Soccer League Manager

Position Overview:

Are you passionate about soccer and youth development? Do you excel at organization and communication? Join our team as the Soccer League Manager and play a key role in ensuring our soccer leagues and programs run smoothly and successfully! In this dynamic role, you will oversee all aspects of league management, vendor and personnel coordination, facilities logistics, and special events, while providing strategic leadership to grow our programs. The ideal candidate is an organized, proactive leader with excellent communication skills and a strong passion for youth development through sports and community engagement. This position will report to and work closely with the Senior Soccer Director and have a close working relationship with the rest of the Program team. We hope to hire for this position ASAP. The latest start date for this position is early August 2024.

Key Responsibilities:

League Management

• Develop, implement, and enforce DC SCORES-wide policies, procedures, standards, and mission/vision for all soccer leagues and programs
• Ensure clear communication of league schedules, rules, guidelines, and expectations to all stakeholders (including timely notifications of weather-related schedule changes)
• Schedule and coordinate league games, tournaments, and playoffs across all programs
• Oversee game day logistics including staffing, transportation, field prep, supplies, etc.
• Manage accurate tracking of game scores, standings, statistics, incidents, and sportsmanship
• Organize playoffs, finals, and culminating events, including awards
• Identify and resolve any sportsmanship issues, rule infractions, or disciplinary matters
• Collect/analyze feedback, data, and metrics to drive continuous improvement
• Explore partnerships with local clubs or organizations to enhance league offerings
• Implement initiatives to grow participation and maintain a positive league experience

Vendor & Personnel Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and oversee soccer referees, coaches, site managers, field marshalls, and support staff
• Manage referee contracts, assignments, evaluation, and quality control
• Identify volunteer needs and coordinate recruitment/training of volunteers

Facilities and Logistics

• Secure field/facility permits and rental agreements for games/practices
• Oversee field lining, equipment setup, maintenance, and storage
• Oversee equipment deliveries, inventory, and ensure proper maintenance
• Manage transportation contracts and scheduling of buses/vehicles
• Ensure internal compliance and external vendor compliance with all safety protocols

Special Events

• Assist with events, projects, programs, and initiatives as needed
• Coordinate transportation for schools to all events and activities

Financial Management

• Develop and manage related budgets covering personnel, transportation, equipment, awards, etc.
• Process and track all related payments, vendor invoices, and orders

Leadership

• Promote soccer programs and drive participation across DC SCORES and externally
• Represent DC SCORES at governing body meetings, networking opportunities, industry events, etc. 
• Build relationships with schools, community partners, vendors, etc.
• Provide strategic vision and long-term plans to grow DC SCORES soccer offerings
• Ensure exceptional customer service to all students, families, stakeholders, and vendors

Requirements

Experience, Skills, and Attributes:

These are ideal, but not all required – if you don’t have direct experience in any of these areas, feel free to let us know how other experiences have equipped you to succeed in those parts of the role.

Previous Experience

• At least two years of experience in youth league administration, youth sports (preferably soccer) programming, coaching, or related fields
• Experience in vendor management
• Advanced knowledge of soccer rules and regulations

Leadership

• Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of coaches, referees, site managers, and volunteers
• Strong decision-making skills and strategic vision to guide program growth and development

Organizational Skills

• Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and logistics efficiently
• Strong attention to detail for managing game day operations, equipment, and facilities

Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to stakeholders
• Proficiency in delivering clear and timely updates regarding schedules, rules, and expectations

Conflict Resolution

• Ability to address and resolve sportsmanship issues, rule infractions, and disciplinary matters professionally
• Strong interpersonal skills to manage conflicts and build positive relationships with all stakeholders

Analytical Skills

• Competence in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive continuous improvement
• Ability to use feedback and metrics to enhance program quality and participant experience

Financial Acumen

• Experience in developing and managing budgets, processing payments, and handling vendor invoices
• Strong understanding of financial principles to ensure cost-effective operations

Customer Service

• Commitment to providing exceptional service to students, families, stakeholders, and vendors
• Ability to handle inquiries, concerns, and feedback professionally and courteously

Networking and Partnership Building

• Skill in building and maintaining relationships with schools, community partners, and vendors
• Experience in exploring and establishing partnerships to enhance program offerings

Adaptability

• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as weather-related schedule changes
• Ability to manage unexpected challenges and find effective solutions promptly

Passion for Mission

• Deep commitment to the mission and values of DC SCORES
• Enthusiasm for using soccer as a tool for youth development and community building

Additional Requirements and Information

Background Checks

This position must complete and pass a background check before employment and will be subject to ongoing background checks throughout employment. 

Travel/Availability

In addition to the areas above, this position must also be able to travel to all parts of the city, every day. While a vehicle is encouraged, it is not a requirement if you are confident in your ability to travel to all parts of the city via other methods. The position is full-time and will be required to work in our headquarters office in DC at least 4 days per week. To work with our programs during afterschool hours, candidates must be available to work until 6 pm each day. This position requires a few planned late weeknight and weekend commitments. All members of the DC SCORES staff, all the way up to the Executive Director, attend major program events (~6/year, typically on evenings or Saturdays) and staff Thursday afternoon game days (3:30-6 pm) during our fall and spring seasons.

Physical Requirements

In this role, the Soccer League Manager will need to: frequently move and set up equipment for soccer games and practices; occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds; stand and walk for extended periods during games and events; and perform tasks that involve bending, stooping, and reaching. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits

The salary range for this role is $65,000-$74,000 based solely on years of direct experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package ensures that employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance and have access to valuable perks and resources.

• Fully paid health, vision, and dental benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plan
• Access to a 403B plan
• Access to life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Professional development budget
• Generous paid time off policy (In addition to PTO, our entire office closes for an additional 2.5 - 3 weeks each year, including select mental wellness Fridays, summer break in August, and over the year-end holidays)
• Family leave support (in addition to DC Paid Family Leave)
• Gym access
• Monthly commuter benefits
• Capital Bikeshare membership
• Opportunities to attend D.C. United and Washington Spirit games