November 16, 2024

UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION 1

Atlanta

Director of Turf & Grounds

Description:

U.S. Soccer Overview
We are U.S. Soccer and we are the future of sport in the United States. Our mission is to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States. We embrace diversity, technology and global connections to drive the growth of our sport and serve our athletes and fans. We seek motivated, passionate, skilled people who can think, create and work on a team. U.S. Soccer is a growing company that looks for team members to grow with it. U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture and an atmosphere for professional development. The Federation’s core principles set organization-wide standards to identify and foster our culture and inform how we interact and hold each other accountable. These principles guide U.S. Soccer: We Win Together. We Aim High. We Champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. To be successful as a USSF employee, it is critical to demonstrate and live up to these principles every day and with every interaction with peers, stakeholders, and partners. The Federation’s core values are the individual attributes and characteristics that staff embody to uphold the organization’s principles and succeed. These values guide our employees: Integrity. Commitment. Teamwork. Respect.
U.S Soccer is currently building a National Training Center in Fayette County, GA. This role will be reporting to the office in Fayetteville, GA.
Position Description
The Director of Turf and Grounds will pay a critical role during the design and construction phases of U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center (NTC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Once the NTC is fully open and functioning, the Director of Turf and Grounds will have oversight and management over the Groundskeeping functions for the NTC which includes the management of the functional areas that support the NTC including the physical grounds, equipment, and related systems on the property.
Primary Responsibilities.
National Training Center (NTC) Construction Period

Work along side the Project Manager, General Contractor and Field Construction Team to deliver the NTC on time and on budget
Coordinate with contractors and landscape architect to ensure alignment with project goals and specifications
Monitor project progress, identify potential risks or delays, and implement mitigation strategies as needed
Conduct regular inspections and site visits to monitor field construction activities
Raise and elevate any non-compliance or on-going project issues promptly and implement corrective actions as necessary
Provide regular updates on project status, milestones achieved, and any significant developments
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the construction team and internal project leadership team (Strategy and Finance) to promote transparency and alignment
Work independently to make real-time decisions during the construction process to keep the project on track.

National Training Center Operating Period and Ongoing Duties

Develop strategy for creation of and build-out of Groundskeeping Team.
Develop job descriptions, policies, procedures and schedules
Recruit, hire and onboard Groundskeeping Team
Provide direct oversight, direction, management and coordination of all functional areas within the Department and promote excellent working relationship with all departments, with the primary purpose to maintain the NTC at the highest level
Ability to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and professional development

Grounds Operations

Develop agronomic policies, procedures, and maintenance schedules to ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of the grounds
Oversee, manage and coordinate the overall maintenance, management and condition of the property and upkeep to support training needs and all other activities that occur at the NTC.
Implement sustainable programs designed to establish and maintain the USSF NTC as a best-in-class professional soccer training facility
Review, inspect and observe all areas of grounds operations at the NTC for compliance with applicable policies, laws, codes, regulations, ordinances and directives

Financial

Development and implementation of approved grounds budget and mechanisms for cost control.
Development, submission and implementation of recommended grounds operation and capital outlay budgets and adjustments.
Research and analyze opportunities for improved efficiencies through outsourcing, consolidation or other operational techniques.
Oversee turf and grounds projects working with Director of Facility Operations while maintaining clear and constant communication.

Strategic

Establish, review and maintain contractual relationships with external partners, vendors, and service providers for the USSF NTC to deliver a best-in-class training environment.
Contribute to the development of long-term strategic plan for the USSF NTC. Implement facility grounds plan to support the organization’s strategic plan and measure success.
Represent and promote the facility in industry associations and organizations and maintain liaison with competitive training facilities.
Act as liaison representative for the NTC, for Fayette County officials, Atlanta Convention, Visitors Bureau and other agencies/organizations in the sports, entertainment and convention industry.

Other duties, functions, special projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Facility Operations.
Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

Eight to Ten years of experience in turf and grounds management, preferably in a sports facility or similar environment. Experience in soccer facility management or operations is preferred.
A strong understanding of grounds operations, including maintenance, scheduling, and budgeting. Knowledge of sports facility requirements, especially for soccer, is important.
The ability to lead a team effectively, manage staff, and oversee operations smoothly. Experience in managing a diverse team is valuable.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communicat ion skills are essential for interacting with staff, teams, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and ensure that operations run smoothly.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in using management software, scheduling tools, and other relevant technology.

Desired Qualifications

Prior experience working at a sporting organization
Proficient understanding in construction management and overseeing large construction projects
Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends on an ad-hoc basis
Passion for soccer is a plus

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 person