Team Manager, Soccer Operations

PORTLAND THORNS

Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

WHO ARE THE PORTLAND THORNS?

We are the Portland Thorns.

We will be the #1 women’s football franchise in the world.

We fight to protect the integrity of our team and to inspire our city.

We are stewards of innovation…on and off the pitch.

We have a storied history of winning with a championship pedigree.

We believe in inclusiveness and demonstrating an authentic commitment to the community.

We are diverse, multi-cultural and we take action with purpose and intent.

We will relentlessly be a thorn in our opponent’s side and forever be the crown jewels of Portland.

We are the Portland Thorns.

The Role

The Team Manager will support the day-to-day team administration under the direction of the Director of Soccer Operations and Head Coach.

What You’ll Be Up To

• Assist with team rules and league regulations.
• Collaborate with the Director of Soccer Operations on the daily administration of team operations.
• Communicate the schedule and any changes to the team.
• Update team-facing calendars (Teamworks).
• Work closely and constructively with the entire team staff.
• Help organize preseason trips and tournaments.
• Partner with the Security Specialist to ensure player safety and security
  
  

Team Travel

• Travel with the Thorns to ensure everything runs smoothly on the road.
• Lead on travel communication through meetings for staff and emails to the travel party.
• Coordinate player tickets and will call lists.
• Flights – Coordinate with all departments and the travel agent to book and organize flights.
• Per diem – pick up per diem, distribute to players and staff, track incidentals money & return when extra.
• Hotel – coordinate with hotel staff on logistics, including last-minute requests related to guest rooms, meeting rooms, and meals.
• Airport – coordinate team check in including distributing boarding passes and ensuring names and seats, frequent flyer numbers are in order.
• Transportation – coordinate team bus and equipment van reservation.
• Facilitate player and staff communication when the team is on the road.
• Manage issues on the road through creative problem solving.
  
  

Visiting Team Liaison

• Serve as the main point of contact for visiting teams in the market.
• Coordinate logistics, including training times, post-game meals, parking passes, tickets, and equipment needs.
• Communicate any special requests to the Director of Soccer Operations and the Security Specialist, such as credentials, VIPs, suite requirements, etc.
• Build and execute hotel drop schedule and facilitate items for each team.
• Be present and available for training times.
• Gameday – ensure locker room and visiting team spaces are set properly and be the point of contract during the game for additional needs.
  
  

Team Operations

• Assist with player relocation by ensuring housing is move-in ready (utilities, furniture).
• Help relocating players with additional needs, such as DMV appointments, Social Security appointments, phone setup, bank account setup, etc.
• Coordinate player vehicle logistics, including checking out cars to players, regular maintenance, mileage reporting, and ensuring cleanliness/damage checks and repairs as needed.
• Assist on player housing by coordinating apartment checks, player move-out process, offseason storage, roommate pairings, etc.
• Organize post-training and post-match meals by coordinating with catering and the Sports Dietitian for timing and additional items and track meal feedback.
• Coordinate with players and staff on team bonding events and initiatives within the budget.
• Assist with player transportation to/from airport, appointments, & appearances when needed.
• Help coordinate VIP / player families as needed.
• Maintain and manage the players’ lounge kitchenette by stocking, cleaning, and organizing daily, weekly, and monthly.
• Assist in planning and execution of all team meals while in Portland and while travelling.
• Assist with player relocation by ensuring housing is move-in ready (utilities, furniture, etc.).
  
  

What It Takes To Be a Thorn

• Three (3) years of Team Operations, Sports Business, or related field experience
• Bachelors in Sports Management or related field
• Ability to lift 50lbs
• Availability to work a variety of days & hours to meet the in-season schedule needs
• Valid Driver License
• Ability to travel to all away games, must possess required identification for domestic and international travel
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $70,000 - $80,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's soccer
  
  

Ready to Be a Thorn in the Best Possible Way? Apply Now!

If you’re ready to shape the future of the Portland Thorns, send us your application. Let’s make history together!

Portland Thorns FC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran

status, or any other protected class.