Sr. Manager, Sporting Operations - MLS NEXT - Major League Soccer

MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a dedication to innovation, MLS NEXT provides players access to the highest levels of competition and training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. The Sr. Manager, Sporting Operations, MLS NEXT will be accountable for the implementation and execution of sporting, performance, and development standards of MLS NEXT.

This role will manage and deliver a variety of workstreams to maintain and elevate the sporting and development standards of MLS NEXT programs. These workstreams include club performance evaluations, talent identification / scouting framework and related event integrations, player movement, as well as assisting with various aspects of MLS NEXT programs including technology, player and coach development programming, athlete management system development, and operations.

• Implementation and execution of technical standards as set forth by the Technical Director, MLS NEXT and the MLS Technical team including but not limited to Roster Rules, Player Movement, and Game Play Standards (size of the ball, minutes and games played, rest restrictions).
• Manage MLS NEXT Club evaluation process including performance and remediation, while incorporating feedback from the MLS Technical Team and Technical Director, MLS NEXT.
• Lead implementation of technical initiatives, developed by and in partnership with the Technical Director, MLS NEXT and MLS Technical Team
• Implement Talent ID framework as set by MLS Technical Team, including: 
  • Biweekly meetings with internal technical and sporting team, and develop prospective player list
  • Monthly / pre and post event updates to scouting list 
  • Lead aiScout intergration across all current and future youth platforms (e.g. MLS NEXT, GO)
  • Lead MLS NEXT season awards selection process
  • Lead MLS NEXT All-Star Game player selection process in partnership with and direction from the MLS Technical Team 
  • Management of player selection for ID events
• Liaison for key talent and evaluation stakeholders including:
  • National federations (USSF, CSA, FMF)
  • College coaches and scouts
  • MLS NEXT evaluators
  • MLS Academy scouting and recruitment staff
• Event management responsibilities include:
  • MLS NEXT team lead for MLS NEXT All-Star Game (including player experience) in partnership with MLS Events team
  • Build out of player watch list for top talent at all events, in partnership with and direction from MLS Technical Team
  • Monitor, manage, and implement process for agent, scout, and college coach attendance at events
  • MLS NEXT Team lead for Talent ID events including partnerships with other youth soccer orgs to optimize experience 
  • Work with Commercial Lead on product ordering and partner integration at Talent ID and All-Star 
• Oversee and manage communication of ongoing reports as delivered by Manager, MLS NEXT Insights

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7+ years of experience in the sports industry

Required Skills

• Deep knowledge and interest in Major League Soccer and player development
• High-level of dedication to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, collaborative environment with a commitment to building positive team culture
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Meticulous with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Leadership ability and presence
• Ability to travel (30-35%) and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Experience working within talent development environments
• Understand global trends in high performance sport
• Proven track record of developing and measuring the success of athletic performance programs

Desired Skills

• Experience in a leadership position within an MLS or Elite Academy environment
• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary: $90,000 – $110,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

• Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.
• Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
• Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you to elevate the Game!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. MLS/SUM complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.