Job Description

TITLE: Academy Head of Sports Science
DEPARTMENT: Team Operations
REPORTS TO: Head of Sports Science
FLSA: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt

WHAT SETS YOU APART
The Academy Head of Sports Science uses player health and performance data to safeguard players' health and safety and improve their on-field performance. Drawing on expertise across sports science, data science, and data visualization, this role facilitates conversations, generates insights, and develops programming for players in the performance, injury-prevention, medical, and return-to-play areas. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, collecting and presenting data on player health and performance; conducting testing where certified or licensed to do so; and managing and integrating performance and medical datasets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage all incoming sports science data streams, including in-training and in-game tracking, and develop reporting structures around data collection.
• Integrate performance and medical datasets, ensuring data quality and consistency across sources.
• Collect, analyze, and present data on player health and performance, and provide clear feedback to players and staff.
• Design, modify, and apply assessment protocols to analyze the demands of the sport and the capabilities of Academy players.
• Evaluate player performance through performance testing, workload monitoring, and other team-specific metrics, within the scope of certification.
• Manage, design, and implement weight-room physical testing protocols within the scope of certification.
• Collaborate with Strength and Conditioning teammates to design and administer individualized pre-training activation protocols and in-season strength training sessions.
• Educate and counsel players on strategies to improve performance, within the scope of practice.
• Work with Strength and Conditioning and the wider department to deliver activation and regeneration sessions as needed.
• Support Strength and Conditioning with on-field warm-ups for team training sessions when required.
• Support Strength and Conditioning and Club Medical Staff with end-stage rehabilitation sessions when required.
• Maintain the appearance and organization of equipment in the weight facility, and educate players on and enforce weight-room rules.
• 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, and we believe each role is as unique as the person who fills it. To join our team, you will also bring the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Sports Science, or a related field required; Master's or Ph.D. in Sports Science highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional or college experience, preferably within MLS or another elite-level soccer organization.
• Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) required.
• Experience using sports science technologies such as GPS or player-tracking devices, heart-rate monitoring, force-plate technology, and sprint-profiling tools.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across a variety of media and with diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and data visualization platforms.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to attain and maintain SafeSport certification.
• Ability to pass a background check.

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.