General Manager, National Training Center

U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That's why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots, to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of US.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for US soccer in the near and far future. We are therefore, looking for dynamic servant-leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description

The General Manager, National Training Center, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations and programming strategy of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. This role will work closely with the executive leadership team to manage and maintain the facility and work with other departments to program the facility to meet the overall objectives of U.S. Soccer. The General Manager will lead a team to oversee daily function of the facility while ensuring exceptional guest experience, operational efficiency, and financial accountability.

Primary Responsibilities

Facility Operations & Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the sports facility, ensuring high standards of safety, functionality, and cleanliness, directly led and supported by the Director, Facilities Operations
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures that promote efficiency and a superior experience for athletes, coaches, staff, referees, visitors and guests
• Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers to maintain seamless facility operations

Programming

• Work closely with executive leadership to develop the programming philosophy for the facility
• Oversees NTC event planning functions and staff, ensures team maximizes revenues while maintaining guest service and experience
• Directly supporting NTC sales function which actively seek and manage external events and sales for all group segments/markets
• Communicate clearly with leaders across the organization (e.g., Sporting, Participation and Environments, Commercial and Advancement) to determine availability for outside events
• Establish procedures, booking systems and rate card for internal and external booking of events
• Oversee the scheduling and execution of both internal and external events alongside the Facilities and Events teams

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the overall facility budget. Work closely with the Finance & Accounting team on financial reporting, revenue projections and expense controls
• Work closely with the Commercial and Advancement team to identify and pursue revenue opportunities and other business ventures, including front line review of contract commitments of the NTC
• Collaborate closely with Legal department to ensure facility's activities are compliant with Financing requirements and regulations
• Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to meet the organization's goals

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the facility as a key ambassador in the community, fostering relationships with local organizations, government agencies and the public.
• Lead efforts to ensure the facility positively impacts the local community through outreach, programs and events

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Proven experience (10+ years) managing a large-scale sports, entertainment or multi-use facility
• Strong understanding of facility operations, event management, stakeholder engagement and financial planning
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Proactive self-starter who can work independently and with ambiguity to drive towards set objectives
• Ability to communicate with senior executives both inside and outside the organization
• Strong intellectual curiosity and ability to apply learnings to create new opportunities
• Ability to spot issues and manage risk
• Desire to be part of a team and drive continual growth of oneself and colleagues
• Ability to manage and drive forward multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
• Must be able to connect "micro" details to the "macro" vision and mission
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for the sport of soccer
• A strong understanding of the culture of soccer and its fans across North America
• Prior experience working in the sports industry, non-profit, or national governing body
• Ability to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities to support U.S. Soccer's initiatives
• Fluency both verbal and written in Spanish, or another language, is preferred

U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization.

We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.