Director of CFII & Academy Team Operations

Chicago Fire•Chicago, IL

23h•$70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Fire II & Academy Team Operations is responsible for the daily team operations supporting the club's MLS NEXT Pro (MLSNP) Fire II team and Academy teams. This role ensures that players, coaches, and staff across the player pathway have everything they need to train, compete, and develop in a world-class environment. They should be able to proactively address operational issues before they arise and build scalable systems / processes across several age groups to best support Fire II & the Academy’s player development priorities.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in team operations, ideally within professional MLS NEXT Pro, MLS Academy, or a comparable pro / youth pathway environment.
Demonstrated experience managing complex team travel logistics (domestic and, ideally, international).
Proven budget management experience.
Prior experience directly managing staff, including setting priorities, conducting performance reviews, and developing direct reports.
Excellent organizational, project management, and vendor negotiation skills.
Experience working within MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, or MLS NEXT, with familiarity with league operational and compliance standards.
Experience managing multiple age-group programs simultaneously.
Experience with team management software/platforms (e.g., Teamworks).
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays aligned with team training and competition schedules.

Nice To Haves

Conversational Spanish language fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the overall vision, mission, and values of Chicago Fire FC.
Oversee all logistics for Fire II (MLS NEXT Pro) & Academy team operations, including (1) daily operations at the training facility, (2) home games, and (3) away games (incl. air & ground travel, hotels, meals, per diems, and itinerary management for preseason, regular season, and domestic and international tournaments).
Serves as the connector between Fire II & Academy departments to ensure smooth operations and that everyone has the support they need to be successful: technical staff, player wellness staff (medical, physical, nutrition, mindset), facilities staff, first team staff, etc.
Directly manage the Fire II & Academy team administrators, providing daily oversight, supporting their performance, and investing in their development.
Manage Fire II operational budget and support Academy Director in management of Academy operational budget, tracking against forecast and giving regular updates to General Manager.
Ensure that the Academy & Fire II team operations department’s standards, templates, and processes are in alignment with the First Team and introduce new ideas to continue to elevate and streamline while working closely with General Manager.
Manage external operational relationships: bus companies, airport contacts, hotels, tournament organizers, etc.
Support Academy Director with execution of family communication logistics
Support Academy Director with execution of any homestay or player assistance needs (e.g. transportation assistance)
Collaborate with Head of Player Wellbeing & Academy Director to ensure execution of safeguarding processes surrounding minors (e.g. SafeSport, travel policies for minors, international trip checklists)
Serve as primary point of contact with MLS NEXT Pro league office on operational, scheduling, and compliance matters
Ensure full compliance and registration with MLS NEXT, US Soccer, and any state / local regulatory needs
Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism at all times