[Hiring] Research Projects Manager @Soccer Forward Foundation

Role Description

The Research Projects Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of the Kang Women’s Institute driving the delivery of key research initiatives, with a focus on improving female health, performance, and participation in soccer.

Working with researchers, industry partners, practitioners, and governing bodies, this role will ensure the successful execution of the Kang Women’s Institute’s research agenda.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the operations of the KWI research projects including communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all inbound expressions of interest for future research collaborations and partnerships.
• Identify potential future partners and collaborators in line with the vision of the KWI and USSF strategy.
• Lead the ongoing management of a research consortium.
• Oversee the organization of quarterly consortium meetings, other events and conferences, including scheduling, agenda development, meeting logistics, and follow-up actions.
• Oversee communication to consortium members including providing updates, meeting notes, and summary reports.
• Collaborate with the KWI team to drive research initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met, and clear communication is maintained.
• Support with the screening of papers and projects to expand internal education knowledge base and work closely with the education team to provide insights to inform future education/curriculum development.
• Support with protocol design, IRB processes, participant recruitment, timelines, and associated administration.
• Support the synthesis and communication of research findings through reports, presentations, and ecosystem-facing content.
• Support the development of a centralized women's sport science data repository.
• Manage internal and external reporting processes to ensure key stakeholders are updated on research progress.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. sports science, physiology, public health, or related discipline) or equivalent advanced research experience.
• 5+ years of experience in research, applied sport science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience of managing research projects, partnerships, or multi-stakeholder initiatives from planning through to delivery.
• Demonstrable understanding of research design, data collection, and applied translation.
• Ability to build and manage relationships across researchers, practitioners, industry partners, governing bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex findings into clear outputs.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Requirements

• Experience of managing philanthropic gifts, grants, or external funding.
• Experience working in female athlete health and performance.
• Experience of managing a research consortium, network, or multi-institutional collaboration.
• Experience working in research environments.
• A passion for advancing research that improves participation and performance in soccer.
• A Master's degree in a relevant field.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package.
• Casual work environment.
• Inclusive culture.
• Atmosphere for professional development.

Company Description

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.