Manager, Player Development Programs

Chicago Fire FC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Exempt full-time status

Job summary

Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club seeks a Manager, Player Development Programs to join our team. This individual will report to the Director of Operations and is responsible for the planning, execution, and continued growth of the club's supplemental training programs, hosted events, leagues, and tournaments.

This role focuses on program development, participant experience, operational leadership, and revenue growth opportunities that support the club's strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Strong attention to detail and multi-tasking ability.
• Hands-on, entrepreneurial work style.
• Strong organizational abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends and holidays at home games or events.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution and revenue growth of all supplemental training programs, hosted tournaments, leagues, and events for Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club.
• Lead growth and development of supplemental programming (SAQ, small groups, seasonal programs, summer initiatives).
• Identify and support new business and revenue opportunities through programming and events.
• Support league and tournament operations (scheduling, registration, communications, travel logistics, game-day).
• Lead winter programming initiatives (e.g., Friday Night High School Girls League).
• Achieve participation targets, operational goals and revenue projections for assigned programs and events.
• Strengthen relationships with the Chicago Fire Academy and other partners.
• Organize registration and admin requirements for seamless participant experience.
• Collaborate with marketing and partnerships to promote programs and sponsor initiatives.
• Ensure programs adhere to club risk management standards and maintain strong partnerships.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Non-traditional hours

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in sports, recreation or similar field of study

Job description

There has never been a more exciting time to join Chicago Fire FC.

As one of Major League Soccer's original clubs, Chicago Fire FC is in the midst of an exciting era fueled by tremendous investment, ambition, and growth. With a new $100M state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Center now open, new offices in Chicago's iconic Wrigley Building, and plans underway for a privately-funded $750M+ soccer-specific stadium set to open in 2028 in the heart of Chicago, the Club is building the future of soccer in one of the world's great sports cities.

Chicago Fire FC is becoming a cultural force in Chicago by connecting communities, shaping experiences, and creating new ways for fans to engage with the game and the city. The Club's future home, McDonald's Park, will anchor Chicago's newest neighborhood and serve as a catalyst of growth for the next chapter of professional sports and entertainment in the city.

Joining Chicago Fire FC today means joining an organization on the rise. Our growth creates once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for ambitious professionals to generate meaningful impact and help shape the future of our Club. Whether on the pitch or in the front office, every team member plays a role in building something incredibly special.

At Chicago Fire FC, our mission is to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago through world-class experiences and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are guided by our core values: Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, and a commitment to Never Settle.

If you're looking for a place where your work will matter, your ideas will be heard, and your career can grow alongside one of the most ambitious projects in professional sports, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Overview

Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club seeks a Manager, Player Development Programs to join our team! This individual will report to the Director of Operations and is responsible for the planning, execution, and continued growth of the club's supplemental training programs, hosted events, leagues, and tournaments. This role focuses on program development, participant experience, operational leadership, and revenue growth opportunities that support the club's strategic objectives. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across multiple departments to deliver high-quality programming, improve player development pathways with the Academy, and support the ongoing growth of club initiatives throughout the year.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about youth soccer and being a part of a team that aims to support the growth of the game locally and regionally whilst meeting our revenue objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, execution and revenue growth of all supplemental training programs, hosted tournaments, leagues, and special events for Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club
• Lead the growth and development of supplemental programming, including SAQ, small groups, seasonal programs, and summer initiatives
• Identify and support new business and revenue-generating opportunities through programming and events
• Support league and tournament operations, including scheduling, registration, communication, travel logistics, and game-day management
• Lead winter programming initiatives, including the Friday Night High School Girls League
• Be responsible for achieving participation targets, operational goals, and revenue projections across assigned programs and events
• Strengthen relationships, collaboration and player pathways with the Chicago Fire Academy
• Organize registration and administrative requirements to ensure a seamless participant experience
• Work with marketing and partnership teams to promote programs and execute sponsor-related initiatives
• Ensure all programs operate within club risk management standards while maintaining strong relationships with clubs, league partners, and external organizations

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Self-motivated, entrepreneurial individual who is a hands-on worker
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sports, recreation or similar field of study
• Knowledge of the U.S. youth soccer landscape locally and nationally

Compensation

• This role offers a salary range of $60k - $65k per year
• Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt
• This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals and other individual performance metrics
• Additional benefits & perks: Official Chicago Fire FC Website

Please Note

• Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we'd like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club.
• CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
• If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.