Manager, Player Development Programs

Chicago Fire•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Chicago Fire FC is undergoing a significant period of growth and investment, with new facilities and a future stadium planned. The Club is seeking to become a cultural force in Chicago by connecting communities and creating engaging fan experiences. This role is crucial in supporting the Club's mission to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago through world-class experiences and a relentless pursuit of excellence, guided by core values of Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, and Never Settle. The Manager, Player Development Programs will be responsible for the planning, execution, and growth of the club’s supplemental training programs, hosted events, leagues, and tournaments, focusing on program development, participant experience, operational leadership, and revenue growth. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth soccer and contributing to the growth of the game locally and regionally while meeting revenue objectives.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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