Head of Fitness

Seattle Sounders • Renton, WA

12d • $100,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Sounders FC is searching for a dynamic fitness coach to add to the team. We need a teammate who understands the demands placed on an elite footballer. This influential individual within the club will need to seamlessly integrate with our performance/medical/technical staff and add to our culture of excellence every day. Utilizing a deep understanding of scientific best practices and the real-world applications in football will allow this coach to excel. Being able to effectively communicate and connect with people of all backgrounds, educations, and personalities is a must. This role will primarily be based on the field and in the gym, driving performance improvements of players and the return to play process, thus a candidate must have a high-level of competence for strength & conditioning of elite athletes and deep understanding of injury pathology as related to football.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience working in elite soccer (professional, NCAA Division I, etc.) as a Strength & Conditioning Coach / Fitness Coach / player.
• Must have National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent (UKSCA, ASCA, etc.).
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, and fans.
• Must be fully vaccinated at the time of hire and follow all club and league COVID-19 protocols.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy
• Experience as a professional or high-level athlete.
• Coaching ‘C’ license.
• ISAK accredited.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

Responsibilities

• End stage rehab in collaboration with Medical staff to prepare players for return to performance.
• Provide detailed insights and reporting to Performance staff in relation to player loading, return to play, performance improvements, and program interventions/strategies.
• Lead and deliver the MLS gym program.
• Design and deliver individual injury mitigation programs in collaboration with medical staff.
• Support the Performance Director with on-field team training and conditioning as required.
• Lead on field readiness and athletic profiling.
• Program supplemental gym and/or fitness work as required.
• Administer daily team and individual activations as required.
• Support the integration of performance philosophy and methodology across all phases of the club.
• Travel with the team as required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage : We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave : We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support : 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave : Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage : Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks : Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities : We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement : We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees