Girls Academy Director

Location:

San Jose, CA

Overview

Based in San Jose, California, Almaden FC is a thriving soccer club that is home to more than 3,500 players. We are seeking a full-time Girls Academy Director to join our team of professional coaches.

The Girls Academy Director will provide key support to the Head of Development, both on and off the field within the gender-specific group. The ideal candidate will be tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and well-organized. They will maintain a visible on-field presence and provide strong technical leadership.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring an environment that maximizes the potential and prioritizes the development of Almaden FC’s U12 to U19 players. In addition to overseeing the Academy, they will act as Head Coach of two Girls Academy teams.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development

• Implement the AFC game model and player development methodology consistently across all Girls Academy teams and programs, while improving the methods aimed at maximizing potential in key pillars of the game (technical, tactical, physical, and psychosocial)
• Continuously review learning objectives for players and provide education to all relevant coaches
• Work with the Head of Development to guide and mentor coaches
• Train coaches and players on analytics and how to utilize video content to improve performance
• Collaborate with the Head of Development and other Phase leaders to develop seasonal training plans, pre-season camps, curriculum outlines, and competition schedules
• Plan and deliver high-quality training sessions for various age groups
• Act as an ambassador for AFC across the larger regional and national soccer community and be responsible for strategic initiatives within that community

Program Management

• Coordinate with other club leaders and administrators to ensure seamless program operations and effective communication with club membership
• Handle questions, manage issues, and resolve conflict through timely and effective communication with players, parents, coaches, and team managers
• Work with AFC leadership to develop strategies for player retention
• Create and track depth charts for each age group, solving for shortages before they occur
• Drive player recruitment efforts through scouting, partnerships, and marketing
• Attend all Girls Academy games and events
• Handle red cards, parent behavior, and on-field incidents related to the Girls Academy teams and communicate appropriately, involving the Head of Development and General Manager as needed
• Build relationships with PDP, ODP, college coaches, and USYNT staff to advocate for our players

Player Wellness Program

• Develop and manage a player wellness program, including injury prevention and recovery, sports psychology, athletic performance, leadership opportunities, and related workshops, seminars, and educational materials for coaches, parents, and players
• Assist in creating and implementing Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for Performance players
• Help to develop and implement age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs tailored to the needs of youth soccer players
• Collaborate with coaches to integrate physical training sessions into the overall player development curriculum, ensuring alignment with technical and tactical objectives
• Develop a college program that supports AFC players’ aspirations to play beyond high school

The Person

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated coach with:

• Significant knowledge of the US Soccer Coaching Curriculum
• USSF A License or international equivalent (or B License holder working towards A License)
• A minimum of seven (7) years of comparable coaching experience
• Excellent leadership and decision-making capabilities
• Sound technological skills and the ability to work with software programs, including spreadsheets, databases, Google Suite, word processing, Hudl, and presentation software
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to lead projects and create, manage, and deliver training clinics and practice sessions
• The ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• The ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends – must have your own transportation

The following would be beneficial in this role:

• Previous management experience in youth soccer
• College and/or professional playing experience
• USSF National Youth License
• A college degree
• A good working knowledge of the youth soccer landscape in the US

At the discretion of the General Manager, a combination of education and playing/coaching experience may be substituted for specific licensing and/or experience requirements. Likewise, licensing requirements may be waived for one year if a coach is working to obtain licensure.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please send your resume and a cover letter stating your suitability to our retained recruitment partners via [email protected].

All direct applicants will be forwarded to Football Careers for consideration. Due to the expected volume of applicants, we may only be able to contact candidates whose applications will be progressing.