Manager, Player Development Programs

About the role

Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club seeks a Manager, Player Development Programs to join our team! This individual will report to the Director of Operations and is responsible for the planning, execution, and continued growth of the club’s supplemental training programs, hosted events, leagues, and tournaments. This role focuses on program development, participant experience, operational leadership, and revenue growth opportunities that support the club’s strategic objectives. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across multiple departments to deliver high-quality programming, improve player development pathways with the Academy, and support the ongoing growth of club initiatives throughout the year. We are looking for someone who is passionate about youth soccer and being a part of a team that aims to support the growth of the game locally and regionally whilst meeting our revenue objectives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, execution and revenue growth of all supplemental training programs, hosted tournaments, leagues, and special events for Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club
• Lead the growth and development of supplemental programming, including SAQ, small groups, seasonal programs, and summer initiatives
• Identify and support new business and revenue-generating opportunities through programming and events
• Support league and tournament operations, including scheduling, registration, communication, travel logistics, and game-day management
• Lead winter programming initiatives, including the Friday Night High School Girls League
• Be responsible for achieving participation targets, operational goals, and revenue projections across assigned programs and events
• Strengthen relationships, collaboration and player pathways with the Chicago Fire Academy
• Organize registration and administrative requirements to ensure a seamless participant experience
• Work with marketing and partnership teams to promote programs and execute sponsor-related initiatives
• Ensure all programs operate within club risk management standards while maintaining strong relationships with clubs, league partners, and external organizations

Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Self-motivated, entrepreneurial individual who is a hands-on worker
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sports, recreation or similar field of study
• Knowledge of the U.S. youth soccer landscape locally and nationally

Benefits

• Official Chicago Fire FC Website

Pay

This role offers a salary range of $60k – $65k per year Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals and other individual performance metrics