Manager, Safeguarding Learning Pathways

Description

U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That is why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. Soccer in the near and far future. We are, therefore, looking for dynamic servant leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility, and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description

The Safeguarding Learning Manager is responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving U.S. Soccer’s safeguarding learning framework, products and awareness across the soccer ecosystem. This role is within the Safeguarding Prevention & Education team.

This role leads the development and execution of a comprehensive safeguarding learning and awareness framework serving both internal staff and the broader U.S. Soccer ecosystem, including players, coaches, referees, administrators, owners, volunteers, and spectators across recreational, pre-professional, and professional segments.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding Learning Strategy & Framework

• Develop and execute a safeguarding learning and awareness framework aligned with U.S. Soccer’s prevention strategy and organizational priorities.
• Define learning pathways and awareness objectives across stakeholder groups and levels of play, from recreational to professional environments.
• Ensure learning and awareness initiatives are age-appropriate, role-specific, and accessible.

Learning Design & Product Development

• Design and oversee the development of safeguarding learning products, including:
  • E-learning courses
  • Micro-learning and awareness modules
  • Instructor-led and virtual trainings
  • Blended learning experiences
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external subject-matter experts to develop high-quality, trauma-informed content.
• Apply adult learning and behavior-change principles to education on sensitive topics such as abuse, misconduct, and violence prevention.

Awareness Raising & Safeguarding Campaigns

• Design and support safeguarding awareness-raising initiatives and campaigns that promote understanding of safeguarding principles, expected behaviors, and reporting pathways across the soccer ecosystem.
• Develop campaign-related educational assets (e.g., short learning modules, digital content, toolkits) in partnership with communications and stakeholder teams.
• Ensure awareness efforts are coordinated with broader learning strategies and reinforce key safeguarding messages at scale.

Training of the Trainer (ToT) & Capacity Building

• Design and implement Training of the Trainer models to enable U.S. Soccer members and partners to deliver safeguarding education internally.
• Develop facilitator guides, participant materials, and quality-assurance tools to support consistent and effective delivery.
• Support member organizations in building sustainable safeguarding education capacity.

Integration with Existing Education Pathways

• Integrate safeguarding learning and awareness modules into existing U.S. Soccer education and certification programs, including those for coaches, referees, administrators, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with education and technical teams to embed safeguarding concepts into broader learning journeys rather than stand-alone requirements.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Establish methods to assess learning engagement, awareness reach, and effectiveness of safeguarding education initiatives.
• Use data, feedback, and emerging best practices to continuously improve learning products and campaigns.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a learning and awareness resource within the Safeguarding Prevention & Education team.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Membership, Human Resources, National Teams, Soccer Forward, and external partners to ensure consistent safeguarding messaging and education.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, learning sciences, psychology, social sciences, public health, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–8 years of professional experience in learning design, education, or training, including work on safeguarding, prevention, or sensitive subject matter.
• Demonstrated experience designing education and/or awareness initiatives on sensitive topics such as abuse prevention, violence prevention, harassment, or misconduct.
• Experience working within sporting environments, preferably across youth, amateur, or professional sport contexts.
• Strong expertise in instructional design, including digital, blended, and facilitator-led learning.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills.
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments 
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission 
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing learning or awareness initiatives for large, decentralized ecosystems (e.g., federations, membership organizations).
• Familiarity with U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements and safeguarding frameworks.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS) and digital learning platforms.
• Training or certification in instructional design, adult learning, or trauma-informed practice.
• Multilingual capabilities.

Core Competencies

• Learning & Awareness Strategy: Designs education and awareness that drive understanding and behavior change.
• Trauma-Informed Practice: Applies sensitivity and care when addressing complex and difficult topics.
• Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Systems Thinking: Understands how learning and awareness fit within broader safeguarding systems.
• Continuous Improvement: Uses feedback and data to refine learning products and campaigns.

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.