Academy Director

Job Title: Academy Director

Department: Academy- Technical

Reports to: General Manager

Job Summary:

The Academy Director will lead all aspects of FC Cincinnati’s Academy program and oversee the daily sporting and administrative operations of the Academy. Reporting to the Director of Player Development, this individual will be responsible for building an elite developmental environment that prepares players for progression into FC Cincinnati 2 and ultimately the First Team. The Academy Director will also play a key leadership role in coach education, staffing, talent identification, and the long-term strategic growth of the Academy.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day sporting and administrative operations of the FC Cincinnati Academy.
• Implement and maintain the Club’s player development methodology and game model consistently across all Academy age groups.
• Oversee curriculum planning, training periodization, and competition schedules to ensure age-appropriate development.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Player Development, FC Cincinnati 2 staff, and First Team technical staff to maintain a consistent player development pathway.
• Manage the Academy coaching staff, including hiring, mentorship, evaluation, and ongoing professional development.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive coach education program that reinforces the Club’s playing philosophy, training standards, and developmental expectations.
• Establish and maintain high performance standards and accountability across all Academy teams and staff.
• Support player identification and recruitment efforts throughout the local, regional, national, and international youth markets as appropriate.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with players, parents, coaches, and internal stakeholders regarding Academy standards and expectations.
• Ensure compliance with MLS, MLS NEXT, U.S. Soccer, SafeSport, and all other governing body regulations and standards.
• Represent FC Cincinnati and the Academy in a professional manner within the local community and broader soccer landscape

What You’ll Need:

• Complete proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays, and be prepared for extensive travel for preseason, away games, post-season trips, et cetera
• Must have excellent interpersonal written/verbal communication skills, be detail-oriented and highly organized with the ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and adapt to change
• Ability to create and maintain effective relationships with parents
• Ability to effectively recruit players and their families to Cincinnati
• Current expertise in U.S. and world soccer from the Academy to the 1st Team level, and a willingness to continue to learn best practices
• Represent FCC in a professional manner at all times
• Fluent in English
• What You’ll Bring:
• USSF “A” coaching license or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year university and/or have been a professional soccer player at a country’s highest level for at least 5 years
• Minimum of 7 years youth soccer coaching experience
• Must have at least 3 years of experience coach
• Must pass SafeSport background check

Why You’ll Love FCC:

• Generous paid time off and holiday time
• Option for one work from home day per week (by department and schedule)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k plan with company match
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Maternity & Paternity Leave and Family Building Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program and free subscription to the Calm App
• Discount off merchandise in the FCC team store
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Professional development and Frequent team building opportunities
• Employee recognition programs and referral programs
• Opportunity for complimentary staff tickets to home FC Cincinnati matches

About FCC

Founded in 2015, FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. After achieving significant growth and success in the United Soccer League, the team joined MLS in 2019. FCC won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs for the second straight year. With a diverse ownership group with strong ties to Cincinnati, the club strives to unite the community both on and off the pitch through FCC Foundation, and its dedication to improving the lives of children through soccer and those in the West End Community . FC Cincinnati are committed to ongoing growth and recognizing the vital importance of company culture. The club’s DNA code, created by the staff for the staff, is actively implemented every day. FCC have been recognized locally and nationally as one of Sports Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of “75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home.”; on the Business Courier’s Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati’s fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer’s Top Workplaces 2024.

Learn More!

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FC Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.