Buffalo Pro Soccer Youth Academy Director
OVERVIEW
Buffalo Pro Soccer, an expansion club soon to join USL Championship, will proudly represent Buffalo on the field and in the community. We are a united force for progress in Western New York and Southern Ontario. We celebrate the rich history of hard work and innovation in Buffalo while fostering community pride through the world’s game. Our mission is to:
·Unite: Bring our community together, in and outside of the stadium, fostering a sense of pride and belonging in the City of Good Neighbors.
· Embrace: Reflect the vibrant diversity of Buffalo in our team and fan base.
· Elevate: Be a positive force for growth and opportunity, inspiring our city to share our belief that Buffalo’s brightest days are still to come.
· Inspire: Provide a clear pathway for local youth to achieve their dreams, empowering the next generation of stars.
· Represent: Our city is hardworking, resilient, and proud. This team will exemplify those ethics on the field and showcase them to the nation.
Through relentless pursuit of championships, community engagement, and dedication to youth development, Buffalo Pro Soccer strives to be a beacon of excellence, progress, and pride for the place we call home.
Buffalo Pro Soccer is made by Buffalo, for Buffalo.
POSITION SUMMARY
Buffalo Pro Soccer is seeking an experienced and highly organized Academy Director to lead and manage the club’s academy program. This is a rare opportunity to lead a program still in its infancy, giving the Director a central role in building its identity and laying the foundation for its culture, structure, and long-term vision from the ground up.
Specifically, this person will be tasked with developing a seamless operation plan for the academy and fostering an enjoyable and professional atmosphere, where players, coaches, and staff thrive. Thus, this role requires collaboration at all levels including leadership to ensure a positive, player-centric environment focused on player development. To be successful in the role, the ideal candidate will need to have prior knowledge and experience instructing and implementing methodology both on the field and in the office to players and staff alike.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Academy Leadership & Organization:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Buffalo Pro Soccer Academy, ensuring all aspects of the program run efficiently and effectively.
- Develop and maintain clear structures, policies, and processes that support the success of players, player families, and staff while aligning with Buffalo Pro Soccer’s on-field methodology and off-field code of ethics.
- Align the academy with Buffalo Pro Soccer’s long-term strategic goals, specifically with fostering the development of players for the first team by utilizing the Club’s methodology.
Positive and Collaborative Environment:
- Build and foster an enjoyable, inclusive, and collaborative environment that encourages the personal and professional growth of players and staff.
- Promote open communication between players, coaches, and families, ensuring transparency and trust within the academy.
Coaching Staff Management:
- Recruit, develop, and manage a team of highly qualified coaches, ensuring there is alignment in understanding of methodology and implementation methods and practices that are accessible across all academy teams.
- Organize regular meetings and workshops to foster collaboration, provide continuous education on best practices, and deepen knowledge of methodology.
- Provide ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities for coaches to ensure high-quality training and player development in line with the Club’s philosophy.
Player Development Pathway:
- Establish a structured development pathway for players from the academy to the USL Championship first team, focusing on their growth both on and off the field.
- Collaborate with coaches to create individualized development plans tailored to each player’s needs and potential.
- Monitor player progress and provide constructive feedback that reflects the club’s player-centric approach and commitment to learning.
Operational Management:
- Coordinate schedules for training, matches, tournaments, and events to ensure smooth operations across all academy teams.
- Manage budgets, resources, and logistics to support the academy’s success and long-term strategic growth.
- Ensure compliance with all association and league regulations and uphold Buffalo Pro Soccer’s standards for excellence.
Talent Identification & Recruitment:
- Lead the identification and recruitment of prospective players who align with Buffalo Pro Soccer’s vision and have the potential to succeed in the academy.
- Build relationships with local clubs, schools, and community programs to create a robust and diverse talent pipeline.
- Develop and implement talent assessment practices that align with the Buffalo Pro Soccer’s methodology to ensure consistency and quality in recruitment.
Community Engagement:
- Represent Buffalo Pro Soccer in the community by fostering relationships with grassroots soccer programs, parents, and stakeholders.
- Organize community outreach programs, camps, and clinics to promote the academy’s mission and connect with local talent.
- Act as an ambassador for the Buffalo Pro Soccer, showcasing its benefits to the broader soccer community.
Additional responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor/Management.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in youth development, academy management, or a related field preferred.
- USSF A License or equivalent strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of youth soccer in the United States and structure, regulations, and player development frameworks.
- Strong commitment to helping develop and implementing the Buffalo Pro Soccer methodology across all areas of the academy.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams, schedules, and priorities effectively.
- Proven ability to create a collaborative and enjoyable environment for players, staff, and families.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with a focus on relationship building and teamwork.
- Ability to balance long-term strategic goals with day-to-day operational needs.
- Familiarity with performance analysis tools and data integration for player development is a plus.
- Proficiency in managing budgets, logistics, and administrative tasks.
SALARY RANGE
At Buffalo Pro Soccer, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training; and other business and organizational needs.
HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
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.
