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Will supervise the MLS Performance Coach.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.

• 4+ years of experience working in elite soccer (professional, NCAA Division I, etc.) as a Strength & Conditioning Coach / Fitness Coach / player.

• Must have National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent (UKSCA, ASCA, 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 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.

• Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy

• Experience as a professional or high-level athlete.

• Coaching ‘C’ license.

• ISAK accredited.

• Bilingual or multilingual a plus (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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