Philadelphia Union
Head of Sporting Administration and Compliance
Philadelphia Union - Manager
Chester · PA
Compliance Officer
0
4
hours ago
WHO WE ARE
Awarded Major League Soccer’s 16th franchise in 2008, the Philadelphia Union officially took the pitch in 2010 and have been raising expectations ever since. Owned and operated by Union Sports & Entertainment, the Philadelphia Union call Subaru Park home—an 18,500-seat, world-class, soccer-specific stadium set along the Delaware River beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, recognizing the club’s excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned Eastern Conference Champions in 2022, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar.
Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club’s crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city’s revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us.
On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, recognizing the club’s excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned Eastern Conference Champions in 2022, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar.
Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club’s crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city’s revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Head of Sporting and Compliance will report directly to the Assistant Sporting Director and will be responsible for many aspects across the Sporting Department.
Given the unique function of the position, the Head of Sporting and Compliance will act as a liaison between the Sporting and Business Departments to better connect, unify, and streamline communication through regular cross-sharing of information. For the avoidance of doubt, the intention of this role is not to create an extra layer between departments but rather to enhance good communication, address important strategies earlier in the planning process and bring more operational rigor by addressing planning and execution details across all departments.
From time to time, the Assistant Sporting Director may request that the Head of Sporting and Compliance support the Legal Department with ongoing matters and, if and as applicable, all such work will be overseen by the SVP & General Counsel.
The successful candidate will possess experience in sports law, sporting administration, player registration, or compliance, with demonstrated expertise in FIFA regulations, player movement, and international transfer processes. Experience working with an MLS club, MLS Headquarters, FIFA, U.S. Soccer, or another professional soccer organization is preferred but not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Given the unique function of the position, the Head of Sporting and Compliance will act as a liaison between the Sporting and Business Departments to better connect, unify, and streamline communication through regular cross-sharing of information. For the avoidance of doubt, the intention of this role is not to create an extra layer between departments but rather to enhance good communication, address important strategies earlier in the planning process and bring more operational rigor by addressing planning and execution details across all departments.
From time to time, the Assistant Sporting Director may request that the Head of Sporting and Compliance support the Legal Department with ongoing matters and, if and as applicable, all such work will be overseen by the SVP & General Counsel.
The successful candidate will possess experience in sports law, sporting administration, player registration, or compliance, with demonstrated expertise in FIFA regulations, player movement, and international transfer processes. Experience working with an MLS club, MLS Headquarters, FIFA, U.S. Soccer, or another professional soccer organization is preferred but not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the club's primary subject matter expert and point of contact for FIFA regulatory matters, including administration of the following systems and processes:
- FIFA Clearing House training rewards
- FIFA Transfer Matching System
- Electronic Player Passports
- ITC processes in coordination with MLS HQ for 1st Team player transactions
- ITC processes for Union II player transactions
- Claims and Disputes within FIFA Legal Portal
- Support the Assistant Sporting Director with player contract administration (drafting, registration, payment coordination, general organization, etc.).
- Prepare materials for Ownership as directed by the Sporting Director and/or Assistant Sporting Director.
- Communicate regularly with the club’s Roster and Budget Compliance Designee regarding related processes.
- Partner with Sporting Department leadership to ensure compliance with all applicable MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, Leagues Cup, U.S. Soccer, CONCACAF, and FIFA regulations, policies, and roster requirements.
- Build, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive player registration and eligibility database to ensure accurate historical recordkeeping and compliance with all applicable governing body requirements.
- Help build collaboration across the Sporting and Business Departments through day-to-day communication and frequent meetings, particularly with the Finance Department and Legal Department.
- Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, and documentation to improve compliance, operational efficiency, and institutional knowledge across the Sporting Department.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Law, Finance, or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in professional sports operations, soccer administration, compliance, legal operations, or contract administration.
- Strong understanding of FIFA, confederation, federation, league, and club governance structures, player registration processes, and professional sporting operations.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and database management.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and/or significant professional experience in sports law, player administration, or sporting compliance.
- Experience working within MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, FIFA, U.S. Soccer, or another professional soccer league.
- Experience managing FIFA Training Rewards, Solidarity Contributions, Electronic Player Passports, and related claims or dispute resolution processes.
- Knowledge of MLS roster mechanisms and player registration processes.
- Experience with immigration and international transfer procedures.
- Familiarity with FIFA Legal Portal, FIFA Clearing House, and FIFA TMS systems.
- Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) preferred.
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail
- Regulatory compliance
- Contract administration
- Analytical thinking
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Communication (written and oral)
- Problem-solving under deadline pressure
*Flexible schedule required to successfully complete job requirements, including nights, weekends and holidays. Occasional travel may be necessary*
WHO YOU ARE
- A highly organized and detail-oriented professional who thrives in the areas of sporting operations, compliance, and strategic planning.
- Knowledgeable in FIFA regulations, player registration requirements, international transfer processes, and professional soccer governance structures.
- A trusted professional who exercises sound judgment, maintains strict confidentiality, and consistently delivers accurate work under tight deadlines.
- A collaborative relationship builder who works effectively across Sporting, Finance, Legal, and Business Operations teams to drive alignment and execution.
WHY THE UNION?
At the Philadelphia Union, development is in our DNA. From our world-class academy to our front office, we believe in identifying talent early, investing in it fully, and creating real pathways for growth. If you’re driven, coachable, and willing to put in the work, the Union will match your ambition.
You’ll join a competitive, high-energy environment where:
- People get better every day as leaders and teammates
- Winning matters, but how we win matters just as much
- Coaching, feedback, and accountability are part of the culture, not buzzwords
- Soccer passion is real and matchdays mean something here
We celebrate effort, creativity, and results. We challenge each other. We have fun. And we take pride in developing future leaders who go on to make an impact across the sports industry.
OUR PERKS
- Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.
- Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after elimination period).
- Company-paid life insurance and disability.
- Wellness reimbursements through IBX.
- 50% discount on Philadelphia Union merchandise.
- Other league and partner discounts.
- Complimentary and discounted tickets to Philadelphia Union matches and select events.
- 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center, locker rooms, and Sportsplex.
- On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill!
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description. Championship teams are built on diverse strengths. If you’re passionate about sports and excited about this role, we want to hear from you! We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
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