Details

Posted: 12-Feb-25

Location: Hillsborough, New Jersey

Type: Full-time

Salary: Reflective of Experience

Categories:

Executive Executive - Executive Director

Salary Details:

Base salary with added potential bonuses based on criteria of improvement of quality of teams and players, player growth, player retention, recruitment of coaches.

Preferred Education:

4 Year Degree

Additional Information:

2 openings available.

Internal Number: 100

POSITION: ACADEMY DIRECTOR

FC Copa Academy, one of the most respected and successful youth soccer organizations in the nation, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Academy Director to oversee the operations and development of our Academy program. This position represents a unique opportunity to join a multi-regional organization with locations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, dedicated to Developing Excellence in Soccer and Life.

With over 20 years of history, FC Copa Academy has built a proven track record of success, placing over 450+ players into collegiate programs and developing 30 professional players who have gone on to compete in top leagues such as MLS, USL, NWSL and USLS. Our Academy serves 1,500+ players across 120+ teams each year, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the region.

As Academy Director, you will play a key leadership role in shaping the next generation of players, coaches, and staff while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and community. You’ll join an organization that prioritizes player development, staff education, and providing top-tier opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field.

Academy Program Highlights

Multi-regional presence: Locations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. 120+ teams competing in national, regional, and local leagues. 1,500+ players annually in the Academy program. Dedicated coaching staff: Over 50 professional, USSF-licensed coaches. Support staff includes specialists in goalkeeping, injury prevention, mental training, and college recruitment. Robust programming includes year-round training, tournaments, camps, and international travel opportunities.

Summary of Primary Goals

Provide a gold standard in soccer education to all players and families. Increase participation across diverse and underrepresented populations. Recruit, hire, develop and support Academy staff to align with the organization’s growth and mission. Enhance individual and team competitiveness across all levels.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Program Management

Oversee all Academy operations, ensuring smooth execution of practices, games, and competitions across all Academy teams (U7-U19). Create and manage the yearly calendar for the Academy, including training schedules, tryouts, and league play. Organize and oversee the tryout process for 1,500+ participants and 120+ teams, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Coordinate team formation, registration, and database management for leagues, tournaments, and events. Oversee all other Academy Operations and staff to include registrations, player management, tuition, uniforms and fields.

Leadership and Staff Development

Hire, train, and oversee Academy staff coaches, fostering alignment with FC Copa Academy’s values, style of play, and curriculum. Develop a comprehensive staff education program, ensuring professional growth and alignment with organizational goals. Act as the liaison between technical teams, staff coaches, and team managers, ensuring clear communication and collaboration. Conduct player and staff reviews throughout the year.

Player Development

Implement and oversee a club-wide philosophy for player development, focusing on:

Style of play. Seasonal training methodology. Video analysis and fitness programming. Foster pathways for players to progress from Pre-Academy to collegiate and professional levels. Collaborate with support staff to provide additional resources for players, including mental performance training and injury prevention.

Communication and Marketing

Collaborate with the marketing team to promote the Academy program, including player and team accomplishments. Maintain the Academy’s web presence and communication channels, ensuring timely updates on schedules, events, and achievements. Support recruitment efforts by developing presentations and promotional materials.

Game Day and Events

Attend all league events, showcases, and tournaments. Oversee game-day operations, including schedules, coaching plans, and logistics for home and away matches. Support the Tournament Director during events that host Academy teams.

Workflow

Core Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (35 hours per week). On-Field Support: 5–10 hours per week assisting coaches and managers. Available for special events, meetings, or program management on various nights and weekends as needed to achieve goals. Flexible work-from-home options can be explored.

Qualifications and Skills

USSF B License (A License preferred) or equivalent coaching certification. Proven experience in soccer program management, ideally with Academy or ECNL platforms. Strong administrative and organizational skills, with experience managing large-scale programs. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage staff, players, and parents. A commitment to FC Copa Academy’s mission of “Developing Excellence in Soccer and Life.”

Why Join FC Copa Academy?

For over two decades, FC Copa Academy has been a leader in player development, building a legacy of success both on and off the field. With a strong presence across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, the Academy provides unmatched opportunities for staff and players to grow and thrive in a professional, growth-focused environment.

450+ collegiate players: FC Copa Academy has a proven track record of helping players achieve their collegiate soccer dreams. 30 professional players: Our alumni compete at the highest levels, including MLS, USL, and NWSL. 120+ teams, 1,500+ players annually: Be part of an organization with a wide-reaching impact across three states. Innovative programming: Work within a program that offers international travel, advanced training methodologies, and cutting-edge player development resources.

Joining FC Copa Academy means becoming part of a family that values excellence, education, and community. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the future of soccer in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits

Highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k), and generous paid time off. Professional development opportunities and support for continued coaching education.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, salary expectations, and references to lori.berman@fccopa.com with the subject line “Academy Director Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more information about FC Copa Academy, visit www.fccopa.com

Qualifications and Skills

USSF B License (A License preferred) or equivalent coaching certification. Proven experience in soccer program management, ideally with Academy or ECNL platforms. Strong administrative and organizational skills, with experience managing large-scale programs. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage staff, players, and parents. A commitment to FC Copa Academy’s mission of “Developing Excellence in Soccer and Life.”

Create a Job Alert for Similar Jobs About FC Copa Academy FC Copa Academy is a professional soccer organization founded in 2004. We are a soccer family consisting of over 750 members from the ages of 5 to 19 that come from all areas of NJ, NY, and PA. In addition to the youth academy, FC Copa Academy provides a pathway into the college, semi-pro, and professional levels its New Jersey Copa FC collegiate programs (U20 and U23) all the way to the USL League Two (men) and UWS (women) teams. ?We are a year-round soccer development program assisting players in reaching their greatest potential. The focus is on educating the complete player with a knowledgeable and caring staff. FC Copa Academy fields both boys and girls teams in each age group from U7 through U19 and beyond. FC Copa Academy teams compete ECNL RL, NPL,EDP Leagues and tournaments, showcases, and competitions locally, regionally, and nationally. Connections working at FC Copa Academy https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/21065063/academy-director-director-of-coaching Return to Search Results