Goalkeeper Coach

The role

The Goalkeeper Coach is responsible for instructing goalkeepers on the philosophy of the team, assessing goalkeeper skills, monitoring players during training and games, and continually stives to improve upon strategy. The Goalkeeper reports directly to the Head Coach in all areas including athletic performance of the goalkeepers. Additionally, this role assists in other areas including, but not limited to, team activities, training and match preparation, player recruitment and oversight, travel logistics, team safety, and overall support for player wellbeing. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the goalkeeper role and must be able to identify areas of concern, propose changes for increased efficiencies and safety, and must always stay knowledgeable of industry trends and changes. This position must be fully committed to the mission and values of USL Spokane and must have the ability to support an infrastructure which embraces commitment to community, safety, inclusion, and optimal performance.

Key or Essential Functions:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the duties listed below. The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develops, trains, and coaches the Spokane Zephyr FC with direct focus on the goalkeepers.
• Provides specialized training focused on technical skills, positioning, shot-stopping, and decision making.
• Assists the Head Coach with development and training of all other players as needed.
• Coordinates oversees player development (individual development plans, analysis etc.)
• Regularly collaborates with technical staff as needed for players development.
• Performs all work with a dedication to the USL Spokane Mission, Vision, and Values and instills those values in players. and holds them accountable for upholding those values.
• Assists with player scouting and recruitment.
• Facilitates video analysis in preparation for match success and assessment of performance following each match. Conducts individual player assessment following every match.
• Attends every home match and travels with the team for every away match.
• Assists with administrative duties as needed such as supporting travel arrangements, participating in community engagements, speaking engagements, attending public appearances and represent the club, attend soccer clinic and camps.
• Assists with facilitating annual tryouts and player selection process.
• Supports all training sessions and works directly with the Head Coach to schedule out and prepare all goalkeeper training session plans.
• Connects with the local soccer community to foster positive and strategic relationships as well as grow the USL Spokane brand in a positive and inclusive manner.
• In all work performed in this role, the Goalkeeper Coach must be able to pivot and maintain composure in stressful situations.
• This position involves heavy domestic travel, potential international travel, and regular work on the weekends, evenings, and some holidays. To be successful in this role, the Goalkeeper Coach must be able to fully commit to the travel and local schedule.

Secondary Functions:

The startup nature and growth of USL Spokane requires highly skilled employees who can operate in a fast paced and frequently changing environment. All positions require an entrepreneurial spirit to identify new solutions, a can-do attitude with a goal of always finding a way to success, and the ability to thrive in an environment of ambiguity and change. As individual employees, members of a team, and part of the entire USL Spokane eco system, a passion for solving complex problems and contributing to the overall success of all operations is key. Every single employee contributes to a culture of working collaboratively and contributing to all aspects of the club. Employees must contribute fully to their own position and more broadly to all areas of business as needed to support the mission and drive forward success on and off the field.

At the direction of the USL Spokane Club President, club ownership and/or the VP of Marketing and Communications, responds to requests from the media and represents USL Spokane with impeccable professionalism and commitment to the organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in sports management, sports administration, or other similar areas of academic accomplishment a plus.
• Minimum of 2 years coaching experience or with an equivalent background in soccer to quickly learn and adapt to the needs of the position.
• A combination or accumulation of applicable work-related experience and/or education may be recognized as sufficiently meeting the requirements based upon educational programs and specific experience.
• B license desirable, minimum USSF “C” Coaching License or International equivalent license.
• Ability to pass comprehensive background check including a motor vehicle report.
• Possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license and maintain legally required insurance.

Previous experience should include:

• Experience working with athletes, coaches, and technical staff
• Strong knowledge of goalkeeping techniques, tactics, and modern training methodolgies
• Proven ability to build respectful working relationships and effectively communicate with employees, management, vendors, contractors, players, and community partners. Must be able to clearly articulate needs.
• Positive mindset and ability to provide a positive presence when interacting with players and staff.
• Ability to work independently and have a high degree of personal initiative and be proactive.
• Ability to solve problems creatively in real time with constricted resources and adapt quickly.
• Passion for working in a high performing team environment.
• Demonstrates superior customer service skills by ensuring each interaction leaves the individual feeling heard, appreciated, understood, and valued.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. These qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required to perform this position:

• Leadership: All positions at USL Spokane must perform their position with the mindset of leadership whether leading a team or department, a project, or one’s own daily work; proactively identifies barriers to success for the position and the organization and presents solutions; steps in to help other members of the team even when outside the scope of the position; demonstrates commitment to the growth and success of others at USL Spokane and in the community; empowers others to make decisions and share ideas; has empathy and compassion for others and their experiences; values and embraces diverse perspectives.
• Community and Environmental Stewardship: Ability to perform all work with continued commitment to seek solutions with minimal environmental impacts; generates and embraces ideas to adjust work methods to reduce waste; good overall understanding of the Spokane, WA community and makes business decisions to contribute to the overall health of the community.
• Adaptability: Ability to be flexible and adapt of changes, expectations, or delays, or unexpected events in the work environment while maintaining professionalism; ability to manage competing demands and prioritize tasks; ability to change approach or method to best fit the situation and prospect needs; ability to multi-task; and ability to thrive in a fast-paced changing environment with multiple interruptions while maintaining the ability to quickly refocus and shift priorities; must be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people with the ability to answer questions in a professional and friendly manner.
• Analytical Ability: Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and report on information; ability to use intuition, experience, and creativity to spot trends in data; ability to utilize strong conceptual and strategic mindset in the evaluation of information.
• Computer Ability: Microsoft Office with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Internet research; Club provided laptop and in office phone system; Other software as applicable
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work with all personality types at all levels including staff, management, vendors, contractors, and the community; ability to build strong, meaningful, and respectful relationships; excellent customer service skills; good overall understanding of appropriate human relations; ability to constructively receive and apply feedback to improve performance.
• Communication Skills: Ability to articulately draft emails, strategic plans, operational manuals, and other written communication; excellent communication with ability to adjust communication style to meet the preferences of others; ability to actively listen and value other thoughts, experiences, and feedback; effective negotiation skills; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Dependability: Ability to consistently keep work organized to ensure follow-through with completing tasks; ability to follow instructions; ability to meet deadlines; ability to consistently arrive on time and be at work as scheduled.

Equipment / Tools Utilized:

Frequent use of:

• Computer operations (laptop & desktop hardware), including 10-key function
• Office equipment including copy machines, computers, and phone
• Other equipment deemed necessary

Physical Requirements:

• Work is a combination of an office setting and work performed in locker rooms, at stadiums, and other various locations when traveling. Some work is performed in the field which includes traveling out of town, conducting work in various soccer stadiums and within the USL Spokane soccer stadium.
• Ability to work with moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noise while performing work in the field and at the stadium.

Essential position functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to:

• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Walk or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Regularly talk, hear, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
• Occasionally climb
• Lift, carry, push, and /or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight up to 50-60 pounds
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard with ability to grasp and reach
• Utilize verbal and written communication to exchange information
• Near / Acuity: Clearly see 20+ feet with or without corrective lenses.

Working Conditions:

• While performing the essential job functions, the employee may experience the following conditions:
• Position will require flexible hours which will include extended days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overnights due to travel.
• Deadlines and goals may generate stress.
• Noise Conditions: exposed to a variety of noise conditions including noise consistent with a standard office environment on a regular basis and exposed to loud noise while in the stadium, on the road, and working directly with coaches and players.
• Heat/Cold: May be subject to heat, cold, wet and/or humid weather conditions, and occasionally extreme heat and/or cold.
• Atmospheric Exposure: Exposed to typical office environment conditions as well as some work conducted while outside and in the soccer stadium.
• Injury Exposure: May be exposed to mechanical equipment used to support players in their training.
• The club may accommodate some work from home and remote work based upon the needs of the club and suitability for the position.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Exempt position with a range of $68,000 – $78,000.
• Eligible for annual discretionary bonus.
• Paid unlimited vacation policy and 10 days of sick leave per calendar year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided with a 75% employer contribution for employee premiums.
• 50% employer contribution for dependent/spouse medical, dental, and vision.
• Employer paid employee life insurance and AD&D.