Manager, Performance & Player Development - Crew 2 & Academy

Overview

Columbus Crew is searching for an energetic and passionate individual for a Manager of Performance, Player Development full time role. This exciting opportunity embeds the individual into the day-to-day programming of our player development pathway. The Crew is invested in the individual development of each athlete within our player pathway. This role will be vital in ensuring the maximization of their potential through the physical performance aspect of their profile. This individual should be motivated by the development of young players and be driven to contribute to their athletic journey.

Responsibilities:

• Player Development & Leadership:
  • Lead the performance space within three main areas: emerging talents, second team and academy teams.
  • Implement and deliver plans for physical development of youth players within the club.
  • Manage the appropriate execution of the physical component of player development plans across all levels of the club.
  • Create and deliver reports on the physical component of player development across all levels of the club.
  • Establish age specific and science-based physical benchmarks to drive programs.
  • Create and maintain performance testing battery and schedule.
• Coaches & Meetings:
  • Attend meetings with medical and performance staffs across all levels of the club.
  • Attend meetings with Crew2/Academy coaching staffs as needed.
  • Create and maintain regular meeting schedule to discuss progress of emerging talents throughout all levels of the club.
  • Act as the Performance Lead in the Emerging Talents Workgroup.
• On Field Coaching:
  • On field priority focus will be in attending the IDP and IDP sessions.
  • Establish cadence for attending first team, Crew 2, and Academy training sessions and/or matches.
  • Provide cross coverage of Crew 2 and Academy teams as needed (i.e. run warm up, RTP, or gym sessions).
• Load Management & Injury Prevention:
  • Lead development of periodization and programming for emerging talents.
  • Work closely with Crew 2/Academy performance staff in load management and injury prevention.
  • Ensure all information is aligned within One Club philosophy.
• Administrative:
  • Maintain appropriate reports that detail plans and progressions for player development.
  • Establish cadence for reporting on emerging talents progress physical development.
• Return to Play Programming:
  • Ensure Crew 2/Academy performance staff have built appropriate RTP.
• Leadership:
  • Provide leadership to Crew 2/Academy performance staff.
  • Provide support for Crew 2/Academy performance staff in day to day operations.
• Pre-Season & Away Games:
  • Work closely with Crew 2/Academy performance staff to establish appropriate preseason physical periodization.
  • Attend preseason trips with Crew 2 as necessary and required.
  • Create a travel schedule for Crew 2/Academy away games and tournaments that fosters leadership, evaluation and support of Crew 2/performance staff.
• Technology Platforms:
  • Use club's technology platforms to analyze physical development of emerging talents across all levels of the club.
  • Prepare individual physical development programs with second team and academy performance staff for players based off of data collected on these platforms.
• Community:
  • Interact with local soccer community.
  • Making public appearances and participating in promotional and sponsorship activities on behalf of the Team (and its sponsors) as are reasonable in Employee's position as Manager, Performance (Player Development) without additional compensation.
  • Involve players with the community outreach activities.
• Other Duties:
  • Performing such other duties reasonably consistent with Employee's employment as Fitness Coach that may from time to time be reasonably determined by the Director of Sports Science and/or club leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited College/University in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field (required).
• Master's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education or related field (preferred).
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in working with and developing elite level youth athletes (required).
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA, UKSCA, or ASCA or equivalent internationally recognized Strength and Conditioning certification (required).
• Certified Performance and Sports Scientist (CPSS) by NSCA (preferred).
• First Aid and CPR certified.
• Previous experience working as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience in utilizing sports science technologies and athlete management systems such as: STATSports, Vald Performance, Kitman Labs, etc.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to quickly build trust and relationships with players and staff.
• Fluency in multiple languages would be considered an asset.
• Extensive computer knowledge, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Zoom.
• An ongoing awareness and responsiveness to client satisfaction.
• A high level of accuracy, attention to detail and confidentiality,
• Proven ability to listen, understand and communicate effectively.
• Proven to perform well under pressure, manage multiple priorities simultaneously within a highly dynamic environment.
• Accepting direction while also displaying a high level of initiative.
• Ability to grasp new concepts quickly and comfortable and capable in meeting deadlines.
• On call availability and flexibility and willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays with ability to travel when necessary.
• A positive, winning attitude, incorporating integrity and discretion.
• A strong understanding of growth and maturation & pediatric exercise