Individual Development Lead

About the role

New York City FC is seeking an Individual Development Lead to lead and coordinate the Academy's individual player development program. The role designs, implements and monitors Individual Development Plans (IDPs), providing enhanced support for the Academy's highest potential players through targeted coaching, mentoring and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Individual Player Development
  • Lead the Academy Individual Development Program across all age groups.
  • Design, implement and continually refine the Academy IDP framework.
  • Ensure every Academy player has an Individual Development Plan aligned to the Academy Game Model and Methodology.
  • Identify individual learning priorities through observation, training and match analysis.
  • Create clear objectives and action plans for players throughout the season.
  • Ensure development is intentional, measurable and aligned across departments.
• High Potential Player Program
  • Prioritize enhanced support for the Academy's highest projected players.
  • Coordinate additional technical, tactical and position-specific interventions.
  • Provide regular one-to-one mentoring and career guidance.
  • Monitor player trajectory and recommend progression opportunities.
  • Liaise with player families and other stakeholders to ensure alignment between the player and the club.
• Coaching & Player Interventions
  • Deliver on-field individual coaching sessions.
  • Lead individual and small-group technical development clinics.
  • Deliver video analysis sessions and feedback.
  • Support coaches in embedding individual objectives into team practice.
  • Ensure interventions complement team training.
• Mentoring & Evaluation
  • Maintain accurate player development records and IDPs.
  • Lead regular multidisciplinary player reviews.
  • Monitor progress against agreed KPIs.
  • Provide reports and recommendations to the Academy Director and Academy Technical Director.
  • Support retain/release and pathway decisions.
• Multidisciplinary Coordination
  • Coordinate collaboration between coaching, performance, medical, psychology, education and player care.
  • Ensure accountability for agreed player action plans.
  • Maintain regular communication with players and families regarding development where appropriate.
  • Drive consistency of individual development throughout the Academy.
• General Responsibilities
  • Attend Academy training, matches and tournaments as required.
  • Contribute to Academy leadership meetings.
  • Remain current with best practice in elite player development.
  • Maintain strong links with City Football Group and relevant stakeholders.
  • Undertake any additional duties as directed by the Academy Director.

Requirements

• UEFA A License (or equivalent US Soccer license)
• Extensive experience within an elite academy or high-performance football environment
• Demonstrable experience designing and leading individual player development programs
• Excellent understanding of long-term player development
• Experience working within multidisciplinary environments
• Strong planning, organizational and communication skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office; PowerPoint, Word, and Excel

Personal Characteristics

• Player-centered and development focused
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder
• High standards with strong attention to detail
• Collaborative leadership style
• Innovative, proactive and committed to continuous improvement
• Ability to influence and challenge positively

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must be able to comply with MLS Next Safety and Well-Being policy and any other applicable child safety policies provided to applicants by NYCFC
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary

Pay

This exempt position has an estimated annual base salary range of $65,000–$70,000 and is not overtime eligible. Final compensation offer amounts are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to demonstrated skill set, years and depth of relevant experience, and some role-dependent factors such as certifications and software expertise.

Benefits

• Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you and your family’s needs
• Comprehensive and competitive benefit programs, including maternal & paternal leave
• Ancillary benefits: Commuter and Citi Bike discounts
• Wellness strategy focusing on mental and physical wellbeing through in-office and virtual programs
• Four complementary tickets to every NYCFC home match
• Team outings, happy hours, and annual staff gatherings