Academy Director

ACADEMY DIRECTOR RIGHT TO DREAM SAN DIEGO

Build the Future of Youth Development. From the Ground Up.

San Diego FC is searching for a bold, visionary leader to launch and lead our Right to Dream Academy — a first-of-its-kind residential youth academy in San Diego designed to develop not only elite athletes, but exceptional human beings.

This is a chance to redefine what’s possible in American youth development, building a world-class residential academy from the ground up — one that will set a new standard for how talent is discovered, nurtured, and launched into the world. Our inaugural class of 18 boys arrives in August 2025. Working with a talented team of academic and football leaders, this is your opportunity to create the foundation they—and countless others—will stand on.

If you are a systems thinker, a builder, a dreamer with operational rigor and the courage to challenge the status quo, we want to meet you.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Imagine an academy that’s as committed to curiosity as it is to competition. Where character and creativity are just as valued as goals and grades. Where young people thrive because the environment is designed with intention, compassion, and excellence.

We are looking for a leader to lead a model for the future — blending academics, athletics, and purpose-driven mentorship in a fully residential setting. You’ll be based at our state-of-the-art Sharp Healthcare Performance Center in El Cajon, just outside San Diego, and collaborate with partners across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Visionary Leadership

• Bring the vision of the Right to Dream Academy to life in San Diego — customizing it to the needs and opportunities of this unique region and community.
• Dream boldly: Establish a residential program that integrates top-tier academics, world-class player development, and deep character formation.
• Inspire and align a multi-disciplinary team of educators, coaches, mentors, and operational leaders.
• Be the public face of the Academy — energizing community, media, sponsors, and families with the vision.

Team & Culture Building

• Recruit, retain and develop an exceptional leadership team across academics, football, residential life, and wellbeing.
• Set the tone for a values-based culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, excellence, and humility.
• Foster a psychologically safe, collaborative environment for both students and staff.
• Serve as a key decision-maker in high escalation restorative and discipline matters with student-athletes and families

Operational Execution

• Organize regular meetings to monitor deliverables and foster collaboration
• Coordinate academy schedules, incorporating teaching, enrichment, training, games, trips, and events
• Manage budgets, resources, and logistics
• Ensure compliance with DoS, MLS & FIFA regulations, Safe Sport, SDFC & RtD policies, WASC, DHS/SEVIS, and applicable California educational codes
• Coordinate with SDFC Sporting Director on player trading & contracting

Holistic Talent Development - Pathways

• Oversee a truly integrated student-athlete experience — combining football, academics, enrichment, and leadership development.
• Support individualized development plans and post-academy pathways — to college, pro football, or other meaningful pursuits.
• Serve as a key leader in all high-impact decisions affecting student life, learning, and safety.
• Overseeing the student athlete selection and scholarship process
• Oversee seamless transitions for student-athletes entering and exiting the academy
• Coordinate with coaches and teachers to implement holistic development plans

Community & Ecosystem Engagement

• Partner with SDFC’s Community team and local youth clubs, schools, and grassroots programs to ensure the Academy is a vibrant part of San Diego’s talent ecosystem.
• Actively seek partnerships that expand access, impact, and innovation across the community.
• Align with SDFC’s broader community goals and Right to Dream’s global commitments.

YOU MIGHT BE A FIT IF YOU…

• Are a builder — experienced in launching or scaling mission-driven programs in education, sport, or youth development.
• Think like a founder — ready to create systems, inspire people, and work across multiple domains.
• Have experience in residential or high-accountability youth settings — boarding schools, military academies, elite sports programs, or experiential education.
• Are deeply passionate about unlocking human potential — especially in young people.
• Are a gifted communicator who can move seamlessly from boardrooms to dorm rooms.
• Embrace cultural diversity, cross-cultural collaboration, and global perspectives.

PREFERRED BACKGROUND

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Education, Sports Leadership, Psychology, or related field strongly preferred.
• Experience in youth development, student affairs, residential life, or elite athletic training.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Knowledge of San Diego, Southern California, or the U.S. education/sports landscape is a plus.

WHO WE ARE

San Diego FC is here to make San Diego shine and to redefine what excellence looks like in North American football. Our mission is to create opportunities for talent to flourish — and we live this mission every day through the Right to Dream philosophy. We believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We're here to change that.

Right to Dream is a global movement that identifies and develops youth talent holistically — with academies and partners in Ghana, Egypt, Denmark, and now, the United States.

This Academy will be the first of its kind in America. Your work will influence not only San Diego, but the entire landscape of youth development across the country.

WHY JOIN US

• Shape a legacy that will impact lives for generations.
• Collaborate with mission-aligned global partners in a values-driven culture.
• Be part of a club and organization that truly values character, community, and opportunity.

APPLY

Bring your vision. Bring your purpose. Bring your courage. We can’t wait to hear how you’d shape the future of talent in San Diego.

This is an opportunity to be a part of a great team building something meaningful for San Diego. We offer excellent benefits including health coverages with generous company contributions, over 30 days of paid time off, and a 4% company match on your 401(k).