The Senior Director, Player Engagement will manage and have direct oversight of soccer development for front office and technical positions, continuing education initiatives for players (on & off field), player international affairs, and player care programs. This individual will create and deliver best-in-class programs and leverage resources for our players throughout all stages of their career.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Vice President of Player & League Advancement in managing the day-to-day operations of the department.
• Serve as an influential advisor to players, business leaders and club partners alike.
• Serve as a liaison for all player international affairs.
• Manage linguistics and orientation initiatives for international player population.
• Direct and create educational initiatives and curriculums for players; develop a strategy to deliver programming and create a network of resources for the league (including former players).
• Oversee a portfolio of Player and League Advancement programs including special projects, events and affiliated programming with soccer affiliates such as: MLS Clubs, MLSPA, NCAA, etc. and serve as a liaison.
• Collaborate with MLS Medical team and clinical consultants on player health and safety programs.
• Act as liaison between players and internal and external constituents (e.g. Player Development, corporate partners, Clubs, etc.), and work with soccer affiliates (e.g. MLSPA, NCAA, etc.) on programs and initiatives while exercising discretion and sound judgement in resolving conflicts across the ecosystem.
• Develop on-site Club relations and manage a portfolio of Clubs.
• Assist with strategic planning, operations, budget, contracts, and analytical research.
• Provide pro-active mentoring, counsel, encouragement, creative problem solving, and crisis intervention for players, coaches, support staff, and their families on a range of issues.
• Handles sensitive and confidential information with care.
• Represent the organization at meetings, social functions, etc.

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 8+ years of experience in training and program development, risk management and/or human resources.
• Experience working with athletes, sports, and athletic culture.

Required Skills

• Demonstrate functional expertise in player program development.
• Deep subject matter expertise in the field of training and development with a demonstrated ability to deliver and facilitate large-scale training programs using various platforms (i.e., instructor-led, e-learning).
• Knowledge of compliance regulations at the state/provincial and local levels.
• Exposure to professional athletes and an understanding of the player mindset and culture (International player experience is a plus).
• Build and maintain credibility, trust and respect of the League, Clubs, executives, coaches, players and their families.
• High-level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance.
• Proven ability to provide strategic, tactical leadership to develop and manage complex development and training programs.
• Ability to direct cross-functional teams in a time sensitive environment to implement new practices, programs and procedures.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, including outstanding presentation skills.
• Highly collaborative with strong interpersonal skills to successfully work across the organization.
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, lean organization.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Desired Skills

• Fluent in Spanish language.
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer.
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary $150,000 - $185,000 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 will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.