Manager, Player Development (Youth Programs)

Company Description

The New York Red Bulls are one of 29 teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). RBNY, one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, have competed in the league since its founding in 1996. The Red Bulls play home matches at Red Bull Arena (RBA) in Harrison, New Jersey. The three-time MLS Supporters' Shield Winners are owned by the Austrian beverage company Red Bull for which the team is named. The New York Red Bulls offer one of the nation's premier youth soccer development programs, from local soccer partnerships across New York and New Jersey to Regional Development Schools and the Red Bulls Academy teams.

Job Description

The Manager of Player Development will be tasked with selling, marketing, and operating the following business areas (1) Regional Select (2) RDS Showcase Teams (3) Pre - Academy Teams, along with any additional new products and services that focus on individual player registration. The Manager of Player Development will also support other areas of the RDS Program when needed, specifically including RDS Day and Overnight Camps, Tactical Camps, Talent Id Centers, GK Wars, RDS Clinics and RDS Tournaments.

You will report to the Senior Manager, Player Development.

Areas that play to your strengths

Roles and responsibilities include:

Program Management:

Direct Management of Pre-Academy program ensuring Pre-Academy teams are recruiting top young talent in the region to provide a pipeline of talent for the Academy program.

Direct Management of the RDS Showcase and Regional Select programs, ensuring that we provide a best-in-class experience to all participants.

Administration, Planning and Budget Management:

Planning and execution of all programs including venue management, tryout planning, onsite program management, coaching staff management and scheduling.

Prepare presentations, proposals and legal contracts for all venues and facilities.

Develop an annual sales and operating budget for all programs.

Manage the program budgets effectively, optimizing resources to deliver high-quality programs and experiences for players.

Design and implement comprehensive curriculums for each program primarily focused on technical skills, and tactical understanding, with elements of physical conditioning, and mental resilience, tailored to youth players.

Develop and maintain detailed training schedules, ensuring that sessions are structured, varied, and aligned with age-appropriate development objectives.

Create and oversee platforms to provide constructive feedback to players and guide them in setting personal development goals.

Construct a bespoke competition schedule, effectively balancing the unique needs for each age-group and program level.

Coordinate logistics for matches, tournaments, and other competitive events, including travel arrangements and facility bookings.

Player Scouting and Recruitment:

Day to day scouting and recruitment of high-level youth soccer players for invitation into the Regional Select, RDS Showcase Teams and Pre-Academy Teams.

Design and implement systems to track top prospects within the region.

Communicate with local clubs regarding players of interest and build relationships in order to facilitate movement of players as and when needed.

Work with Academy Affiliates and partner clubs to place players who are released from our Pre-Academy age groups to ensure that they stay within the Red Bull system and help grow the quality of our affiliate’s teams.

Program Marketing and Sales:

Create and implement a sales plan to grow program registrations for all products.

This will include direct outbound calls to parents, parent coaches and club members along with grassroots prospecting for program registrations.

Implement aggressive marketing plans to maximize exposure and awareness of programs within the youth soccer community.

Work with our marketing team to develop and create marketing material.

Customer Service:

Provide world class customer service to players, families, teams and clubs through phone calls, e-mails and in-person interactions.

Establish open and transparent communication channels with parents, keeping them informed about their child's progress, upcoming events, and academy timelines.

Organize regular parent meetings, workshops, and events to facilitate dialogue and address any concerns or queries.

Build positive relationships with key stakeholders such as local clubs, federations, and scouting networks to enhance collaboration and opportunities for player advancement.

Staff Management:

Management and support of Pre-Academy Coordinators, Pre-Academy Coaches, and Youth Program Select Coordinators.

Recruit, train, and mentor a t