Pre-Academy Manager

Program Leadership & Strategy

Design, build, and lead Chicago Fire FC's Pre-Academy program.
Develop and implement a training curriculum that reflects the club's game model.
Establish a clear, well-understood player development pathway leading to U13 Academy intake.
Set and maintain high, consistent standards across all Pre-Academy environments and activities.
Continuously review and evolve the program, drawing on best practices in elite youth development.

Coaching & Player Development (Coach-Leader Role)

• Maintain a strong, visible on-field coaching presence across training sessions.
  Plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality sessions that bring the club's playing philosophy to life.
  Create and sustain a genuinely competitive, best-with-best environment that raises the standard for every player.
  Implement and monitor Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that give each player a meaningful, personalized pathway.
  Lead structured player reviews and deliver honest, constructive feedback to players and their families.
  Champion a holistic, player-centered approach that keeps long-term development at the heart of every decision.

Talent Identification & Scouting

• Own and lead the Pre-Academy talent identification strategy, working closely with the Academy Head of Recruitment to shape recruitment priorities.
  Build, manage, and develop a network of local scouts and contacts, maintaining clear standards around:
  Consistent player identification criteria
  Regular, structured reporting and communication
  Alignment with the club's recruitment priorities and game model
  Be a visible presence in the Chicagoland soccer landscape, actively attending games, training sessions, and events to find the best young talent.
  Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of high-potential players within the club's catchment area.
  Hold scouts accountable for the quality, consistency, and impact of their identification and recommendations.
  Organise and lead talent ID events, festivals, and recruitment initiatives that raise the club's profile and attract top players.
  Define clear, consistent processes for player entry, progression, and exit that give families confidence and give the Academy a reliable pipeline.
  Work closely with U13 Academy colleagues to ensure scouting outcomes directly inform intake decisions.

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, lead, and manage Pre-Academy coaching staff with clarity and purpose.
  Set clear expectations around roles, responsibilities, and performance, and hold people to them.
  Design and deliver an ongoing coach development and CPD program that raises the quality of coaching across the program.
  Collaborate closely with the Head of Methodology to ensure consistency and coherence across all Academy age groups.
  Build a coaching culture that is high-performing, accountable, and genuinely collaborative.

Relationships & Community Engagement

• Invest in building strong, lasting relationships with clubs, schools, community organizations, and key figures across the Chicagoland soccer landscape.
  Be a genuine ambassador for Chicago Fire FC, positioning the club as the destination of choice for the best young talent in the region.
  Support and educate parents, helping them understand the Academy pathway, what to expect, and how they can best support their child's development.

Operations & Collaboration

• Keep accurate, up-to-date records across player development, scouting, and recruitment.
  Attend and contribute actively to Academy meetings, fixtures, and events.
  Work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team across performance, medical, analytics, and player care.
  Ensure full alignment with MLS NEXT standards and club operational procedures.

Safeguarding & Player Care

• Uphold the highest standards of player welfare, safeguarding, and well-being without exception.
  Ensure full compliance with all club, MLS, and U.S. Soccer safeguarding policies.
  Create and protect an environment where every player feels safe, included, and valued.

Compensation

This role offers a salary range of $75,000.00 - $80,000.00.
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.

Additional Benefits & Perks

Additional benefits & perks.