Department: Soccer Operations
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (with dotted line to Head Coach)
Position Summary:
The Director of Soccer Operations will oversee all operational aspects of Hartford Athletic's first team program, serving as the critical operational link between the technical staff, players, and organizational infrastructure. This role ensures the team has everything necessary to compete at the highest level while maintaining full compliance with USL Championship regulations.
You will manage team logistics, player services, facility coordination, league administration, and match day operations while supporting the coaching staff's vision for on-field success. Success in this role is measured by operational excellence, league compliance, player satisfaction, and seamless support of the technical program.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Operations & Logistics
- Oversee all first team operational logistics including training schedules, facility coordination, and equipment management
- Coordinate all team travel including flights, ground transportation, hotels, and meal arrangements for away matches
- Manage visiting team hospitality and hotel setup for all home matches
- Develop and maintain match day timelines, USL run of show, and operational protocols
- Ensure compliance with USL Championship match day requirements and operational standards
- Coordinate with Stadium Manager on field preparation, locker room setup, and technical area configuration
- Manage team equipment inventory, ordering, and distribution systems
- Oversee player kit management including uniforms, training gear, and customization
- Coordinate pre-season setup and end-of-season breakdown/winterization
Player Services & Administration
- Serve as primary operational point of contact for all player needs and services
- Coordinate player housing including apartment searches, leases, move-ins/move-outs, and ongoing maintenance
- Manage comprehensive player onboarding process including orientation, documentation, and resource provision
- Coordinate player transportation needs including vehicle arrangements and airport transfers
- Oversee and sometimes facilitate player visa applications, work permits, and immigration documentation (coordinate with legal counsel)
- Liaise with Director of Administration and Analyst on player contracts, roster moves, and administrative paperwork
- Support player welfare initiatives and quality-of-life services
- Handle player requests and proactively resolve operational issues
League Compliance & Administration
- Ensure full compliance with all USL Championship rules, regulations, and operational standards
- Complete all league-required reporting through Teamworks platform and other league systems on established deadlines
- Coordinate with USL League office on competition matters, rule interpretations, and operational updates
- Manage roster compliance, player eligibility requirements, and registration processes
- Coordinate with medical staff on injury reporting protocols and player availability tracking
- Maintain accurate records of training sessions, matches, player participation, and attendance
- Submit match reports, incident reports, and league communications in timely manner
- Stay current on league policy changes and communicate updates to relevant staff
Facility Management & Scheduling
- Manage and coordinate with Operations team for the master schedule for Trinity Health Stadium and Day Hill Dome utilization
- Coordinate training facility access between Hartford Athletic first team, academy, and external users
- Schedule training sessions, team meetings, video sessions, and team activities
- Coordinate field maintenance standards and quality control with Stadium Manager
- Ensure facilities meet USL Championship standards for training and competition
- Manage relationships with Day Hill Dome and other facility partners
- Coordinate facility access for coaching staff, players, medical staff, and support personnel
- Prospect alternative sites for grass fields if primary training location is compromised
Budget Management & Vendor Relations
- Manage soccer operations budget including travel, equipment, housing, and operational expenses
- Track expenses and provide regular financial reporting to Executive Leadership
- Negotiate vendor contracts for equipment, apparel, travel services, hotels, and player services
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining operational excellence and player experience
- Process invoices, purchase orders, expense reports, and budget reconciliation
- Manage relationships with key vendors and service providers
- Ensure compliance with organizational procurement policies
Match Day Coordination
- Coordinate all game-day operational elements with Ticketing, Marketing, and Partnerships teams
- Oversee match day staffing assignments and operational timeline execution
- Serve as operational liaison with match officials and league representatives
- Manage visiting team coordination and hospitality services
- Assist with pre-match and halftime ceremonies to ensure punctual kickoffs
- Support merchandise setup and product distribution to staff and players
Required Qualifications:
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in professional sports operations, preferably in soccer
- Deep understanding of USL Championship or professional soccer operational requirements
- Proven ability to manage complex logistics and multiple simultaneous high-priority projects
- Experience coordinating team travel, housing, and player services
- Demonstrated understanding of league compliance and administrative requirements
Skills & Competencies:
- Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail
- Strong project management capabilities and systems thinking approach
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all organizational levels
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Teamworks platform, and operational software
- Problem-solving abilities with calm demeanor under pressure
- Understanding of player visa/immigration processes and documentation
- Budget management and vendor negotiation experience
Personal Attributes:
- Highly organized with proactive, anticipatory approach to problem-solving
- Service-minded with player-first and team-first mentality
- Strong relationship builder with ability to work across diverse groups
- Discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
- Calm under pressure with ability to manage competing priorities
- Team player who supports coaching staff vision and technical objectives
- Adaptable and flexible in fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Detail-oriented with commitment to operational excellence
Preferred Qualifications:
- USL Championship, MLS, or equivalent professional soccer league experience
- Previous coordination of international player logistics and immigration matters
- Background in facility management or multi-venue operations
- USSF coaching license or equivalent (understanding of technical requirements helpful)
- Bilingual capabilities (Spanish strongly preferred for player communication)
- Experience with collective bargaining agreements and player relations
- Knowledge of sports medicine coordination and injury management protocols
Working Conditions:
- Ability to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Regular attendance at all home matches and select away matches
- Office-based with frequent stadium/training facility presence
- Travel required for away matches, league meetings, and player support
- Physical ability to navigate stadium and training environments
- Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and clean driving record required
- Availability during off-season for player transitions and facility preparations
Key Performance Indicators:
- 100% compliance with USL Championship requirements and reporting deadlines
- Soccer operations budget management (on budget with minimal variance)
- Player satisfaction with operational services and support
- Coaching staff satisfaction with operational support and execution
- Quality and timeliness of travel and logistics arrangements
- Facility scheduling efficiency and conflict resolution
- Vendor management effectiveness and cost optimization
- Match day operational execution without incidents
- League office feedback on compliance and professionalism
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision insurance)
- Apparel allotment and employee merchandise discounts
- Complimentary tickets for family and friends
- Opportunity to work with championship-caliber players and coaching staff
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.
