COMPANY BACKGROUND
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Houston Dash are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented Player Development Coach to join our Technical Staff. Reporting directly to the Houston Dash Head Coach, the Player Development Coach will collaborate closely with the Technical Staff to maximize player performance. This coach will focus on evaluating technical abilities, executing individualized and small-group sessions, leveraging video and data analysis, and contributing innovative ideas to elevate our team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In-Game Support
- Serve as an extra set of eyes during matches to observe team and individual principles.
- Clip game footage and provide detailed notes to support individual and team development.
- Contribute to tactical analysis and other staff duties as needed.
Training & Teaching
- Conduct 1-on-1 film review meetings and review training clips with individual players.
- Collaborate with the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches to align on playing philosophy and individual development goals.
- Develop and execute player Individual Development Plans (IDPs) in coordination with the Technical Staff.
On-Field Coaching
- Lead or assist with small group technical sessions to improve technical skills in key areas.
- Support and help facilitate phase progressions in training including field set up and breakdown, activity transitions and tactic board instructions.
- Support lead coaches for additional responsibilities.
Technical & Analytical Expertise
- Experience using Sportscode and other analytical software to assess and present individual performance.
- Connect data and video to player development by highlighting how metrics impact performance.
- Deliver engaging, detailed presentations—both verbally and through video analysis—to communicate key concepts effectively.
Performance Evaluation & Feedback
- Conduct thorough evaluations of each player’s technical / tactical / physical / psychosocial abilities, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Break down complex technical and tactical skills into actionable drills.
- Provide real-time, constructive feedback during sessions, focusing on both positive aspects and areas for improvement.
- Monitor progress over time through data collection and regular assessments, updating training plans accordingly.
Return-to-Play (RTP) & Non-Travel Training
- Lead development and execution of RTP sessions in collaboration with Club Medical and Performance staff.
- Plan and implement non-travel technical sessions based on priorities set by the Technical Staff.
Innovation & Elevation
- Bring new ideas for communication logs, feedback channels, and tracking video content to continually elevate the technical program.
Compliance & Administration
- Maintain up-to-date evaluations, training plans, and progress notes for use by the Head Coach and Technical Staff.
- Abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) policies, and Club guidelines.
- Attend meetings, activities, and programs required by the NWSL or Houston Dash.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Club.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in elite women’s soccer at the national, professional, collegiate, or advanced youth level.
- Deep knowledge of and network within women’s soccer.
- U.S. Soccer “B” or UEFA “B” License preferred or in progress.
- Undergraduate degree required.
- SafeSport certification or ability to obtain certification prior to hire.
- Proven record of developing players technically and tactically.
- Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Collaborative mindset with a positive, team-first approach.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays as required.
- Regular availability on home Match Days
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
What Sets You Apart:
- Excellent on-field presence and coaching ability through session design, delivery, and detail to improve player and team development
- Innovative mindset, eager to implement new methods and ideas to advance player development.
- 5 core traits of a Houston Dash technical staff member:
- Competence, character, connection, coachable, and coaching ability—driven by self-discipline, motivation, and flexibility. Ability to inspire and guide players in a high-performance environment.
ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES
- Accountable – Holds themselves (and when appropriate others) accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
- Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
- Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
- Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
- Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity.
Additional Competencies for Leadership
- Strategic – Leads opportunity and is committed to continuous improvement aligned with the organizational vision and direction.
- Resilient – Demonstrates personal resilience within a demanding environment of high expectations.
- Enabling – Drives excellence through valuing and developing others.
- Business Acumen – Superior ability to understand and effectively navigate area of responsibility and various business scenarios.
- Good Judgment – Strong critical thinking skills and ability to exercise discretion and good judgement.
OTHER INFORMATION
Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
