Academy Equipment Manager

Overview There has never been a more exciting time to join Chicago Fire FC. As one of Major League Soccer's original clubs, Chicago Fire FC is in the midst of an exciting era fueled by tremendous investment, ambition, and growth. With a new $100M state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Center now open, new offices in Chicago's iconic Wrigley Building, and plans underway for a privately-funded $750M+ soccer-specific stadium set to open in 2028 in the heart of Chicago, the Club is building the future of soccer in one of the world's great sports cities. Chicago Fire FC is becoming a cultural force in Chicago by connecting communities, shaping experiences, and creating new ways for fans to engage with the game and the city. The Club's future home, McDonald’s Park, will anchor Chicago's newest neighborhood and serve as a catalyst of growth for the next chapter of professional sports and entertainment in the city. Joining Chicago Fire FC today means joining an organization on the rise. Our growth creates once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for ambitious professionals to generate meaningful impact and help shape the future of our Club. Whether on the pitch working match day or in the front office, every team member plays a role in building something incredibly special. At Chicago Fire FC, our mission is to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago through world-class experiences and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are guided by our core values, Communication, Get Better, Joyful Purpose, Own the Outcome, Selfless, and We Compete. If you're looking for a place where your work will matter, your ideas will be heard, and your career can grow alongside one of the most ambitious projects in professional sports, we'd love to hear from you. Position Overview The Chicago Fire Football Clubs is seeking a dedicated Academy Equipment Manager to oversee the management and maintenance of all soccer-related gear and supplies for all Academy teams. This role is crucial for ensuring that our athletes have access to safe and high-quality equipment, enhancing their training and competition experience. This role will directly report to the First Team Equipment Manager. Job Responsibilities Manage and oversee all Academy equipment inventory, including uniforms, training equipment, apparel, and match-day gear. Ensure all equipment is properly maintained, organized, and readily available for all training sessions, matches, and other Academy activities. Coordinate the distribution, collection, and replacement of equipment for players and coaching staff, ensuring accurate inventory records and accountability. Assist in the setup, breakdown, transportation, and storage of equipment for training sessions, home and away matches, tournaments, and special events. Maintain detailed records of equipment usage, repairs, and maintenance schedules. Partner with coaches, team administration, and Academy leadership to evaluate equipment needs, recommend purchases, and support budget planning. Implement and enforce handling, storage, and safety protocols to ensure compliance with organizational standards and best practices. Travel with Academy teams as required to provide operational and equipment support during matches and other team events. Perform other duties, special projects, and ad hoc assignments as directed to support Academy operations, player development initiatives, and organizational objectives. Required Qualifications Minimum of 1 – 2 years of previous experience in equipment management, team operations, or athletic support, preferably in a soccer or sports environment. Strong organizational, inventory management, and time-management skills with strong attention to detail. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to move and/or lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand and walk extended periods of time. Ability to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings, including all home games, traveling for away games, or other work events that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in sports management or related field. Passion for soccer and a commitment to supporting the development of young athletes. Experience in major league sports or collegiate sporting environment. Compensation This role offers a salary range of $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt This role is bonus eligible based on Club-wide goals Additional benefits & perks: Please Note Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club. CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. MLS Privacy Policy By clicking apply, you agree to the terms of the MLS Privacy Policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr Chicago Fire FC