Director of CFII & Academy Team Operations

Overview There has never been a more exciting time to join Chicago Fire FC. As one of Major League Soccer's original clubs, the team is in a period of growth and investment, with spaces such as the new Endeavor Health Performance Center, new offices in the Wrigley Building, and plans for a privately funded stadium opening in 2028. The Club aims to connect with the community, shape experiences, and engage fans through the game and the city. The future home, McDonald’s Park, will anchor Chicago's newest neighborhood and support growth in professional sports and entertainment. Joining Chicago Fire FC means becoming part of an organization on the rise. The role offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact and grow alongside ambitious projects in professional sports. Position Overview The Director of Fire II & Academy Team Operations is responsible for the daily team operations supporting the club's MLS NEXT Pro (MLSNP) Fire II team and Academy teams. The role ensures players, coaches, and staff across the player pathway have what they need to train, compete, and develop in a world-class environment. The position proactively addresses operational issues and builds scalable systems and processes across multiple age groups to support Fire II & the Academy’s player development priorities. Job Responsibilities Contribute to the overall vision, mission, and values of Chicago Fire FC. Oversee all logistics for Fire II (MLS NEXT Pro) & Academy team operations, including daily operations at the training facility, home games, and away games (air & ground travel, hotels, meals, per diems, and itinerary management for preseason, regular season, and domestic and international tournaments). Serve as the connector between Fire II & Academy departments to ensure smooth operations and ensure staff have the support they need (technical staff, player wellness staff, facilities staff, first team staff, etc.). Directly manage the Fire II & Academy team administrators, providing daily oversight and development opportunities. Manage Fire II operational budget and support Academy Director in managing Academy operational budget, tracking against forecast, and updating General Manager regularly. Ensure that the Academy & Fire II operations standards, templates, and processes align with the First Team and introduce ideas to elevate and streamline operations in collaboration with the General Manager. Manage external operational relationships with bus companies, airport contacts, hotels, tournament organizers, etc. Support Academy Director with execution of family communication logistics and homestay or player assistance needs (e.g., transportation). Collaborate with the Head of Player Wellbeing & Academy Director to ensure safeguarding processes for minors (e.g., SafeSport, travel policies for minors, international trip checklists). Serve as primary point of contact with the MLS NEXT Pro league office on operational, scheduling, and compliance matters. Ensure full compliance and registration with MLS NEXT, US Soccer, and state/local regulatory needs. Maintain high levels of confidentiality and professionalism at all times. Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of experience in team operations, ideally within professional MLS NEXT Pro, MLS Academy, or a comparable pro/youth pathway environment. Demonstrated experience managing complex team travel logistics (domestic and international preferred). Proven budget management experience. Prior experience directly managing staff, including setting priorities, conducting performance reviews, and developing direct reports. Excellent organizational, project management, and vendor negotiation skills. Experience working within MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, or MLS NEXT, with familiarity with league operational and compliance standards. Experience managing multiple age-group programs simultaneously. Experience with team management software/platforms (e.g., Teamworks). Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays aligned with team training and competition schedules. Conversational Spanish language fluency preferred. Compensation This role offers a salary of up to $70,000.00. Final salary is determined by the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary 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 and 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; we welcome diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace free from discrimination. The policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process due to a medical condition or disability, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected] to share 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