U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That’s why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of US.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for US soccer in the near and far future. We are therefore looking for dynamic servant-leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility, and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description

The Director of Equipment Operations oversees all sporting equipment-related functions across U.S. Soccer, with a primary focus on supporting the 27 National Teams. This role is critical to ensuring that all our players and team staff are consistently equipped to train and compete at the highest level. The ideal candidate will bring deep soccer knowledge, extensive familiarity with equipment partner (Nike) ordering systems, calendar, and a strategic mindset to drive operational excellence. They will lead a department committed to professionalism, efficiency, improving financial tracking, inventory control, communication, and transparency. They are expected to incorporate new ideas for increasing efficiency and productivity (organizational processes, new technology, etc.).

Primary Responsibilities

Lead Equipment Department Staff, including EQ Managers for MNT, WNT, YNT and ENT's and gather feedback from players and staff on the quality and use of equipment:

• Determine staffing requirements and oversee recruitment plan based on programming schedule
• Develop and implement the EQ Department’s strategy, aligned with the overall sporting and operations strategy
• Conduct performance reviews and facilitate goal setting with direct reports
• Create and implement individualized development plans (IDP) to support professional growth

Responsible for acquiring, organizing, and overseeing the distribution of National Team Equipment, including Nike apparel and equipment, and team training and medical equipment:

• Remain up to date with FIFA rules and equipment protocol regulations
• Serve as the primary emergency contact on a 24/7 basis for any shipping or critical needs that arise for traveling teams, staff, etc.
• Maintain proactive communication and positive relationships with National Team administrative and coaching personnel

Create and foster relationships with related vendors as well as U.S. Soccer Federation staff across all departments:

• Interface with all U.S. Soccer functional areas to coordinate equipment needs and be proactive in determining advance needs for National Teams and other U.S. Soccer services (Coaching Department, Scouting Staff, AGM & Special Events, etc.)
• Guide partnership with equipment partner (Nike) to maximize U.S. Soccer's needs related to apparel trends, product launch, product positioning and sales
• Lead Nike Futures purchases on a quarterly basis based on Nike purchase cycle and forecasted U.S. Soccer needs
• Oversee and Manage the EQ department’s budget and the Value-in-Kind (VIK) for Nike agreement

Liaise with freight vendors on domestic and international movements.

Collaborate with commercial departments to support contracted Partner equipment needs and appropriate launch dates.

Responsible for planning out long-term cost projections and enforcing departmental purchasing guidelines based on those projections and budget:

• Produce clear and concise reports tracking product allotment dispersal, inventory, staff schedules, shipping, and financial reports, etc.
• Track and verify invoices and accounts for all purchases and freight costs, while managing expenses and finding effective ways to limit cost

Act as main on-site contact regarding any facility, field, or equipment needs/issues that arise at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center:

• Maintain accurate inventory on equipment and supplies at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center
• Support the planning and build-out of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, advising on equipment and team needs
• Ascertain all EQ facility/storage capacity needs based on operational plan
• Additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Minimum 10 years' experience managing equipment and inventory, preferably in professional sports or university athletics
• Management experience, combined with an understanding of international travel environments
• Experience in managing a budget
• Detail oriented and meticulous work style, with positive, can-do, team-first spirit
• Excellent work ethic and relentless desire to contribute to the team’s success on the field
• Ability to anticipate needs and problem solve
• Ability to maintain a strong level of professionalism and effective communication
• General knowledge of soccer
• Ability to lift and handle boxes weighing upwards of 50 lbs.
• Experience developing and implementing a department-wide strategy aligned with broader organizational goals
• The ability to work independently and in a team/collaborative work environment is required along with strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical and planning skills
• Quick learner who can function well in fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Ability to prioritize and manage a number of different projects simultaneously
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• Able and willing to travel up to 25% of the year
• Extensive work hours required while traveling
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as needed

Desired Qualifications

• Thorough institutional knowledge of U.S. Soccer's policies, practices, and procedures
• Prior experience with a club, national team, or related field
• Bilingual (English and Spanish)

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.