What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Female Health Research, Kang Women’s Institute position at Soccer Forward Foundation?
U.S. Soccer Overview
The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.
We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That’s why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of US.
U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for US soccer in the near and far future. We are therefore looking for dynamic servant-leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.
Soccer Forward Overview
Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup legacy initiative, is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities through the most accessible sport in America. Soccer Forward will be partner focused and driven and staff will engage with key stakeholders in the world of soccer, such as FIFA, Concacaf, NWSL, and MLS, as well as with U.S. Soccer member organizations.
The Soccer Forward team will create innovative and thoughtful strategies on how Soccer Forward can contribute to U.S. Soccer’s sponsors, media partners and donors. The team will organize, engage, manage and develop relationships with key community and charitable partners, particularly at a national and global level.
Position Description
The Research Manager will contribute to the research and education implementation for the Kang Women’s Institute, ensuring that the female lens is at the heart of everything we do. The primary focus of the role will be to lead on the development of a female-focused ecosystem where all players can reach their full potential.
This role aligns with the WNT strategy while integrating an interdisciplinary approach. This role will support and uphold the U.S. Way and serve the entire ecosystem.
Primary Responsibilities
- Support Sr Director of Research in supporting specifically at WYNT and Club level to screen, track and collect female health and performance data according to established best practices, identifying and supporting their individualized needs.
- Deliver education on topics related to female health across the female lifecycle but with a specific focus on the developing player.
- Identify opportunities to reinforce education outside of formal settings. Collaborate with the Education/Content team to increase engagement and capture feedback.
- Provide generalized female physiology support across other facets of performance e.g. recovery, travel, sleep etc.
- Ensure policies and processes are compliant with female athlete health standards.
- Drive a culture of innovation across the environment, ensuring that female-specific considerations are embedded throughout.
- Collaborate with other research and performance teams to identify and address systemic biases, gaps in resources, ecosystem needs, and innovation opportunities.
- Undertake a progressive and ongoing personal and professional developmental process, attending and participating in internal CPD sessions and external sessions.
- Execute additional departmental and team tasks as requested by leadership.
- Full-time in-person attendance and participation is expected during U23 women’s camps throughout the year.
- In-person attendance to trainings and relevant event within U.S. Club environments and Women’s Academy.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of and/or experience in working with female players/athletes or with female teams.
- Educational Background: Degree in Sports Science or a related field, with a minimum of a Master's Degree in athletic health, physiology or performance related disciplines.
- Facilitation Skills: Ability to deliver engaging educational sessions with practical solutions and actionable takeaways.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to adapt to the needs of diverse stakeholders; instill confidence as subject matter expert.
- Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness in work.
- Process-Oriented: Demonstrates strong organizational skills and the ability to follow and improve processes effectively.
- Ability to quickly establish key stakeholders’ trust, especially as it relates to sharing sensitive/personal information.
- General knowledge of soccer.
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments.
- Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
- Passion for advancing female sport.
- Desire to learn and innovate.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in tracking, interpreting and acting on female physiological athlete data.
- Regulation: Basic understanding of policy, governance and processes.
- Successful track record of leading and influencing in the sporting environment.
- Experience working with and supporting the development of players under the age of 23.
Soccer Forward offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.
Soccer Forward is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.