Head of Development Phase (U11-U14)

About us

Chicago Fire Football Club is a Major League Soccer team that was founded in 1997. Under new ownership, the Club recently returned to Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field, opened a new 50,000-square foot office in the heart of the city, and unveiled a premium state-of-the-art Performance Center in January 2025. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an audacious and ambitious vision that will transform the brand and the company in the coming years.

At Chicago Fire Football Club, we’re on a mission to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago by delivering excellence on and off the pitch to ensure a world-class experience. As a club we let our values guide everything we do: we uphold uncompromising integrity, show respect for all at all times, never settle for less, constantly innovate, and hold ourselves relentlessly accountable.

Position Overview:

Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club (CFYSC) is seeking a highly self-motivated individual to oversee our Development Phase (U11-U14). With a proven track record of helping to develop players and coaches, CFYSC aims to be the premier destination in Chicagoland for young footballers. The successful individual must possess a character and skillset that enables them to deliver first-class soccer programming. The Head of Development Phase (U11-U14) will report to the Director of Coaching, CFYSC.

Responsibilities:

• Organize and implement all programs and teams within the phase, ensuring the completion of all roster management needs, training/games schedules, management of the coaching staff and other duties as required
• Work in conjunction with the Director of Coaching to deliver an age-appropriate curriculum that is aligned with by club’s game model and defined learning outcomes
• Communicate effectively with club members to ensure all club related questions & concerns are promptly addressed
• Finalize all league/tournament placements for phase teams and support registration needs
• Monitor staff performance in relation to expectations outlined by the leadership team
• Conduct yearly coaching assessments of all technical staff within the phase
• Support staff development opportunities through educational clinics & licensing
• Utilize video to capture training sessions and games for the purpose of player and coach education
• Lead parent education sessions on all relevant topics
• Oversee the planning and execution of club tryouts as well as individual tryouts
• Coach one full-year team and support others with coaching duties when required
• Alongside the leadership team and where required, lead/support all supplemental training and events (indoor league and tournament)
• Represent the club with all relevant leagues and organizing bodies
• Support the Chicago Fire Academy with player identification & benchmarking of local players
• Completion of other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Passion for soccer and working with players ages 11-14
• 6 years minimum of youth soccer coaching experience
• Current USSF B coaching license or equivalent
• Ability to communicate effectively with club membership, leadership, players, and staff
• Excellent organizational skills
• Understanding of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other Office products
• Completion of SafeSport training requirements
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Strong work ethic and desire to build a career in professional sports
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including non-traditional hours (nights, weekends, holidays, and home games or work events)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Management experience in youth soccer
• USSF A coaching license or equivalent
• Bilingual (English and Spanish)
• Experience leading parent education sessions

Compensation:

• This role offers a salary range of $60,000-$65,000 and is eligible for a revenue incentive bonus plan
• Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant’s background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt
• This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals
• Additional benefits & perks: Official Chicago Fire FC Website