Job Description
About Cambridge Youth Soccer:
Cambridge Youth Soccer is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973. Affiliated with League1 Ontario, Canada Soccer, Ontario Soccer, WRSL, and SWRSA. Committed to developing player’s technical soccer skills, as well as their sportsmanship, through offering a variety of programs. Offer indoor and outdoor soccer programs for recreational and competitive teams. OPDL License Holder since 2018.
Our mission is to provide organized soccer and a development pathway for players within our community. Our objective is to promote and develop the game of soccer within its boundaries, and to help individuals to develop their character as resourceful and responsible members of their community by providing opportunities, through the game of soccer, for their mental, physical, social and leadership
development.
Position Summary:
The Technical Director is considered the Technical Leader of Cambridge Youth Soccer (Cambridge United) and Head of the Technical Team. In alignment with Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer’s High performance and Player Development Program, this role will have responsibility and accountability for new strategy development, planning, implementation and management of all staff and programs within Cambridge Youth Soccer (Cambridge United) from Tiny Tots through to League1, League2 and our Adult League.
The positions of Grassroots Manager, High Performance Managers, Coaches, Club Head Referee, all report to the Technical Director. The Technical Director position reports to the Executive Director.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
GENERAL
• Oversee the work of the Managers (Grassroots & High Performance and Managers along with Player Development Program. )
• Influential leader within Cambridge Youth Soccer (Cambridge United) and in good standing with Ontario Soccer , Canada Soccer and within the Senior Management Group.
• Design, oversee and manage an annual operating plan and balanced budget for the Soccer Operations Department.
• Develop and execute new programs designed towards enhanced player development, retention and revenue generation
• Identify other opportunities for increasing club awareness, creative partnerships and innovation
• Collaboration with Executive Director and sponsorship committee to champion fundraising and sponsorship opportunities
• Official spokesperson for all technical programs, unless otherwise delegated.
• Participate in all National Technical Director Meetings.
• Establish and manage relationships with all key technical leaders within the soccer industry (i.e. Professional Clubs, Club and Private Academies, Leagues, etc.)
• Lead technical staff with accountability of the execution of Cambridge Youth Soccer (Cambridge United) Strategic Plan.
• Forge new relationships benefiting our club, showcasing our players both nationally and internationally
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
• Ensure continuous assessment and improvement of the player development matrices and alignment with LTPD principals as directed by Canada Soccer.
• Provide leadership support to the Grassroots Development staff in the field ensuring all Ontario Soccer Districts are engaged and working under a two way collaborative approach.
• Lead the technical strategy and programming for all programs
• In alignment with Canada Soccer’s technical plans and Ontario Soccer’s Long Term Player Development Plan, lead and shape the transition and implementation of the new Talented Player Pathway programs
• Accountability and responsibility for Talented Player Pathway program delivery, involving staff management, support and membership education and technical direction.
• Lead the establishment of a new High-Performance Culture, working closely with the Managers of High Performance.
• Form and maintain close professional relationships with Technical, Operational and Admin staff.
• Continuous improvement of the new Talent Identification and Development plan
o Development and implementation of a talented player information management platform
o Support Service Integration
• Oversee the technical direction of our pathway to League 1 Ontario, including the implementation and continual progression of the following standards and or programs:
o Coaching certification
o Sport Science
o Coaching professional development
o Player talented pathway instructional curriculum for this level of play
• Serve on Steering Committees to the benefit of Cambridge Youth Soccer (Cambridge United) and participate in all meetings and responsibilities of the committee
• Lead and execute the operational direction of the OPDL, including the implementation and continual progression of the following associated programs/committees:
o OPDL League Operations and management oversight
o OPDL Performance Management process and Annual License Performance Review
COACHING
• Ensure continuous improvement of educational, developmental strategies in alignment with the Coaching Team for the growth of coaches and wider support staff
• Ensure OPDL and League 1 Ontario Professional Development Plan development and delivery, including Elite Coaching Plan in conjunction with the Manager of Coaching.
MATCH OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT
• Oversee the Club Head Referee
• Ensure continuous assessment and improvement of the Match Officials development programs and alignment with Canada Soccer’s department of Match Officials.
• Provide leadership support to the Match Officials Development staff in the field ensuring all Ontario Soccer Districts are engaged and working under a two way collaborative approach.
QUALIFICATIONS
• 10 years coaching within Elite Player Development program at a provincial or national level
• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience
• Minimum 5 years of coach and education / facilitation experience
• Experience in managing organizational change and developing new systems and processes
• Thorough understanding of Canada Soccer’s Wellness to World Cup Document and the Canadian Sport for Life’s Long Term Athlete Model, with focus and experience in Train to Train (Stage 4) and Train to Win (Stage 6)
• Program and Budget management experience
• Education and Professional Designations:
o A minimum Canada Soccer 'B' License or equivalent
o TD Diploma
o Learning Facilitator certification (beneficial, but not required)
o University degree or college diploma in sport or a related discipline (beneficial, but not required)
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Police check
• Valid Driver’s License (in good standing)
• Familiarity with Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program
• Proven success generating results in leading technical and high performance soccer programming inclusive of player, coach and match officials education/development through the establishment of effective training systems
• Well established leadership, personal and staff management skills
• Understands the importance of relationship management and customer service, ability to build and maintain strong relationships within the soccer community and sport sector.
• Analytical, organizational and management abilities, combined with sound business acumen, and outstanding team building and leadership skills
• A talent for innovation and creativity, and the skill set to move from the strategic development stage to action to achieving a pre-defined level of performance measurements
• Possess a high energy level and a commitment to and passion for the cause of the player, coach and match official education/development, including a dedication to excellence.
• Experience in problem solving and ensuring challenges are turned into positive learning opportunities.
• High levels of personal integrity and a very strong work ethic.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation and analytical skills
• Flexibility to work off-business hours such as evenings and weekends
• Well established and developed presentation and facilitation skills with experience in adult education.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of common technology and computer platforms
• Able to lead a team and to work harmoniously with colleagues, work with initiative and energy
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties which may be assigned from time to time.
Cambridge Youth Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on citizenship, age, family status, race, sex (including pregnancy), creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, place of origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
This policy applies to all emploment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Cambridge Youth Soccer makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Cambridge Youth Soccer welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
