Director, Operations - USL Academy

United Soccer League
Job Title: Director, Operations - USL Academy
Position Type: Full Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)

Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues:
Gainbridge Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.

Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."

Position Purpose

The Director, Operations - USL Academy is responsible for overseeing the preparation, management & execution of all operations associated with our USL Academy competitions, and any other special events tied to United Soccer League's player & coach development initiatives. Given the importance of the USL Academy platform to our clubs & League Office, it is critical that this individual is able to deliver a high-standard body of work, ensuring a professional & memorable experience for teams, players, & coaches attending any events under their responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Manage short & long-term operational needs for USL Academy competitions & special events.
• Organize and maintain a detailed critical dates planning calendar, involving internal & external constituents as needed.
• Secure and maintain all necessary equipment and signage.
• Lead all schedule construction & schedule updating processes.
• Coordinate with all referees, athletic trainers, hotel providers, vendors, sponsors, partners, and other outside contractors for USL Academy events.
• Facilitate all necessary communications to participating clubs/teams.
• Manage P&L statement submission process for USL Academy League.
• Lead USL Academy coordinators in operations best practices to help drive the mission of the league forward through operational excellence.
• Serve a point of contact within USL League Office for all USL Academy members.
• Provide clubs assistance with administrative & operational tasks tied to participation in USL Academy competitions.
• Work with internal staff to deliver league-wide communications, ensuring all members are aware of key processes, updates, and requirements.
• Build rapport & strengthen relationships with key stakeholders at each club.
• Lead USL Academy member retention and assist with ongoing expansion and club onboarding efforts.
• Oversee registration process for all players & staff associated with USL Academy competitions.
• Work with USL staff involved in registration construction to consider all USL Academy needs when building out the platform.
• Liaise with US Soccer for international registrations, ITC requests, etc.
• Register & administer background checks for all staff in USLA competitions.
• Manage Sports Engine registration portal.
• Report on all roster compliance and registration issues.
• Provide customer service to clubs.
• Assist with special projects tied to key player, coach, and youth development initiatives for USL-HQ (incl. but not limited to data collection, market research, presentation support, etc.).
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sport Management, Event Management, or related field and/or equivalent professional work experience.
• 3+ years of experience organizing sporting competitions, tournaments, and/or events, ideally with expertise in overseeing all aspects of hosting soccer tournaments/events.
• Knowledge and/or prior working experience utilizing registration platforms and facilitating US Soccer registration guidelines and processes preferred.
• Organized & autonomous work habits, both independently, and within a team setting.
• Proven problem-solving skills, and ability to manage stress while adjusting on the fly.
• Ability to institute and maintain all necessary safety/health protocols, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience at all associated events.
• Understanding of budget management and financial reporting, tied to event management.
• Capacity to improve operations and general logistics in an effort to drive efficiency and limit overall expenses tied to hosting professional-level events.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
• Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic are a must.
• While not required, significant interest, passion, and/or experience within soccer are highly preferred.
• Ability to work as business needs require, which may include long days,…