MLS Academy Director

Position Description

The MLS Next Academy Director position at The St. James Football Club (TSJFC) is a full‑time position that will report directly to the Director of Soccer/Technical Director. The MLS Next Academy Director will be responsible for all day‑to‑day soccer operations, program management, staff management, budget management and methodology/ curriculum development and management over the MLS Next program in conjunction with the senior technical staff.

The TSJFC MLS Next Academy consists of six teams that participate in the MLS Next Academy Division and is currently a top performing club in the conference and nationally. An ideal candidate will possess the ability to help the club achieve its goal of adding the Homegrown Division to our player pathway. To date, the TSJFC MLS Next program is the top club (by points won) in the Virginia Conference and our U17s have already qualified for MLS Next Cup.

The ideal candidate would be available to start immediately.

• Boys MLS Next Program Development and Oversight
  • Development and implementation of club curriculum consistent with club methodology and standards of game and style of play.
  • Oversee staff to develop plans, schedules, budgets and development targets across the different ages and developmental levels.
  • Manage communication and expectations with parents regarding all aspects of the program with staff and members.
  • Integrate the MLS Next Director into the short & long term development of all boys teams as well as individual player development from our Pre‑Travel through all levels of Travel Soccer, including MLS Next Academy and supporting the club’s ambitions of creating senior levels of girls football within the St. James FC competitive pyramid.
• Coaching & Managing within the MLS Next Academy
  • Coach one (1) MLS Next Academy team while also managing the staff and teams within the MLS Next program.
  • Organize, manage and, when applicable, assist in staff identification as well as scheduling all support staff including GK Coach, Performance Coach, Sports Psychologist, etc.
  • Manage all aspects of the MLS Next Academy program including working with the league and conference on scheduling, scheduling referees, scheduling athletic trainers and working with the Technical Director of facility schedule for training and matches.
  • Attend all home & away league matches, including all tournaments and events.
  • Attend all league meetings and represent the club to the national league.
  • Develop and grow college coaching connections and relationships, utilizing all TSJFCV resources and staff.
  • Work with local, regional & national US Soccer staff to ensure maximum player exposure and identification opportunities.
• League Management
  • Manage all scheduling for MLS Next Academy teams for training and matches.
  • Work with club administrative team to ensure referee coverage.
  • Attend all home & away league matches including MLS Fest, MLS Regional Tournaments and MLS Cup.
  • Attend all MLS Next League meetings.
• Staff Management
  • Manage all staff’s professional development plans in conjunction with the Technical Director.
  • Provide monthly in‑person coaching education sessions for MLS Next Academy staff & Boys Travel staff to ensure developmental standards through all age groups.
  • Conduct weekly staff meetings with MLS Next Academy staff to ensure all training and matches are covered with appropriate training and match plans.
  • Recognize and anticipate growth and staff hiring needs to ensure we are meeting the business needs.

• USSF A License or international equivalent.
• USSF Academy Director License (or complete within 18 months of accepting the position).
• Applicable on‑field experience at the MLS Next, ECNL or former US Soccer Development Academy (DA) level, or professional coaching experience; experience at the MLS Next Homegrown level in a technical leadership position is preferred.
• Proven track record of success in coaching at the MLS Next, ECNL or former US Soccer Development Academy (DA) level or professional coaching experience.

Proven track record for successful placement of athletes at the collegiate and/or professional level.