Job Title: Performance Coach

Department: Performance

Reports To: Director of Performance

Type: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Role Type: 100% Individual Contributor

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY

Sounders FC is searching for a dynamic and experienced Performance Coach who understands long-term athlete development and brings a strong foundation of scientific best practices applied in elite sport environments. This coach will be a key contributor within our integrated performance and medical team, playing a critical role in planning, delivering, and evaluating gym-based performance programs for first-team players.

Success in this role requires exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, professional discretion, and the ability to build trust with athletes and staff from a wide range of backgrounds. This is a hands-on, gym-based role with meaningful influence on performance philosophy, programming, and developmental pathways.

YOU ARE

• Authentic – Great understanding of self and lives values every day.

• An Educator - desire to teach and the tools to effectively do so, to a wide range of athletes.

• Composed - Able to provide calm and focus during the emotional ebbs and flows of a season.

• Enthusiastic - A source of energy for the group.

• Selfless – Able to check your ego at the door and put the needs of the team first.

• Adaptable - Able to deliver results under imperfect, evolving scenarios.

• Optimistic - genuinely hopeful for the future.

• Kind - A good human.

• Curious – Constantly looking to improve processes and inefficiencies, a beginner’s mindset.

• Creative Problem Solver – Ready to identify solutions, rather than pointing out problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Head of Fitness to design and deliver MLS-level gym programming aligned with Sounders FC performance methodology.

• Lead individual and team gym sessions, applying advanced knowledge of strength and conditioning principles.

• Oversee and manage the club’s gym software system, ensuring accuracy and effective utilization.

• Design and administer daily team and individualized warm-up/activation programs.

• Lead individualized gym-based rehabilitation sessions in alignment with medical and performance staff.

• Lead and manage the performance department internship program, including curriculum development and mentorship.

• Ensure alignment of player-pathway performance programming with the club’s performance philosophy.

• Provide detailed reporting and professional evaluation to the Performance and Medical teams regarding athlete readiness, gym outputs, and progression.

• Support athletic profiling, monitoring, and readiness strategies in partnership with the Head of Fitness.

• Implement performance-aligned nutrition protocols for training days and matchdays; take on additional nutrition responsibilities as needed.

• Oversee gym equipment inventory, maintenance, and operational readiness.

• Support non-travel rehab or training groups.

• Mentor and support develop and growth of team members.

• Travel with the team as required.

• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.

• 4+ years of experience working in elite sport (professional, NCAA Division I, etc.) as a Strength & Conditioning Coach.

• Must have National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent (UKSCA, ASCA, etc.)

• Committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, and fans.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field preferred.

• Experience as a player or high-level athlete (collegiate or professionally).

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist.

• Precision Nutrition Certification.

• Coaching ‘D’ license.

• Bilingual or multilingual a plus (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position will primarily work from the Sounders headquarters and training facility in Renton, WA.

• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Employee must have a reliable means of local transportation.

• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.

• Must be fully vaccinated at the time of hire and follow all club and league COVID-19 protocols.

• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 150 pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people. The pay range for this position is $90,000-$105,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.

• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.

• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.

• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.

• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.

• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.

• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.