Technical Director

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

San Diego Football Club (San Diego FC) is the newest member of the MLS family. As part of

the unique Right to Dream model and the Sycuan Tribe’s deep roots, we are proud to be

building a San Diego-centric soccer organization that honors our history and celebrates

emerging excellence.

We value community, diversity, and acting with purpose. We are looking for leaders at all levels

to co-create the culture of a new organization that is built on the premise that you can

discover, understand, and re-define excellence by nurturing talent and creating opportunity

anywhere – and specifically though soccer.

Globally, Right to Dream partners with talented young people to give them a nurturing

environment to flourish and thrive. They do this through a holistic model of athletic

development, where young people grow as human beings and great

footballers. RTD’s promise is set out in their Manifesto: a set of 8 commitments which are

central to the San Diego FC ethos from the front office to the field.

SUMMARY:

The Technical Director will be tasked with supporting the vision, values, and strategic

objectives of the club. Executing the long-term sporting vision, this role will work on the

development of coaches & players while fostering evolving leadership to consistently succeed

on the field to achieve success at all levels of the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Technical Direction: Acting as the repository of technical knowledge, ensuring a

comprehensive understanding of the organizations football philosophy. Playing a crucial

role as a bridge between the first team and the academy, dedicating 60% of their time

to the former and 40% to the latter. Collaborating closely with the Sporting Director &

Academy Director, aligning strategies on various fronts, including playing style,

methodology, academy structure, and recruitment strategy.

• Technical Implementation: With ultimate decision-making power, ensuring that the

football philosophy seamlessly aligns with the broader principles of the Right to Dream

group, striving for consistency across all facets of the club's approach, ethos, and

culture. Oversight extends to the effective implementation of the academy structure

and the enhancement of talent acquisition processes. The overarching goal is to create

a unified identity that transcends both the first team and the academy.

• Cultural Architect: Ensuring an atmosphere of psychological safety is paramount within

both the first team and academy settings. This involves cultivating an environment

where players and staff feel secure expressing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns

without fear of judgment or reprisal. By fostering open communication and mutual

respect, playing a crucial role in promoting psychological well-being. Simultaneously,

actively contributing to shaping a culture centered on development. This includes

fostering a growth mindset, encouraging continuous learning, and emphasizing

individual and collective progress over immediate outcomes.

• Staff Recruitment: Oversees and supports technical staff and personnel decisions.

Involving managing the existing technical team and making strategic decisions

regarding new hires. Aligning the overarching football principles ensuring that the

recruitment and composition of the technical staff are in harmony with the club's vision

and values. This entails evaluating the skill sets, expertise, and cultural fit of potential

hires to assemble a cohesive and proficient team.

• Staff Development: Taking the helm in spearheading the succession plan for the

academy staff, collaborating closely with the Academy Director, and adhering to the

overarching Football Function, guided by the RTD framework. Charting the course for

future leadership within the academy staff. Considering factors such as skill

development, leadership qualities, and cultural compatibility. This collaborative effort

aims to secure a robust and effective plan for the academy staff, fostering continuity,

and sustained excellence in line with the club's overall developmental objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates can meet the requirements with a combination of experience in the following

areas:

• Proven knowledge and experience of MLS and of international soccer

• Experience creating, implementing and managing processes

• Prior roles working with academy and first team players & staff

• Knowledge and experience of scouting and recruitment processes for academy and

first team players

• Proven leadership experience

• Thoroughness and attention to detail

• Willing and able to combine, understand and communicate strategically (long-term)

and work operationally (short-term)

• Compliance with organizational directives

• Creativity and ability to see ideas through to successful execution

• Detail-oriented with ability to multi-task effectively and with a sense of urgency,

sometimes under a high level of stress

• Excellent organizational and time management skills – ability to manage oneself and

prioritize tasks

• Ability to read, listen, and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in

writing

• Must be willing to work extensive hours, including nights and weekends.

• Must also be willing and available to travel

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet use,

and ability to learn required business systems

ABOUT SAN DIEGO FC:

Our vision is to be the epicenter of football excellence and innovation in North America. Our

mission is to create opportunities for talent to flourish and San Diego to shine.

We value community, diversity, and acting with purpose. We are looking for leaders at all levels

to co-create the culture of a new organization that is built on the premise that you can

discover, understand, and re-define excellence by nurturing talent and creating opportunity

anywhere – specifically though soccer.

This is an opportunity to be a part of a great team building something meaningful for San

Diego. We offer excellent benefits including health coverages with generous company

contributions, over 30 days of paid time off, and a 4% company match on your 401(k). Soccer is

humanity and together, we can make a meaningful impact both on and off the field, fostering a

culture that embraces excellence and equal opportunities. SDFC is an Equal Opportunity

Employer.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply at our LinkedIn posting. The salary for this

position is $225,000.