What are the responsibilities and job description for the Performance Innovation Specialist position at U.S. Soccer Federation?
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 is 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 U.S.
U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. 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.
Position Description
The Performance Innovation Specialist will play a pivotal role in the implementation and operational execution of Performance Innovation initiatives within U.S. Soccer. Reporting directly to the Director of Performance Innovation, this position is designed to strengthen the department’s capacity to deliver high-impact, cross-functional projects that advance the health, performance, and development of players and staff across the U.S. Soccer ecosystem.
This role will play a key technical and operational role in the development of the Performance Innovation Lab at the National Training Center (NTC), with a primary focus on biomechanical analysis, motion capture systems, performance technology integration, and the execution of applied, performance-centered research projects. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and experienced in project management, with a strong understanding of scientific methodology and the ability to operate effectively within a transdisciplinary, integrated performance support environment. This position will work collaboratively with internal departments (e.g., Performance Science, Performance Medicine, Data Analytics, Performance Analytics, etc.), as well as external stakeholders (e.g., academic institutions, technology partners, and funding agencies).
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide support in the design and management of performance innovation projects. This may imply providing support in conducting experiments, including setting up equipment, preparing materials, and recording observations.
- Lead the setup, calibration, and operation of motion capture systems (e.g., marker-based/ markerless) and force platforms within the NTC Performance Lab
- Support biomechanical data collection during testing sessions and translate biomechanical insights into actionable recommendations, including data analytics and data visualizations targeting a range of stakeholders.
- Assist in addressing applied research questions raised by high-performance staff, collaborating with external experts, universities, PhD candidates, or other partners when appropriate.
- Conduct literature reviews to stay informed on emerging research, technologies, and methodologies.
- Assist in the processing, analysis, and interpretation of data to extract meaningful insights.
- Document experimental procedures, analyze results, and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and internal and peer-reviewed publications.
- Support the creation of communication materials that translate research findings into actionable insights (e.g., develop and publish educational resources across digital platforms).
- Foster a culture of continuous learning through knowledge exchange.
- Lead the organization of performance innovation events such as webinars, symposia, and workshops.
- Assist with day-to-day project management tasks, including scheduling, coordinating communication between stakeholders, and tracking progress toward milestones.
- Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, funding applications, and finding donors, sponsors, or industry funding to keep growing research and innovation at US Soccer.
- Facilitate collaboration opportunities and attract innovative companies capable of addressing key challenges in soccer.
- Ensure all initiatives align with U.S. Soccer’s strategic priorities and adhere to ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols
- Stay current with scientific and technological advancements and share learnings to elevate the department’s collective expertise.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree and PhD degree (or willingness to start a PhD program) in an area related to Integrated Performance Support (e.g., Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with motion capture systems and force platforms, with a strong applied biomechanics background and ability to support data collection and interpretation
- General knowledge of soccer / Strong knowledge of soccer
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Exceptional time management skills and ability to prioritize workflow
- Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
- Ability to deliver high-quality work and execute under pressure and deadlines
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook) and Tableau/Power-BI
- Excellent written and verbal communication combined with a professional demeanor with excellent capacity and understanding to write scientific papers
- Able and willing to travel up to 10-15% of the year
- Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as needed
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Desired Qualifications
- Passion for soccer
- Master’s and PhD degree in a soccer-specific area or sport management
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
- Thorough institutional knowledge of U.S. Soccer’s mission, goals, technical plan, policies, practices, and procedures
- Previous experience with a club or national team
- Proficient experience with tools for statistical analysis such as SPSS, R, or Python
U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.
U.S. Soccer 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