MLS Next Director

About the role

The MLS NEXT Director at Virginia Velocity is responsible for leading the technical, operational, and developmental standards of the MLS NEXT program. This role involves ensuring the program aligns with MLS NEXT requirements, Virginia Velocity standards, and best practices in elite youth player development. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing a player development framework, supporting coach education, managing program structures, and driving consistency across training methodology.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a player development framework aligned with Virginia Velocity standards and MLS NEXT best practices.
• Support age-appropriate training models and performance environments across MLS NEXT teams.
• Maintain player development environments and provide feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
• Support initiatives that improve player performance, long-term development, and pathway opportunities.
• Recruit, mentor, and support MLS NEXT coaching staff.
• Lead coaching education initiatives, including workshops, clinics, staff meetings, and mentorship opportunities.
• Promote best coaching practices and ensure alignment with the club’s development philosophy.
• Provide ongoing feedback and evaluation tools to support coach development.
• Work with club leadership to develop long-term plans for MLS NEXT programming.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, operational guidelines, and developmental benchmarks.
• Support roster management, player evaluations, and team structure across MLS NEXT age groups.
• Aid in MLS NEXT competitions, league events, showcases, and talent identification opportunities.
• Create consistent standards for training methodology, player evaluation, and player progression.
• Support collaboration across coaching staff through meetings, shared learning, and internal development initiatives.
• Provide reporting and performance analysis on player development and competitive standards.
• Identify and support high-potential players within the MLS NEXT environment.
• Build relationships with college coaches, scouting networks, professional academies, and MLS clubs.
• Support player advancement opportunities toward college soccer, professional academies, and higher-level environments.
• Attend MLS NEXT matches and events to evaluate team and player performance.
• Serve as a key resource for players and families regarding MLS NEXT expectations and development pathways.
• Support parent education around the club’s development philosophy and MLS NEXT standards.
• Represent Virginia Velocity professionally within the local and regional soccer community.
• Participate in MLS NEXT meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives.

Qualifications

• USSF A or B License, UEFA A or B License, or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of coaching and leadership experience in elite youth soccer.
• Experience within MLS NEXT, professional academies, or high-performance youth environments preferred.
• Experience mentoring coaches and leading technical staff.
• Strong understanding of elite player development models and long-term athlete development.
• Ability to lead, organize, and communicate effectively across players, parents, coaches, and leadership.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Experience with club or league management platforms such as Sprocket, TeamSnap, SportsEngine, PlayMetrics, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with video analysis, performance tracking, sports science, or player monitoring tools preferred.
• Strong network within college soccer, MLS academies, or professional soccer preferred.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred but not required.

Core Attributes

• Passion for football and elite player development.
• Honesty, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized.
• Ability to lead by example and positively influence players and staff.
• Ability to problem solve and remain calm under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Potential performance-based incentives.
• Professional growth and leadership opportunities within Virginia Velocity and the MLS NEXT network.
• Opportunity to help build an elite player development pathway within MLS NEXT programming.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The role requires evening, weekend, travel, and event-based work.