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Assistant Sporting Director

Full time Leadership & Management MLS

Job Description

The Sporting Kansas City Assistant Sporting Director aids in providing strategic oversight for all areas of the sporting side of the club, including the management of the first team in Major League Soccer, Sporting Kansas City II in MLS NEXT Pro and the Sporting Kansas City Academy.

The Assistant Sporting Director protects and defends a winning culture, upholds the club’s core values and is fully committed to the pursuit of championships and sustained success.

Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.  All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Aid in the oversight of Sporting Kansas City’s professional player pathway—with an added focus on the MLS NEXT Pro second team and the Academy—to ensure optimal player development and ascension at each level, collaborating daily with coaches from all properties.
  • Work closely with the Sporting Director and coaches to develop a clear long-term vision, first team squad plan, philosophy of play and overall team strategy.
  • Work with the Sporting Director and coaches to determine how success is defined and benchmarked, with the top priority of winning championships.
  • Assist in managing the operating budget of the sporting side of the organization, allocating resources in a way that optimizes performance on and off the field and builds for a bright, sustainable future.
  • Strategically manage the MLS NEXT Pro roster, considering all performance, contractual and financial factors to guide decisions on transfers, trades, negotiations and more.
  • Aid in the implementation of a long-term sustainable player recruitment strategy that identifies, monitors and acquires the best possible talent for all three properties on the professional player pathway, combining traditional scouting methods and the use of relevant data.
  • Regularly interact and engage with key personnel at the MLS office on essential topics including (but not limited to) roster rules and regulations, budget management, evolving financial models, competitive balance, and the long-term growth plan of the league.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with agents and other clubs domestically and internationally.
  • Aid in providing ownership with frequent, clear and transparent updates of activity and performance, with a focus on building for a better future.
  • Demonstrate the club’s core values in all facets of the position while protecting and defending a winning culture within the organization.
  • Represent Sporting Kansas City and its related affiliates in a professional manner at all times.
  • Perform other related tasks as assigned.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS 
  • Experience working in a proven and internationally respected professional soccer organization.
  • Experience working and leading within the MLS framework.
  • Experience executing a fully integrated soccer strategy that outperforms its budget.
  • Experience playing soccer for a successful, high-performing team.
  • Strong financial background and exceptional understanding of sporting budget management.
  • Well known, well respected and well connected in the global soccer community.
  • Strong understanding of how to identify, develop and protect the long-term asset value of all players on the pro pathway.
  • Exceptional knowledge of MLS player mechanisms, acquisition policies, roster parameters and budget rules.
  • Exceptional knowledge of current trends pertaining to training philosophies and tactical ideas.
  • Proficient use of various soccer technology platforms, software systems and data services as well as other programs essential to daily work functions and responsibilities.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
  • Wield an exceptional level of soccer and business intelligence.
  • Possess a strong soccer background with national and international credibility.
  • Possess exceptional communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Collaborate with and positively influence other individuals at different levels, ages and backgrounds across the organization.
  • Conceptualize and prioritize objectives while exercising independent judgment based on a strong understanding of organizational policies and activities.
  • Work effectively while fostering an engaging, high-performance work environment.
  • Problem-solve, multi-task and operate calmly in a dynamic and demanding work environment.
  • Embrace and adapt new ideas and theories that improve the systems currently in place.
  • Build trust, relationship and understanding with highly talented athletes and all members of the organization.
  • Create and implement strategic plans, analyze performance and develop improvement plans.
  • Practice and promote a healthy lifestyle.
  • Perform all roles with energy, positivity and a strong work ethic.
  • Excel in spoken and written English (with a strong grasp of other languages also preferred).
  • Possess integrity, honesty and high character in all facets of the position.
  • Possess an unrelenting determination to win championships and succeed at all levels of the pro player pathway.
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