OVERVIEW
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is seeking an experienced and highly organized MLS Next Academy Director to lead and manage the club’s academy program. Specifically, this person will be tasked with developing a seamless operation plan for the academy and fostering an enjoyable and professional atmosphere, where players, coaches, and staff thrive. Thus, this role requires collaboration at all levels within the entire Soccer Operations department and leadership of a positive, player-centric environment focused on player development. To be successful in the role, the ideal candidate will need to have prior knowledge and experience instructing and implementing methodology both on the field and in the office to players and staff members alike.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Academy Leadership & Organization:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of LAFC’s MLS Next Academy, ensuring all aspects of the program run efficiently and effectively.
- Develop and maintain clear structures, policies, and processes that support the success of players, player families, and staff while aligning with LAFC’s on-field methodology and off-field code of ethics.
- Align the academy with LAFC’s long-term strategic goals, specifically with fostering the development of players for the first team by utilizing the Club’s methodology.
Positive and Collaborative Environment:
- Build and foster an enjoyable, inclusive, and collaborative environment that encourages the personal and professional growth of players and staff, and one that reflects LAFC’s core values and learning based methodology.
- Promote open communication between players, coaches, and families, ensuring transparency and trust within the academy.
Coaching Staff Management:
- Recruit, develop, and manage a team of highly qualified coaches, ensuring there is alignment in understanding of methodology and implementation methods and practices that are accessible across all academy teams.
- Organize regular meetings and workshops to foster collaboration, provide continuous education on best practices, and deepen knowledge of methodology.
- Provide ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities for coaches to ensure high-quality training and player development in line with the Club’s philosophy.
Player Development Pathway:
- Establish a structured development pathway for players, focusing on their growth both on the field and in the classroom.
- Collaborate with coaches to create individualized development plans tailored to each player’s needs and potential.
- Monitor player progress and provide constructive feedback that reflects the club’s player-centric approach and commitment to learning.
Operational Management:
- Coordinate schedules for training, matches, tournaments, and events to ensure smooth operations across all academy teams.
- Manage budgets, resources, and logistics to support the academy’s success and long-term strategic growth.
- Ensure compliance with MLS Next regulations and uphold LAFC’s standards for excellence.
Talent Identification & Recruitment:
- Lead the identification and recruitment of prospective players who align with LAFC’s vision and have the potential to succeed in the academy.
- Build relationships with local clubs, schools, and community programs to create a robust and diverse talent pipeline.
- Develop and implement talent assessment practices that align with the LAFC methodology to ensure consistency and quality in recruitment.
Community Engagement:
- Represent LAFC in the community by fostering relationships with grassroots soccer programs, parents, and stakeholders.
- Organize community outreach programs, camps, and clinics to promote the academy’s mission and connect with local talent.
- Act as an ambassador for the LAFC, showcasing its benefits to the broader soccer community.
Additional responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor/Management.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Coaching, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in youth development, academy management, or a related field.
- USSF A License or equivalent required.
- Knowledge of MLS Next structure, regulations, and player development frameworks.
- Strong commitment to learning and implementing the LAFC methodology across all areas of the academy.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams, schedules, and priorities effectively.
- Proven ability to create a collaborative and enjoyable environment for players, staff, and families.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with a focus on relationship building and teamwork.
- Ability to balance long-term strategic goals with day-to-day operational needs.
- Familiarity with performance analysis tools and data integration for player development is a plus.
- Proficiency in managing budgets, logistics, and administrative tasks.
SALARY RANGE
At LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training; and other business and organizational needs. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the compensation for this role is $175,000 per year.
HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
LAFC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.