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 Manager of Turf and Grounds will pay a critical role during the design and construction phases of U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center (NTC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Once the NTC is fully open and functioning, the Manager of Turf and Grounds will manage over the Groundskeeping functions for the NTC which includes the management of the functional areas that support the NTC including the physical grounds, equipment, and related systems on the property.  

National Training Center (NTC) Construction Period:

1. Work alongside the Director of Turf and Grounds and Field Construction Team to deliver the NTC on time
2. Coordinate with landscape contractors to ensure alignment with project goals
3. Monitor project progress, identify potential risks or delays, and assist with mitigation strategies as needed
4. Conduct regular inspections and site visits to monitor field construction activities
5. Raise and elevate any non-compliance or on-going project issues promptly and implement corrective actions as necessary
6. Provide regular updates on project status, milestones achieved, and any significant developments to the Director
7. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the construction team and internal project leadership team to promote transparency and alignment
8. Work with internal team to make real-time decisions during the construction process to keep the project on track.
9. Assist with hiring and interviewing the remaining role needs for the grounds crew

National Training Center Operating Period and Ongoing Duties:

 1. Develop strategy for creation of and build-out of Groundskeeping Team

• Manages the schedules, equipment and irrigation needs of the facility
• Helps recruit, hire and onboard Groundskeeping Team
• Provide oversight, direction, management and coordination of all functional areas within the Department
• Cultivate the culture within the group
• Ability to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and professional development

2. Grounds Operations

• Oversight on the agronomic plan, procedures, and maintenance schedules to ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of the grounds
• Facilitate all special request for grounds by leadership
• Manage and coordinate the overall maintenance, management and condition of the property and upkeep to support training needs and all other activities that occur at the NTC.
• Review, inspect and observe all areas of grounds operations at the NTC for compliance with applicable policies, laws, codes, regulations, ordinances and directives
• Coordinate with Facility crew to fulfil events, meetings, tour and other guest activities that are onsite
• Coordinate with sporting staff to ensure fields are prepared and maintained to expected levels

3. Financial 

• Oversee turf and grounds projects working with Director of Turf and Grounds while maintaining clear and constant communication

4. Strategic

• Contribute to the development of long-term strategic plan for the USSF NTC, implement facility grounds plan to support the organization’s strategic plan and measure success
• Represent and promote the facility in industry associations and organizations and maintain liaison with competitive training facilities
• Act as liaison representative for the NTC, for organizations in the sports, entertainment and convention industry when the Director is out

5. Other duties, functions, special projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Turf and Grounds 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Experience: Four to Six years of experience in turf and grounds management, preferably in a sports facility or similar environment. Experience in soccer facility management is preferred.
• Knowledge: A strong understanding of grounds operations, including maintenance, scheduling, and budgeting. Knowledge of sports facility requirements, especially for soccer, is important.
• Leadership Skills: The ability to lead a team effectively, manage staff, and oversee operations smoothly. Experience in managing a diverse team is valuable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with staff, teams, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and ensure that operations run smoothly.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using management software, scheduling tools, and other relevant technology.

Desired Qualifications 

• Prior experience working at a sporting organization
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends on an ad-hoc basis
• Passion for soccer is a plus

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.