Head of Fitness at Seattle Sounders FC

Job Title: Head of Fitness

Department: Performance

Reports To: Director of Performance

Type: Full Time; Exempt

Role Type: 50% Individual Contributor, 50% People Manager

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, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup 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 fitness coach to add to the team. We need a teammate who understands the demands placed on an elite footballer. This influential individual within the club will need to seamlessly integrate with our performance/medical/technical staff and add to our culture of excellence every day. Utilizing a deep understanding of scientific best practices and the real-world applications in football will allow this coach to excel. Being able to effectively communicate and connect with people of all backgrounds, educations, and personalities is a must. This role will primarily be based on the field and in the gym, driving performance improvements of players and the return to play process, thus a candidate must have a high-level of competence for strength & conditioning of elite athletes and deep understanding of injury pathology as related to football.

YOU ARE

• Authentic – Great understanding of self and lives values every day.
• A Passionate Leader – Ready to drive results while modeling club values.
• Highly Collaborative – Able to effectively work with different departments and stakeholders.
• Adaptable - Able to deliver results under imperfect, evolving scenarios.
• Composed - Able to provide calm during the emotional ebbs and flows of a season.
• Enthusiastic - A source of energy for the group.
• Curious – Constantly looking to improve processes and inefficiencies, a beginner’s mindset.
• Selfless – Able to check your ego at the door and put the needs of the team first.
• Creative Problem Solver – Ready to identify solutions, rather than pointing out problems.
• Kind - A good human.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• End stage rehab in collaboration with Medical staff to prepare players for return to performance.
• Provide detailed insights and reporting to Performance staff in relation to player loading, return to play, performance improvements, and program interventions/strategies.
• Lead and deliver the MLS gym program.
• Design and deliver individual injury mitigation programs in collaboration with medical staff.
• Support the Performance Director with on-field team training and conditioning as required.
• Lead on field readiness and athletic profiling.
• Program supplemental gym and/or fitness work as required.
• Administer daily team and individual activations as required.
• Support the integration of performance philosophy and methodology across all phases of the club.
• Travel with the team as required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Will supervise the MLS Performance Coach.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience working in elite soccer (professional, NCAA Division I, etc.) as a Strength & Conditioning Coach / Fitness Coach / player.
• 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, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy
• Experience as a professional or high-level athlete.
• Coaching ‘C’ license.
• ISAK accredited.
• 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 in 2026.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing and available to travel to MLS team away games.
• 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 50 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 annual salary range for this position is $100,000 and $130,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. Base salary at time of offer is based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal equity, and current market conditions.

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.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.