Executive Director

Company Description Seattle Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive soccer opportunities for young people ages 5–19 in Seattle and Shoreline. SYSA oversees 12 neighborhood clubs for recreational play, and 1 competitive select club. With more than 13,000 participants, SYSA fosters a sense of soccer community while emphasizing age-appropriate training and player-centered development. Its mission focuses on supporting the physical, mental, and emotional growth of all youth through safe, educational, and fun soccer environments at every level of play. Role Description The Executive Director is a full-time, on-site role based in Seattle, WA, responsible for leading SYSAs operations, strategic initiatives, and community impact. This position oversees daily administration, program delivery, financial management, and staff supervision to ensure high-quality soccer experiences across recreational, select, premier, and inclusive programs. The Executive Director collaborates with the Board of Directors to implement organizational goals, develop policies, and maintain strong governance practices. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating with member club leadership, building partnerships with community organizations and sponsors, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The role also involves representing SYSA within the local soccer and nonprofit communities, engaging families and volunteers, and promoting a culture that aligns with SYSAs mission and values. Qualifications Leadership and management skills, including experience supervising staff, guiding volunteers, and overseeing organizational operations. Nonprofit administration capabilities, such as budgeting, financial oversight, fundraising, and grant or sponsorship development. Strategic planning and governance experience, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a Board of Directors and align programs with mission-driven goals. Program and event management skills related to youth sports, leagues, tournaments, clinics, and community outreach initiatives. Strong communication and relationship-building skills for engaging families, clubs, partners, and community stakeholders. Knowledge of youth development principles and safe sport practices; experience in soccer or youth athletics is highly beneficial. Ability to work remotely & on-site in Seattle, WA, with flexibility to attend evening and weekend meetings, games, and events as needed. Bachelors degree (MBA preferred) in business, nonprofit management, education, sports management, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered. CORE SKILLS & QUALITIES SYSA actively encourages applicants to apply who bring varied professional and volunteer experience to the role and who are eager to represent the soccer community that SYSA serves. Proven executive leadership, demonstrated emotional intelligence, and sound judgment. A clean record of professional conduct, collaborative people management, and communication skills, and a historic commitment of fostering a safe, healthy, inclusive work environment. Experience as a spokesperson for an organization, as a representative competing for funding, or presenting in large forums. High adaptability and excels under pressure. Entrepreneurial mindset that understands how to do a lot with a little; lean, creative, and innovative. Strong financial acumen with a good understanding of success metrics for non-profits. Ability to build and motivate teams to achieve appropriate outcomes. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Executive Director, or CEO of a non-profit organization. High level involvement with youth sports development, social enterprise, and community sports (preferably soccer) organizations. SALARY $92,000–$140,000 annually, depending on experience. The position is year-round, averaging 40 hours per week, with occasional work on weekends and evenings. BENEFITS Healthcare stipend, paid time off, 9 paid holidays, and sick time. This is not an inclusive list of benefits but representative. The wage range and benefits description are disclosed in accordance with the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (RCW 49.58). PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are those an employee must meet to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable the performance of these essential functions. The majority of working conditions will be those of an office setting with occasional car travel, and occasional work on nights and weekends and lifting and carrying of soccer equipment up to 50lb. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable the employee to perform the essential functions. Work will occur in both office and remote settings, with occasional evening and weekend hours and some local travel to represent SYSA in the greater Seattle community. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & FAIR CHANCE HIRING Equal Opportunity Employer: Seattle Youth Soccer Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, use of a trained dog guide or service animal, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other status protected under the Seattle Fair Employment Practices Ordinance (SMC 14.04), the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60), and applicable federal law. Fair Chance Hiring: SYSA considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with Seattles Fair Chance Employment Ordinance (SMC 14.17) and the Washington Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94). Criminal history questions and background checks, where applicable, occur only after an initial screening for minimum qualifications, and a conviction record will not automatically disqualify an applicant absent a legitimate business reason. Where a role involves unsupervised access to minors, SYSA will conduct any required background screening in compliance with applicable law and SafeSport child-safety standards. Reasonable Accommodation: SYSA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60). Applicants requiring an accommodation during the application or interview process may request one by contacting SYSA. #J-18808-Ljbffr