Director of Coaching - Youth Academy

Multiple, Florida, Position Overview

Sporting Jax Soccer Academy is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and highly organized Director of Coaching (DOC) to lead and elevate the club’s competitive programming. The DOC will be responsible for establishing and implementing the club’s technical framework, mentoring coaching staff, and ensuring a clear player development pathway aligned with the club’s mission and standards of excellence.

This role requires strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of long-term player development within the American youth soccer landscape.

Primary Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Club Philosophy

Develop, implement, and oversee the club’s Model of Play and Player Development Framework.

Ensure consistent training methodology and curriculum across all competitive teams.

Establish clear standards for session planning, match preparation, and player evaluation.

Lead seasonal planning (pre-season, in-season, post-season periodization).

Coaching Staff Management

Recruit, hire, evaluate, and mentor all competitive coaching staff.

Conduct regular coach evaluations and performance reviews.

Lead internal coaching education sessions and professional development initiatives.

Promote a collaborative and accountable coaching culture.

Player Development & Pathway

Oversee player identification, team formation, and placement processes.

Support player progression into elite platforms such as ECNL, pre-professional, and collegiate pathways.

Work closely with goalkeeping, performance, and specialized staff to ensure holistic development.

Monitor and maintain competitive standards across all age groups.

Program Oversight

Ensure alignment between youth academy, competitive teams, and pre-professional programs.

Assist in tryout design, evaluations, and roster decisions.

Support curriculum integration from grassroots through senior youth levels.

Maintain compliance with league standards and governing body requirements.

Parent & Community Engagement

Serve as a professional and visible representative of Sporting Jax Soccer Academy.

Address parent concerns in collaboration with club leadership.

Assist with all club events, ID clinics, and community initiatives.

Promote the Sporting Jax culture of integrity, ambition, and professionalism.

Administrative Collaboration

Work closely with the Head of Soccer, Academy Director and administrative team.

Assist with seasonal budgeting related to coaching staff and technical programming.

Contribute to strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum USSF “B” License (USSF “A” License preferred) or equivalent.

5+ years of experience in youth competitive coaching and/or technical leadership.

Demonstrated experience mentoring and managing coaching staff.

Strong understanding of modern player development methodology.

Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Attributes

Experience within ECNL or similar elite competitive platforms.

Proven ability to build culture and retain coaching talent.

Strong knowledge of college recruitment pathways.

Passion for developing both players and coaches. Competitive compensation commensurate with experience