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 is 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 U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. 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 Instructional Designer - Refereeing is responsible for instructional design and development of blended learning resources for grassroots, youth, and amateur referees. You apply adult learning principles and instructional design methods to build practical learning that supports on-field decision-making. You define learning outcomes, map assessments, build storyboards, and test learning products before release. You create engaging, accessible experiences aligned to the U.S. Refereeing Way, which underpins our national referee curriculum. This is a hands-on build role. You will produce modules in an authoring tool and publish them in the Learning Management System (LMS).

You build blended learning solutions that combine online modules with in-person training. You work with technical leaders and subject matter experts to translate the IFAB Laws of the Game into clear learning outcomes, assessments, and applied scenarios for the field and classroom. You publish, organize, and maintain learning products in the LMS. Experience with a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is a plus. You help ensure referee education is consistent and accessible across grassroots, youth, amateur, futsal, and small-sided formats. Your work improves the referee learning experience nationwide.

Primary Responsibilities

• Use adult learning principles and instructional design methods to design and build blended learning for referee certification and continuing development.
• Align all learning products with the U.S. Refereeing Way standards and national curriculum requirements.
• Build interactive online learning using authoring tools and digital platforms.
• Publish, organize, and maintain learning products in the LMS and LXP, including version control and basic QA.
• Design learning for multiple delivery methods, including self-paced modules, webinars, and live sessions, with clear links between each component.
• Create and edit multimedia assets, including graphics, video elements, and basic animations.
• Translate the IFAB Laws of the Game into clear, applied learning scenarios for youth and amateur match environments.
• Create scripts and storyboards for new courses and digital assets, including scenario flow and knowledge checks.
• Conduct needs analysis using field feedback, learner outcomes, and performance trends to prioritize content builds.
• Test digital content to ensure technical accuracy, accessibility, and usability across devices.
• Evaluate learning effectiveness using assessment results and platform analytics, then iterate content.
• Maintain brand and accessibility standards across all learning products.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience building e-learning modules and publishing them in an LMS
• Expertise in adult learning theories and understanding of how people retain information.
• Experience simplifying complex technical or legal documents into clear training.
• Proficiency in modern eLearning authoring suites and multimedia software.
• Practical experience managing and troubleshooting content within an LMS or LXP.
• A portfolio showing the ability to build interactive digital modules and blended programs.
• Ability to manage multiple production deadlines at the same time.
• Excellent written communication skills with a focus on clear instructions.
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments.
• 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  

• Master’s degree in educational technology or instructional design.
• Knowledge of WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards for digital content.
• Experience with SCORM, xAPI, or other data tracking standards.
• Background in sports, athletics, or community-based training.
• Familiarity with the IFAB Laws of the Game or sports officiating.
• Experience using social learning features within a Learning Experience Platform.

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

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.