UPDATE May 14 - applications no longer being accepted
Iowa Soccer Overview
Iowa Soccer is the future of soccer in Iowa. Our mission is to provide soccer opportunities as we aspire to make soccer the sport of choice in our state. We embrace collaboration, strong member relations, innovative thinking and technology to drive the growth of our sport as we serve our members. We are seeking motivated, passionate, skillful people who can think, create and work on a team.
Iowa Soccer is a growing State Association that looks for team members to grow with it. Iowa Soccer offers a competitive compensation package, casual and flexible work environment, an inclusive culture and an atmosphere for professional growth.
Position Overview
The Director of Player Development is a fulltime, salaried position that will lead and manage our player development pathway and programs. The primary responsibilities encompass leadership, vision and development, with execution and oversight of player development programs that include the Iowa Olympic Development Program (ODP), the Iowa Soccer 9U-10U Academy Program, the Iowa Soccer Developmental Camp and other related player development programs. This position will work closely with and report directly to the Technical Director.
Player Development Pathway/Programs
Primary Duties
Elite Player Development Programs: Olympic Development Program (ODP)
- Responsible for developing the elite player development program in Iowa and ensuring that these programs are connected to the state, regional, and national pathways
- Work collaboratively with the Technical Director to establish a progressive player development program that is aligned with the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives and existing programs (i.e., ODP and clubs)
- Leadership, development, administration and execution of all aspects of the Iowa ODP program
- Ensure all ODP programs integrate into Iowa Soccer player and competitions pathways
- Expand ODP regional training centers model across the state of Iowa
- Ensuring program alignment with state, regional and national requirements
- Is Iowa’s representative at regional (i.e., regional camps) and national ODP programming
- Attend ODP events and tournaments that Iowa ODP teams participate in
- Identify, recruit, lead, mentor and develop technical staff
- Update content on associated webpages
- Serve as head coach for one age group annually
Participation Pathway Programs and Iowa Soccer Academy
- Oversight of Iowa Soccer 9U-10U Academy program requirements
- Communicate directly with the Academy Directors regarding maintaining program standards
- Assist with the implementation of Academy coaching curriculum and education materials
- Evolve and expand the Academy program
- Collaborate with competitions staff on the development of the Participation Pathway Programs, with competitions staff in charge of league-related components such as scheduling, league management
Developmental Camps
- Organize, run and expand Developmental Camp
- Explore options to expand programming opportunities to connect Developmental Camp and other player development pathways and initiatives across the state
- Develop and manage budgets
Additional Duties
- As needed, assist the Technical Director with conducting coaching education courses and clinics
- Evaluate Iowa Soccer Bylaws, Rules and Policies, and all competition rules and policies on regular basis and develop/recommend changes or updates as needed
- Collaborate with Director of Marketing and communications to research and propose additional revenue streams via strategic partnerships/sponsorships
- You can influence “additional” based upon skillset/interests, as long as primary responsibilities are executed well and on time
Minimum Qualifications
- Current U.S. Soccer A or B License
- Proven, positive leadership and management skills, including ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain staff and volunteers alike
- Previous experience working at state and regional ODP levels
- Demonstrated coaching ability at all ages and levels of play
- A positive tenure in club or association management
- Track record of providing strategic direction and successfully implementing organization’s vision
- Depth of experience in conflict management/resolution
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Tech savvy and able to quickly learn and use new software
- Detail-oriented, with ability to manage multiple priorities at once
- Positive interpersonal and communication skills
- Familiarity with social media platforms
Working at Iowa Soccer is a unique opportunity. Employees who work at Iowa Soccer have the following attributes:
- Thrive under the pressure of a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Want to be a part of a team that achieves
- Exude a member-centric approach
- Build relationships through genuine interpersonal skills
- Possess a tireless work ethic
- Embrace learning as a lifelong pursuit
- Communicate in a direct, open and honest manner
- Able to be firm, but fair
- Passion for new technology and ability to determine ways to incorporate
- Open to criticism and do not make excuses
Start Date and Salary
- June/July 2018
- Salary commensurate with skills and experience
- Benefits: health insurance, life insurance, short term disability, retirement plan, Section 125/FSA, paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick, compensatory)
Application Process and Timeline
- Job opening posted May 1, 2018 - UPDATE: May 14, 2018, applications no longer being accepted
- Applications reviewed as received and accepted until job is filled
- Qualifying candidates interviewed immediately
- Click for .pdf of job description
- Submit cover letter, current resume and references via email with subject line “Director of Player Development” to Gareth Smith at gsmith@iowasoccer.org