Research Projects Manager, Kang Womens Institute

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. 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.

Soccer Forward Overview

Soccer Forward is U.S. Soccer's social impact and legacy initiative, created to harness the power of soccer to improve lives and strengthen communities across the country. Launched in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, Soccer Forward is focused on ensuring the impact of this moment extends well beyond the tournament by creating greater access and opportunity to experience, play and participate in the game. Through programs, partnerships and community-based activations, Soccer Forward brings together organizations from across the soccer ecosystem, U.S. Soccer partners and donors, and national and local community organizations to create meaningful and lasting impact. By connecting U.S. Soccer's reach and resources with organizations already doing important work in communities, Soccer Forward helps expand access to the game, strengthen the people and places that make soccer possible, and use the sport as a vehicle for positive change. The Soccer Forward team develops and delivers thoughtful social impact strategies, programs and events that bring Soccer Forward's priorities to life in communities across the country. Through community-based activations, key U.S. Soccer moments and partner-supported events, the team creates meaningful opportunities to expand access to the game, increase participation and strengthen communities. The team works closely with U.S. Soccer's sponsors, media partners and donors to integrate their priorities into this work in authentic and impactful ways, while building and managing relationships with community organizations, U.S. Soccer members and other key stakeholders across the soccer ecosystem.

Position Description

The Research Projects Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of the Kang Women's Institute driving the delivery of key research initiatives, with a focus on improving female health, performance, and participation in soccer. Working with researchers, industry partners, practitioners and governing bodies, this role will ensure the successful execution of the Kang Women's Institute's research agenda.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the operations of the KWI research projects including communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act at the primary point of contact for all inbound expressions of interest for future research collaborations and partnerships.
• Identify potential future partners and collaborators in line with the vision of the KWI and USSF strategy.
• Lead the ongoing management of a research consortium.
• Oversee the organization of quarterly consortium meetings, other events and conferences, including scheduling, agenda development, meeting logistics and follow-up actions events and conferences.
• Oversee communication to consortium members including providing updates, meeting notes, and summary reports.
• Collaborate with the KWI team to drive research initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met, and clear communication is maintained.
• Support with the screening of papers and projects to expand internal education knowledge base and work closely with the education team to provide insights to inform future education/curriculum development.
• Support with protocol design, IRB processes, participant recruitment, timelines and associated administration.
• Support the synthesis and communication of research findings through reports, presentations, and ecosystem-facing content.
• Support the development of a centralized women's sport science data repository.
• Manage internal and external reporting processes to ensure key stakeholders are updated on research progress.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. sports science, physiology, public health, or related discipline) or equivalent advanced research experience
• 5+ years of experience in research, applied sport science, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience of managing research projects, partnerships or multi-stakeholder initiatives from planning through to delivery
• Demonstrable understanding of research design, data collection, and applied translation
• Ability to build and manage relationships across researchers, practitioners, industry partners, governing bodies and other stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex findings into clear outputs
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously

• Experience of managing philanthropic gifts, grants or external funding
• Experience working in female athlete health and performance
• Experience of managing a research consortium, network or multi-institutional collaboration
• Experience working in research environments
• A passion for advancing research that improves participation and performance in soccer
• A Master's degree in a relevant field

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.