Director, Program Operations (Coaching Education)
: Job Details :

Description

U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That is why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for U.S. Soccer in the near and far future. We are, therefore, looking for dynamic servant leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility, and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description

The Director, Program Operations (Coaching Education) is an operational leader who will be responsible for leading the execution of U.S. Soccer's coaching education program operations, ensuring the seamless delivery of course and initiative programming. This role will work in close partnership with the Director, Coaching Operations and report directly to the Senior Director, Coaching Strategy & Operations to support the successful execution of the Coaching Education strategy and operational roadmap.

This leader will oversee the operational delivery of hosted coaching education courses (e.g., A Youth, A Senior, GK, TID, CTL), lead the development of programming and relationships out of Atlanta and the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center, and manage priority cross-functional professional development initiatives. They will manage a small team. The ideal candidate will possess strong operational skills, a customer-centric mindset, and a collaborative approach to working with both internal teams and external partners.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Delivery and Execution

• Lead day-to-day operational planning and execution of all Federation-hosted coaching courses (AY, AS, CTL, GK, TID, etc.)
• Manage detailed logistics and timelines in coordination with internal teams, instructors, and venues
• Ensure a seamless coach experience across all courses, from application through completion
• Work closely with the Director, Coaching Operations to integrate program design with execution

Atlanta Programming & Club Partnerships

• Support design and development of future programming that will come out of U.S. Soccer's Atlanta-based Arthur M. Blank National Training Center
• Serve as the operational lead for club relations in the Atlanta region and broader pilot partnerships
• Build and maintain key relationships with clubs, coaches, and technical leaders to support regional growth

Project & Vendor Management

• Lead cross-functional planning and project management for initiatives such as SheChampions and other priority professional development programs
• Manage relationships with key operational vendors, ensuring high-quality execution and accountability through vendor contracts and performance oversight

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide day-to-day direction and mentorship for coordinators and senior coordinators aligned to program operations
• Support development, training, and performance monitoring of the broader Coaching Operations team
• Foster a collaborative working relationship with the Director, Coaching Operations to ensure alignment on operational planning, budgeting, and stakeholder management
• Develop a strong collaborative relationship between Operations and Technical team members, ensuring optimizing partnership to deliver best programming results

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 7–10+ years professional experience in an operational role
• Experience working in the soccer landscape and/or coaching education space strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success leading high-volume, high-detail program delivery
• Strong organizational and project management skills; PMP certification a plus
• Ability to deliver high quality work and execute under pressure/deadlines
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
• Proven ability to build cross-functional relationships and work with diverse stakeholders
• Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience leading teams or direct reports preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and excellence in all aspects of program execution
• Position requires travel

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.