Team Operations - Head of Sports Science

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TITLE: Head of Sports Science

DEPARTMENT: Team Operations

REPORTS TO: Director of Health & Performance

FLSA: Full-time, Salary, Exempt

WHAT SETS YOU APART

The Sport Scientist utilizes player health and performance data with the goal of supporting player health and safety and improving performance on the field. The Sport Scientist will leverage knowledge within the sport science, data science, and data visualization fields to facilitate conversations, create insights and develop programming for players in the performance, injury prevention, medical, and return to play areas. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: collect and present data pertaining to player health and performance, conduct testing if certified/licensed to perform, manage, and integrate performance and medical datasets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES

• Manage all incoming sports science data streams
• Manage all in-training/game tracking and other data streams, and develop reporting structures around data collection
• Collaborate with the Strength and Conditioning Coach in the designing and administering of individualized pre-training activation protocols and in-season strength training sessions.
• Educate and counsel players regarding strategies to improve performance as educated
• Manage, design, and implement weight room physical testing protocols as educated
• Evaluate player performance through performance testing, workload monitoring, and other team-specific metrics as educated
• Design, modify and apply assessment protocols and methods to analyze the demands of the sport and the capabilities of the MLS Players
• Provide feedback to players and staff regarding all sports science data collected
• Collaborate with the Strength and Conditioning and the rest of the department members to perform activation/regeneration sessions as needed
• Support the Strength and Conditioning with performing all on-field warmups for team training sessions when required
• Support the Strength and Conditioning and/or Medical Staff with end-stage rehab sessions when required
• Maintain the appearance and organization of equipment in the weight facility, as well as educate and enforce weight room rule
• Attend team/staff meetings
• Participate in activities/meetings/programs as required by MLS
• Comply with all MLS Medical Manual and policies and procedures
• Document in the League Electronic Medical Record system
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

It's never just a job at Orlando City SC. It's a way of life. We live and breathe soccer. We believe each role is as unique as the person who does it. To join our team, you will also possess these qualifications:

• Master's or doctorate degree in the areas of sports science, psychology, or closely related field
• Experience in Power BI and its related tools is highly preferred.
• Applied elite soccer experience, particularly in the elite soccer space.
• A broad understanding of sports medicine, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental performance
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to collaborate and lead
• Experience working with professional football club
• Successful completion of pre-employment comprehensive background check
• The ability to attain and maintain Safesport certification
• Ability to non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

About Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride:

In November 2013, Orlando City Soccer Club was awarded a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, becoming the league's 21st franchise. The team began play in March 2015, with 62,510 fans packing the then-Orlando Citrus Bowl for the Club's MLS debut.

The Lions have reached the postseason in five-consecutive seasons (2020-24), qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup (formerly Concacaf Champions League) in both 2023 and 2024, and reached their first final in 2020 during the MLS is Back Tournament. In 2022, Orlando City won its first championship of its MLS era, lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy, which also marked the first championship by any professional team in the City Beautiful. Prior to its time in MLS, Orlando City boasted a decorated history in the United Soccer League, winning the league's championship in both the 2011 and 2013 seasons.

In October 2015, the Orlando Pride was announced as the 10th team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), bringing professional women's soccer to the state of Florida for the first time. The team began play in April 2016, setting a then-league single-game attendance record in its first-ever home game, with 23,403 fans witnessing the Club's first win.

The Pride feature a star-studded roster of domestic and international talent and, in 2024, brought the first professional major league title to the city of Orlando, with the Club winning the NWSL Championship. The season saw the Pride complete the double, winning both the Championship and the NWSL Shield as the best team in the regular season, capping off a historic campaign that set numerous league records. Former Orlando City defender Seb Hines serves as the team's head coach, not only the first Black head coach in the league, but also the first to win both the Championship and the NWSL Shield, and the 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year.

In 2017, both teams moved into its privately-owned, soccer-specific venue – Inter&Co Stadium – located in the heart of downtown Orlando.

In July 2021, the Club – which includes Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B (MLS NEXT Pro) and Inter&Co Stadium – was purchased by the Wilf Family, who also own the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.

For more information on Orlando City SC and Orlando, visit OrlandoCitySC.com or Orlando-Pride.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Orlando City and Orlando Pride will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the job application or interview process and perform critical job functions. Please contact the People and Culture department at Peopleandculture@orlandocitysc.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.