Academy Director - Utah Red Wolves Youth Soccer Club

Location: Salt Lake City, UtahReports To: Club Board / Executive LeadershipAffiliation: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)Position SummaryThe Academy Director will lead the strategic growth and competitive development of the Utah Red Wolves Youth Soccer Club. Based in Salt Lake City, this role is responsible for expanding participation across boys and girls programs, developing a clear player development pathway, and aligning the academy with the professional standards of the Chattanooga Red Wolves USL League One organization.The Academy Director will oversee coaching recruitment, curriculum development, player progression, and operational excellence to build a high-performance youth program capable of identifying and developing players who can progress into the professional environment.The position plays a key role in establishing a vertically integrated development pathway from youth soccer in Utah to the professional level.Key ResponsibilitiesClub Growth & Player RecruitmentLead initiatives to increase player participation across all age groups in both boys and girls programs.Develop and execute strategic growth plans for the academy within the Salt Lake City region.Establish partnerships with local clubs, schools, and community organizations to expand the player pipeline.Oversee tryouts, talent identification, and player placement.Player Development PathwayDesign and implement a clear development pathway from youth academy teams to the professional environment.Coordinate player identification opportunities with the professional club Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.Identify high-potential players for advanced training environments and showcase opportunities.Support players pursuing collegiate and professional pathways.Coaching Leadership & Staff ManagementRecruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate academy coaching staff.Establish a high-performance coaching culture aligned with the club's development philosophy.Lead regular coaching education sessions and staff development initiatives.Implement performance standards and evaluation systems for coaches.Curriculum & Training MethodologyDevelop and maintain a progressive, age-appropriate training curriculum for all academy age groups.Ensure curriculum reflects modern player development principles and aligns with the professional club's playing philosophy.Oversee training session standards, practice plans, and coaching methodology.Monitor player development through structured evaluation systems.Competitive Program DevelopmentBuild a competitive academy structure across all age groups.Determine league participation, tournament selection, and competition standards.Ensure teams compete in environments that challenge and develop players appropriately.Club Culture & StandardsEstablish a professional club identity and culture.Promote values of development, discipline, sportsmanship, and community engagement.Serve as the primary ambassador of the academy to players, parents, and the local soccer community.Operational OversightCollaborate with club leadership on budgeting, scheduling, and program planning.Oversee academy operations including training schedules, staffing, and program logistics.Ensure compliance with league, federation, and club regulations.QualificationsRequiredMinimum 5-7 years experience in youth academy leadership or high-level coachingProven experience building or growing youth soccer programsStrong leadership and organizational skillsExperience developing training curriculum and coaching education programsPreferredUSSF A License, UEFA A License, or equivalent advanced coaching certificationExperience working within professional club academy systemsExperience building player development pathways to professional environmentsFamiliarity with the US youth soccer landscape and college recruitment pathwaysKey Success MetricsGrowth in academy player enrollmentExpansion of boys and girls competitive teamsQuality and retention of coaching staffPlayer advancement into elite pathways and professional opportunitiesCompetitive success and club reputation in the regionLeadership AttributesStrategic builder capable of growing a club from the ground upPlayer-development expert focused on long-term athlete growthCulture leader who can unify coaches, players, and families