Academy Head Coach

Position Summary

The D.C. United Academy Head Coach is responsible for leading and developing one of the club’s academy teams in alignment with the club’s playing philosophy, player development model, and performance standards. The role focuses on developing elite youth players technically, tactically, physically, mentally, and socially while preparing them for progression into the First Team, including first-team pathways.

The Head Coach will create a high-performance learning environment that emphasizes long-term player development, professionalism, accountability, and excellence on and off the field.

Compensation

$65,000 - $75,000

Key Responsibilities

Player Development

• Design and deliver age-appropriate training sessions aligned with the club’s game model and developmental curriculum.
• Develop individual player development plans (IDPs) and monitor player progress throughout the season.
• Foster technical mastery, tactical understanding, decision-making, and competitive mentality.
• Prepare players for advancement into higher academy levels, reserve teams, and professional pathways.
• Provide consistent evaluation and constructive feedback to players and families.
  
  

Team Coaching

• Lead all team training sessions, matches, tournaments, and travel events.
• Analyze team and individual performances using the club’s video and performance data tools.
• Implement club playing principles and tactical frameworks consistently across all activities.
• Manage match preparation, substitutions, game management, and post-match review processes.
  
  

Leadership & Culture

• Establish a professional, disciplined, and positive team culture.
• Serve as a role model for players, staff, and families by demonstrating professionalism and integrity.
• Reinforce standards related to conduct, academics, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle habits.
• Promote inclusivity, accountability, teamwork, and resilience within the academy environment.
  
  

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Academy Directors, performance staff, analysts, medical staff, and other coaches.
• Participate in club-wide coaching education and technical meetings.
• Coordinate with scouting and recruitment staff regarding player identification and evaluation.
• Maintain communication with parents/guardians regarding player development and team expectations.
  
  

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate training plans, attendance records, evaluations, and match reports.
• Ensure compliance with MLS, MLS NEXT, U.S. Soccer, and club policies.
• Assist with academy events, showcases, camps, and community initiatives as required.
• Support operational planning related to travel, scheduling, and logistics.
  
  

Qualifications

• U.S. Soccer “A” License or equivalent UEFA Pro/Elite Youth License preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of coaching experience in professional academy, or high-performance environments.
• Strong understanding of long-term athlete development and modern player development methodologies.
• Experience working within professional academy systems and talent pathways.
• Knowledge of video analysis platforms and performance management tools.
• CPR/AED and Safeguarding certifications required or willingness to obtain.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coaching within an MLS club, U.S. Soccer, or professional club environments.
• Former professional playing experience preferred but not required.
• Bilingual communication skills are a plus.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary performance staff and support staff.
• College degree
  
  

Key Competencies

• Leadership and mentorship
• Communication and relationship-building
• Tactical and technical expertise
• Player-centered coaching
• Organizational and administrative skills
• Emotional intelligence and professionalism
• Growth mindset and continuous learning
  
  

Work Environment

• Evening, weekend, and holiday work required.
• Frequent domestic travel for matches, showcases, and tournaments.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• High-performance, fast-paced professional sports environment.
  
  

The selected candidate must pass a background check.

D.C. United is committed to uplifting our community, staff, and club. We are seeking candidates to be a part of our journey in our quest for continued organizational growth and another MLS Cup.

D.C. United will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

D.C. United is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). D.C. United reaffirms its commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. D.C. United is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. D.C. United is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions can include hiring, termination, compensation, benefits, promotion, training selection, or other statuses or conditions of employment. All employment decisions are made based on individual skills, knowledge, abilities, job performance, and other appropriate qualifications.