EASTSIDE TIMBERS – DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING 

Reports To: TD / GM, Boys & Girls Directors

Supervises: DA Coaching Staff, Team & Player Development, and Recreation Coaches

Position Overview

The Director of Youth Development & Recreational Programming provides leadership across both soccer (on-field) and business (off-field) operations, ensuring alignment with the Eastside Timbers’ TD / GM, philosophy, mission, vision, and culture. This role is responsible for overseeing all grassroots and recreational soccer programs while establishing a clear, age-appropriate development pathway for young players. This role focuses on creating a fun, safe, and inclusive environment while ensuring consistent coaching standards and long-term player development across all recreational and entry-level competitive programs. It is essential to the success of these programs to foster strong relationships with families and the broader soccer community. The Director of Youth Development & Recreational Programming will be expected to work closely with the Competitive Boys and Girls Directors as well as other Eastside staff members in regard to the implementation of both programs.  Plays a vital role in player development, coaching oversight, program management, and communication, while safeguarding the club’s standards of excellence and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership and mentorship to all Development Academy coaches in methodology, technical instruction, game management, and seasonal planning.
• Provide strategic leadership and set realistic objectives for staff and programs.
• Create KPIs for each program/team within both the DA and Recreation programs. 
• Collaborate with the TD/GM and Directors to design, align and implement performance plans.
• Ensure continuity and stability across all program operations.
• Communicate effectively with staff, coaches, and stakeholders. 
• Foster a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to all coaches within both the Recreation and Developmental programs.
• Oversee age group curriculum development, aligning with club-wide technical goals.
• Manage the development pathway for all players, including movement between teams.
• Assist in defining and applying the club’s style of play across this program.
• Lead player and coach evaluations within the Development Academy
• Work cooperatively with Club leaders, US Soccer and Oregon Youth Soccer

Youth Development & Programming

• Develop and implement a unified club-wide player development model and playing philosophy with TD/GM and Directors. 
• Ensure age-appropriate training methodologies across all recreational, grassroots and Developmental programs.
• Oversee curriculum design for technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development.
• Oversee the program calendar and schedule key events.
• Monitor player progress and support long-term athlete development (LTAD).
• Ensure positive player experiences emphasizing enjoyment, learning, and sportsmanship.
• Create clear pathways from Tiny Timbers to recreational to developmental to competitive.
• Take the lead in hiring developmental coaches
• Oversee budget for all grassroots programs
• Host coaching clinics for coaches in all grassroots programs
• Retain and grow each program annually 
• Evaluate and support all coaches

Recreational Program Management

• Oversee the return of a Recreation Jamboree
• Contribute to the design of procedures for safe and effective player development.
• Oversee the program calendar and schedule key events.
• Develop standards and curriculum for Recreation coaches.
• Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure dates, planning, fields, scheduling and equipment is ready for the season. 
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with community needs.
• Monitor program quality, retention, and growth.
• Connect with clubs/schools that play in the EST league to continue to build relationships and collaborate with community organizations. 
• Provide a coaching clinic and parent meeting each season
• Identify players for development and competitive program by hosting the Rising Stars each season
• Observe games and build relationships between the recreational and competitive teams and coaches.
• Organize and lead Recreation Coaches sessions
• Organize and Lead Parent meetings
• Assess performance and skill development of coaches and staff within the program.

Financial & Administrative

• Contribute to organizational budgeting and financial planning.
• Manage budgets across multiple areas of the DA and Recreation program.

Customer & Community Focus

• Oversee the development of all youth players within Eastside Timbers.
• Organize and facilitate parent meetings to communicate expectations, progress, and philosophy.
• Engage positively with the public and soccer community to protect and enhance the Club’s brand.
• Attend events to promote programs and serve as a Club ambassador.
• Maintain and grow relationships with strategic partners

Player & Staff Development

• Oversee creation and execution of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all Developmental players. 
• Assess and recommend appropriate player movement within or across age groups.
• Encourage and support coaching education, certification, and continuous learning.
• Conduct bi-annual staff performance evaluations and provide ongoing development feedback for Developmental Coaches. 
• Share best practices, methodology, and curriculum with club affiliates and technical partners.
• Maintain an excellent working environment with all club staff.

Professional Standards & Representation

• Represent the club professionally at all times—on and off the field.
• Staff are expected to wear club-provided apparel at all training sessions, games, events, and while traveling with teams.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional appearance that reflects the values of Eastside Timbers.
• Lead by example in conduct, language, punctuality, and interactions with players, families, and staff.
• Ensure that all coaches and team staff adhere to the same standards of appearance and behavior.
• Be punctual and organized for all training sessions and games.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• US Soccer National “C” License (minimum).
• At least 3-5 years of licensed coaching experience (club, collegiate, professional, or state/regional/national level).
• Coaching experience at the grassroots and youth level
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate training
• Experience in coaching across a range of ages and abilities
• Strong administrative and organizational skills with experience managing multiple programs.
• Familiarity with player pathway and club development structures
• Proficiency with Mac and PC software platforms.
• Ability to use video software for player and coach development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Disposition & Attitude

• Positive and respectful demeanor in all interactions.
• Ability to lead staff meetings and maximize staff performance.
• Professional representation of the Club at events and functions.
• Demonstrates leadership, accountability, and a growth mindset.
• Respectful and collaborative in interactions with families, players, and staff.
• Committed to high performance standards and continuous improvement.

Special Conditions

• This position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements.
• Schedule may vary throughout the season to meet program demands.
• Position requires local and regional travel as part of league, tournament, and scouting responsibilities.
• Eastside Timbers reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as needed.
• This document does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Work Schedule

• Full‑time, year‑round role
• Evening and weekend availability potentially required for games, events, and meetings

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $45,000–$55,000 annually + bonuses
• Health benefits & 401(K) retirement plan with employer match 
• Professional development support
• Club gear and equipment

How to Apply

If you’re ready to make a difference in youth soccer and help players reach their potential, we want to hear from you! Please send cover letter and resume to info@eastsidetimbers.com. Join us at Eastside Timbers and help develop the next generation of players!