What are the responsibilities and job description for the Talent Identification Manager: Women’s Youth National Teams, Southeast Region position at U.S. Soccer Federation?
**This is a remote position supporting the Southeast Region**
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
Reporting into the Talent Identification Senior Manager and Director, the Talent Identification Manager is responsible for gender specific, Youth National Team scouting for an assigned geographic region. The role involves leading all aspects of U.S. Soccer’s Talent ID plan, while building and managing a quality and diverse network of part-time scouts and developing intimate knowledge and relationships with key clubs and members to gather detailed information and drive an accurate, efficient, and collaborative decision-making and player selection process.
Primary Responsibilities
- Commits to the mission, objectives, and policies of U.S. Soccer and The U.S. Way (and herLENS).
- Applies U.S. Soccer Talent Identification Philosophy, Framework, Processes and Structures.
- Creates and executes an annual strategic scouting plan for assigned geographic region.
- Collaborates with Talent ID department, Youth National Team Coaches, Integrated Sports Performance, National Team Player Scouts, YNT Scouting Network, and Talent Reporters.
- Identifies, tracks, monitors, and recommends players to expand and improve player pools U-14 through U-23.
- Leads Talent Identification Centers in their assigned region and U-14 Regional and National TID Camps.
- Expands and improves the YNT Scouting Network.
- Serves as Player Scout Lead for specific YNT age group, as assigned by TID Director.
- Manages online technology platforms for reporting and longitudinal monitoring.
- Contributes to US Way and herLENS technical Projects, as assigned.
- Communicates effectively with all internal and external stakeholders (players, staff, scouts, clubs, directors, coaches, members, parents, etc.).
- Completes a personal development plan and reviews with direct report on an annual basis.
Role and tasks of the position are based on 4 Key Areas: Youth National Team Scouting, Building and Managing YNT Scouting Network, Talent Identification Centers and U-14 Programs, and Technology & Analysis
Youth National Teams Scouting
- Strategically and systematically manages individual player identification, tracking and weekly scouting assignments for key games, training sessions, tournaments in assigned region.
- Maintains regional depth charts for all YNT age groups (long lists, short lists).
- Creates, submits, presents, and reviews player reports (written and video, attention to details).
- Cross-checks reports and recommends players for YNT camps as part of longitudinal and collaborative selection and decision-making process.
- Attends key days at YNT age group camps to support assessment process and gain knowledge of current player pool when making comparisons and recommendations. As assigned and approved by Talent ID Director.
- Attends/Co-Leads weekly TID/YNT Age Group Zoom Meetings to review players. Serve in lead role for a YNT age group as assigned by TID Director.
- Leads player selection process for the U-14 Talent ID Program through Talent Identification Centers, Regional Mini-Camps, and National TID Camp.
- Attend Concacaf Championships and World Cups for benchmarking and to support opponent scout analysis, as assigned by TID Director.
Building and Managing YNT Scouting Network
- Builds, manages, and develops a quality, diverse and reliable network of independent/part-time YNT Scouts across their designated scouting markets (recruits, hires, and onboards new scouts in areas of need).
- Assigns scouts to weekly games, training sessions and annual events based on TID strategy and plan.
- Reviews all scout reports for quality control. Provides feedback, supports development, and organizes a mentoring system for YNT Network Scouts.
- Builds a supplementary network with members, clubs, Talent Reporters, and tipsters (informal leads).
- Supports scouting efforts in under-served communities and outreach programs.
- Serves as a TID resource to supports clubs in critical markets to advance their scouting program.
Talent Identification Centers and U-14 Programs (Local, Regional and National)
- Creates and executes annual strategic schedule and plan for Talent Identification Centers in assigned key markets (approximately 4-6 targeted locations).
- Leads player (and staff) selection and other planning aspects to meet all technical objectives, guidelines, standards, protocols, and procedures for quality and uniformity across both genders for all Talent ID Center markets nationwide.
- Plans and organizes Behind the Badge and Goalkeeper specific side-by-side at targeted TID Centers. Promotes attendance to TID Centers by local key stakeholders.
- Identifies and trains YNT Network scouts to serve in lead role for Talent Identification Centers, especially in remote market areas.
- Leads player and staff selection for U-14 Regional and National ID Camps and serves in leadership role during the camps, as assigned by TID Director.
Technology & Analysis (Player Monitoring Systems)
- Monitors players continuously over time (reports, documents, logbooks, etc.).
- Creates video clips to support player examination and reviews.
- Applies data and statistics for quantitative analysis of player.
Other
- Participate in U.S. Soccer Talent Scout Courses and workshops for ongoing education and development, as assigned by TID Director.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- High level ability to lead, plan, collaborate
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain relationships
- Passion for youth scouting and experience within a professionalized environment
- U.S. Soccer Talent Scout License or equivalent
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Competencies, characteristics and understanding of talent identification and development—process, structure, theory, and practice (international and domestic standards)
- Knowledge of the domestic and international soccer landscape/pathway (youth/pro)
- Proficient with analysis, reporting, video editing, data, and scout technology platforms (Sportscode, Wyscout, Hudl, Statsbomb, etc)
- Growth mindset
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook)
- Excellent verbal and written communication combined with a professional demeanor
- Able and willing to work/travel three weekends per month for scouting, and extended periods for events/camps
- Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
Desired Qualifications
- Professional playing experience
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
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.