Job Type

Full-time

Description

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.

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.

Position Description

The Director of Learning & Development (L&D) is a strategic leader responsible for designing, building, and executing a comprehensive enterprise-wide learning strategy that drives capability development, leadership effectiveness, and organizational performance. This role oversees the full lifecycle of learning—from needs assessment and competency modeling to program design, delivery, and measurement—ensuring alignment with business priorities and talent strategy.

The Director will partner closely with senior leadership to strengthen leadership pipelines, accelerate skill development at all levels, and embed a culture of continuous learning across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

Learning & Development Strategy

Develop and execute a multi-year enterprise L&D strategy aligned with business objectives, workforce planning, and talent priorities
Establish a scalable, modern learning ecosystem (including digital, in-person, and experiential learning)
Lead annual learning needs analysis and translate business goals into actionable development plans
Define success metrics and continuously evaluate effectiveness and ROI of programs

Leadership & Executive Development

Design and deliver leadership development frameworks for all levels, including front-line leaders through executive leadership
Partner with senior executives to build customized executive coaching, development programs, and succession readiness initiatives
Lead enterprise leadership curriculum, including strategic thinking, change leadership, and organizational effectiveness
Facilitate executive-level development experiences, workshops, and offsites

Competency Modeling & Skills Architecture

Build and maintain a comprehensive competency framework aligned to business strategy and future workforce needs
Define role-based capabilities, leadership competencies, and skill taxonomies across the organization
Partner with HR and Talent functions to integrate competencies into performance management, career pathing, and succession planning
Drive skills-based development approaches and workforce readiness for future capabilities

Program Design & Delivery

Oversee the creation of high-impact learning programs using modern instructional design principles
Ensure effective delivery across formats (live, virtual, digital, microlearning, and blended)
Implement best practices in adult learning theory and learner engagement
Manage external vendors, platforms, and partnerships as needed

Talent & Organization Impact

Drive a culture of continuous learning and professional growth throughout the organization
Align learning programs with employee engagement, retention, and career mobility goals
Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to address capability gaps and accelerate performance
Support organizational change initiatives through targeted learning interventions

Team Leadership & Operations

Establish governance, processes, and operational excellence within the L&D function
Manage budget, resource allocation, and vendor relationships
Leverage learning technologies, data analytics, and reporting to drive insights and decision-making

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, or related field
10+ years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, Talent Development, or Organizational Effectiveness
Demonstrated success building and executing enterprise L&D strategies
Experience designing and delivering leadership development programs, including executive-level initiatives
Strong experience in competency modeling and skills framework development
Proven ability to influence and partner with senior executives
General knowledge of soccer
Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)

Desired Qualifications

Master’s degree (MBA, Organizational Development, or related field)
Experience in large, complex or high-growth organizations
Certifications in coaching, leadership development, or instructional design (e.g., ICF, ATD, CPTD)
Expertise with modern learning technologies, LMS/LXP platforms, and digital learning strategies

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.

U.S. Soccer Federation

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Director of Learning & Development (L&D)