Head of Fitness
Job Title : Head of Fitness
Department : Performance
Reports To : Director of Performance
Type : Full Time; Exempt
Base pay range
$100,000.00 / yr – $130,000.00 / yr
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.
- 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 : 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 : Unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. Paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave.Retirement Planning Support : 401(k) retirement plan matching.Inclusive Parental Leave : Gender‑neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML).Peace of Mind Coverage : Employer‑paid long‑term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.Exclusive Perks : Complimentary tickets to matches and employer‑funded ORCA cards for transit.Continuous Growth Opportunities : Investment in learning and development through various programs and resources.Community Engagement : Volunteer opportunities aligned with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives.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.
Seniority level : Mid‑Senior level
Employment type : Full‑time
Job function : Other
Industries : Sports Teams and Clubs and Spectator Sports
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