MLS Next Director

Virginia Velocity is seeking a candidate for its MLS NEXT Director position. The MLS NEXT Director is responsible for overseeing the technical, operational, and developmental standards of our Academy programming, ensuring alignment with the Virginia Velocity Philosophy, Methodology and best practices in elite youth player development.

This individual will work collaboratively with club leadership, coaching staff, and administrative staff to implement development standards and create a clear pathway for high-performing players within Virginia Velocity’s Academy program.

The position reports to the Club Executive Director .

Responsibilities:

Player Development & Curriculum Implementation

Develop and implement a development framework aligned with Virginia Velocity standards and best practices in elite youth soccer development.

Provide guidance to club staff on age-appropriate training models and performance environments consistent with Academy expectations.

Monitor player development environments across MLS Next Age Groups and provide feedback to ensure quality and consistency.

Support initiatives that enhance player performance and long-term development.

Coach Development & Education:

Drive the recruitment, mentorship, and support of MLS NEXT age groups coaching staff.

Organize and lead coaching education initiatives including workshops, clinics, and mentorship opportunities aligned with Virginia Velocity standards.

Provide ongoing feedback and evaluation tools to support coach development across MLS NEXT age groups.

League & Program Management:

Work with league leadership to develop long-term strategic plans for Virginia Velocity programming.

Establish and maintain technical standards, operational guidelines, and developmental benchmarks aligned with MLS NEXT requirements and Virginia Velocity Talent Development plan.

Support club directors and staff with Academy structure, roster management, and player evaluation frameworks.

Assist with the organization and oversight of MLS NEXT age group competitions, league events, and talent identification opportunities.

Represent Virginia Velocity in MLS NEXT meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives.

Alignment with Virginia Velocity programming:

Work closely with Technical Director and Executive Director to ensure a unified player development philosophy across all Virginia Velocity programs.

Develop and implement guidelines for training methodology, player evaluation, and player progression within Virginia Velocity’s Academy environments.

Support talent identification and player movement opportunities within the MLS NEXT ecosystem where appropriate.

Provide consistent reporting and performance analysis on player development

Community Engagement & Parent Communication:

Serve as a key resource for clubs, parents, and players regarding MLS NEXT pathways.

Support initiatives that communicate the club’s development philosophy.

Competition & Pathway Development:

Ensure teams are placed in appropriate competitions and events that support high-level player development.

Assist in organizing showcase events, identification opportunities, and performance benchmarking initiatives.

Build and maintain relationships with college coaches, scouting networks, professional academies, and MLS clubs to support player advancement opportunities.

Our Benefits:

Competitive base salary and potential performance-based incentives.

Opportunities for professional growth and leadership within the MLS NEXT and Sofive network.

Opportunities to contribute to elite player development and pathway creation within MLS NEXT programming.

Other Notes

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.

The role will require evening, weekend, and event-based work.

Some aspects of travel and event logistics may be required.

Join the Virginia Velocity team and contribute to the continued growth of elite youth soccer by helping build a professional, high-performance environment that supports the development of the next generation of players. Qualifications & experience:

Coaching License: USSF A/B License, UEFA A/B License, or equivalent preferred.

Experience: Minimum 5+ years of coaching and leadership experience within elite youth soccer environments.

Strong knowledge of elite player development models and long-term athlete development principles.

Experience working within MLS NEXT, professional academies, or other high-performance youth environments is preferred.

Experience in coach education and mentoring.

Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for games, events, and league programming.

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Proficiency in G-suite software.

Experience with club or league management platforms (e.g., Sprocket, TeamSnap, SportsEngine, PlayMetrics, or similar systems).

Familiarity with performance analysis, sports science principles, or player monitoring tools is beneficial.

Strong connections within the college recruitment landscape, MLS academies, or professional soccer networks are desirable.

A passion for football and the development of elite players.

Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred but not essential).