Director of Soccer Operations

PORTLAND THORNS

Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park.

Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

We are the Portland Thorns.

We will be the #1 women’s football franchise in the world. We fight to protect the integrity of our team and to inspire our city. We are stewards of innovation…on and off the pitch. We have a storied history of winning with a championship pedigree. We believe in inclusiveness and demonstrating an authentic commitment to the community. We are diverse, multi-cultural and we take action with purpose and intent.

We will relentlessly be a thorn in our opponent’s side and forever be the crown jewels of Portland.

The Director of Soccer Operations manages and coordinates the program s administrative operations to enable world-class on-field performance and athlete/staff support. Reporting to the General Manager of Soccer Operations, this role will oversee three (3) direct reports. The ideal candidate is warm, organized, and flexible with real-time problem-solving skills.

• FACILITIES
• Manages all strategic initiatives to ensure a best-in-class working environment. Manages key relationships with venues to ensure continuity of access and consistency of standards for athletes and staff.
• Deliver an annual plan that meets key dates/milestones to support primary sporting objectives.

• FRONT OFFICE LIAISON
• Primary point of contact with the Front Office for player and staff logistics including but not limited to requests for community and sponsorship player and staff appearances and endorsements.
• Manages an annual plan for commercial obligations for all players/staff
• Work closely and constructively with the entire staff.

• COMMUNICATIONS & SCHEDULING
• Assist in (and in some instances manage) the scheduling of necessary team and/or player activity and logistics, ensuring timely communication of pertinent information to all stakeholders, including direct reports, players, front office, visiting teams and PRO. Ensure the Club remains in good standing and is compliant with all NWSL, USSF, CONCACAF, and FIFA policies.
• Monthly review with key stakeholders to identify any areas for focus and ensure objectives are met.

• MANAGE TEAM OPERATIONS BUDGET
• Ensure all budgets for team operations are submitted on time and meet organizational goals. Tracks spend against budget weekly throughout the year.
• Deliver annual plan and budget requirements (including preseason, regular season and postseason budgets) to the General Manager, following ownership budget cycles. Quarterly review of progress/status and immediately notifies any budget variances/discrepancies to the General Manager / Assistant General Manager.

• PLAYER NEEDS
• Be an available resource to players with regards to club related matters as necessary, overseeing all aspects of housing, vehicles, and appropriate childcare for players and trialists. Serve as the primary point of contact for all NWSL payroll, compliance and miscellaneous paperwork.
• Lead the development of and compliance with team rules and league regulations.
• Team compliance across on/off field training and game day regulations. Deliver recommendations and budget requirements in a timely manner to GM.

• DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORSHIP OF DIRECT REPORTS
• Lead and mentor the Manager of Soccer Operations, Equipment Manager, and Player Care Specialist ensuring a high performing team.
• Support all direct reports in areas of responsibility as needed.
• Foster a people-first culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

• What It Takes To Be a Thorn
• At least five (5) years of Team Operations for a sports team, Sports Business, or…