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Columbia University
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Details
Posted: 22-May-26
Location: New York
Type: Full-time
Sector:
Collegiate Sports
Internal Number: 7170782
Executive Director
Downtown United Soccer Club
New York, NY
About Downtown United Soccer Club
Founded in 1982, Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) is one of New York City's premier youth soccer organizations, serving thousands of young athletes and families across Lower Manhattan and beyond. DUSC is committed to developing players of all levels in an inclusive, community-centered environment that emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and personal growth both on and off the field.
With programs ranging from recreational soccer to elite travel and academy teams, DUSC provides pathways for players ages 3 through 19 to develop technical skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game. The club's mission is rooted in accessibility, excellence, and community engagement, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate, compete, and thrive.
DUSC envisions a vibrant and equitable soccer community where young people from all backgrounds can grow as athletes, teammates, and leaders. Through high-quality coaching, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to inclusion and integrity, the organization strives to positively impact youth development throughout New York City.
Learn more at Downtown United Soccer Club.
The Opportunity
DUSC is serving approximately 4,400 players annually across both Competitive and Community programming. As the club continues to grow in scale and complexity—particularly within the Competitive program—we are seeking experienced leadership to help strengthen operational execution and financial postion during a transitional period. Downtown United Soccer Club seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization through its next chapter of growth and impact. This is an exciting opportunity to guide one of New York City's leading youth soccer clubs, working closely with staff, coaches, families, players, and the Board of Directors to strengthen operations, deepen community engagement, and advance excellence across all levels of the club.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization, ensuring DUSC continues to deliver exceptional soccer programming while fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven culture. The Executive Director will oversee organizational strategy, financial sustainability, fundraising and sponsorship development, staff leadership, community partnerships, and operational systems.
In partnership with the Board and staff, the Executive Director will play a central role in shaping the club's long-term vision, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing player development pathways, and ensuring a high-quality experience for every player and family.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and vision, ensuring alignment between mission, programs, and long-term goals.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic priorities, operational plans, and organizational initiatives.
- Lead and support a high-performing team of staff, coaches, and program leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth.
- Oversee a finance team, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and long-term sustainability planning.
- Expand and diversify revenue streams through fundraising, sponsorships, partnerships, grants, and earned-income opportunities.
- Serve as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for the organization across the soccer community and broader New York City ecosystem.
- Strengthen relationships with players, families, alumni, coaches, schools, leagues, community organizations, and donors.
- Oversee operational systems including registration, scheduling, communications, staffing, facilities coordination, and vendor management.
- Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across programs, staffing, and organizational culture.
- Support Board engagement and governance, ensuring effective communication and alignment on strategic priorities.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and values-driven organizational culture rooted in youth development and community impact.
Candidate Profile
We recognize that there is a wide spectrum of lived and professional experience that may prepare candidates for success in this role. While no single candidate will possess every qualification listed below, ideal candidates will demonstrate many of the following qualities, skills, and experiences:
Deep Connection to Soccer and Youth Development
- Brings a strong understanding of the soccer ecosystem, including youth player development, club operations, league structures, and coaching culture.
- Possesses credibility within the soccer community and a genuine passion for the sport as a tool for youth development and leadership.
- Understands how to balance competitive excellence with an inclusive, positive, and developmentally appropriate player experience.
Strategic and Visionary Executive
- A strategic leader who can define and articulate a clear vision for organizational growth and sustainability.
- Skilled at translating strategy into actionable plans, measurable outcomes, and effective execution.
- Demonstrates sound judgment, adaptability, and strong problem-solving abilities in complex environments.
- Comfortable balancing long-term planning with the demands of day-to-day operational leadership.
Operational Excellence and Systems Builder
- Experienced in managing complex, multi-program organizations with numerous stakeholders, schedules, and operational demands.
- Brings a systems-oriented mindset with the ability to design and implement scalable processes that improve efficiency, communication, and consistency.
- Skilled at building infrastructure that supports high-quality execution across programs, leagues, and organizational functions.
- Strong project management abilities with attention to detail and a focus on follow-through and accountability.
Exceptional Communicator and Community Builder
- A visible, approachable leader who builds trust and authentic relationships with players, families, staff, and partners.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
- Comfortable navigating complex or sensitive conversations with transparency and emotional intelligence.
- Deep appreciation for the role of family engagement and community experience in youth sports.
Fundraising and Revenue Development Expertise
- Demonstrated success in cultivating sponsorships, fundraising partnerships, and diversified revenue streams.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue creative funding opportunities aligned with mission and values.
- Skilled at representing the organization to donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
- Understands how to align external funding strategies with programmatic and organizational priorities.
Empowering and Collaborative Leadership Style
- Leads with empathy, inclusion, and a focus on developing people and teams.
- Builds strong, cohesive organizational culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and shared purpose.
- Supports professional development and fosters an environment of continuous learning.
- Effective at breaking down silos and aligning stakeholders around common goals.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
- Demonstrates a commitment to creating inclusive environments for players, families, and staff from all backgrounds.
- Values equity in access to youth sports and understands the importance of belonging in athletic spaces.
- Leads with cultural humility and promotes safe, supportive environments for youth development.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, at a range of $150,000-$170,000. The organization offers benefits support. More information will be provided as candidates enter the process.
This is a full-time, in-person role based in New York City, with evening and weekend responsibilities aligned with programming, games, and community engagement.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Trevor Hooper. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Downtown United Soccer Club is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.
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About Downtown United Soccer Club
https://fsacareercenter.ncaa.org/jobs/22295639/executive-director
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