Senior Director, Pathways and Development

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the U.S., powered by 16 clubs and a deep roster of the world’s best players, and built on record-shattering fan, media and commercial growth. Now in its 14th season, the league’s momentum continues to accelerate, with viewership and attendance numbers growing rapidly, social media fandom on the rise, team valuations massively increasing and new top sponsors investing in the NWSL brand. This unprecedented growth reflects the NWSL’s expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture.

About the role

This role will oversee the “Pathway to Pro” for prospective playing and coaching talent into the NWSL, helping to define and execute a cohesive strategy to develop, attract, retain, and create access for future NWSL players and sporting staff — future-proofing the talent pipeline. The Senior Director of Pathways and Development will serve as the league's leading voice on talent development infrastructure, working across clubs, federations, and external stakeholders to position the NWSL as the elite destination for women's soccer in North America and globally.

Responsibilities

Player Pathway

• Develop and oversee initiatives and tentpole events that position the NWSL as the premier destination for women's soccer (e.g., NWSL Combines, exposure events, and similar programming).
• Support and enable NWSL Clubs' youth and reserve programming, including utilization and monitoring of league incentives.
• Collaborate with U.S. Soccer and other domestic and international stakeholders to enhance the domestic and international talent pathway.
• Build relationships with collegiate programs and club organizations to promote alignment and collective interests and opportunities.
• Monitor international player development trends and competitor leagues to keep the NWSL pipeline strategy current, competitive, and innovative.
• Establish and maintain a minimum level of centralized data and scouting infrastructure to track talent and contribute to key trends and insights.

Coaching Staff Pathway

• Develop a comprehensive strategy to attract, develop, and retain qualified coaching staff and other complementary roles.
• Identify and mitigate barriers to entry for future coaching talent across the domestic and international landscape.
• Build and provide access to education and licensing for coaching staff and their continued progression.
• Manage continuing professional development (CPD) within the league.
• Work with USSF and international federations to address structural barriers for female coaches, developing and co-piloting relevant programming.
• Contribute to building targeted programs to develop diverse coaching and technical talent, with a focus on women in sporting leadership roles.
• Create mentorship, networking, or similar programs that give emerging staff direct exposure to professional environments.

Strategy, Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Own and maintain a multi-year pathways and development strategy, contributing to the overall Sporting and NWSL strategy and mission.
• Serve as the NWSL's primary external representative on talent development — attending key events, federation working groups, and industry forums.
• Manage NWSL's relationship with U.S. Soccer regarding coaching licensure renewal requirements and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) recognition.
• Report regularly to league leadership and clubs on pipeline health, program outcomes, and emerging needs.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, educational partners, and third-party program providers.
• Manage budget and resources allocated to pathway programming across both player and staff tracks.

Requirements

• 8+ years of comprehensive leadership within the U.S. women’s soccer ecosystem across youth, collegiate, and professional levels.
• Background and experience in coaching and/or coach education and development.
• Background and experience in player development, specifically in the women’s game.
• Existing network relationships across U.S. Soccer, clubs, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience working in soccer governance is favorable, with evidence of program building and monitoring.
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to operate across complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Excellent communicator; able to represent the NWSL externally and influence with authority.
• Passion for advancing equity and access in women's sport.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: $165,000 - $195,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Commuter Benefits.
• Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance.
• Gym On-Site.
• Voluntary Pet Insurance.