Steven Birnbaum’s next phase of his career will be in a front office. Today, DC Power FC announced that Birnbaum will become the club’s sporting director.

The former DC United captain, who turns 34 on Thursday, will oversee all soccer operations for DC Powerr. That will include the club’s tactical philosophy, overseeing player contracts, managing roster construction, and supporting the overall growth of the club. Birnbaum retired from DC United last July after an 11-year career and this is his first main soccer role after retiring from his playing career.

“I’m excited for the next chapter of my career and I believe that my 11 years as a professional have given me a unique insight into what makes a successful club,” Steven Birnbaum said in a statement. “Power FC brings an exciting opportunity to expand the women’s game, as the USL Super League increases the range of opportunities in women’s professional football and its reach into new markets. I want to thank Jason Levien, Devin Talbott, and Jordan Stuart for instilling their faith in me, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running as we prepare for the second half of the season.”

The former DC United captain will now be tasked with turning around an inaugural DC Power season that sees the club in 6th place in the USL Super League standings at the midseason break, but with a league low 7 goals scored so far on the season. DC Power is still looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Fred Brillant just before Thanksgiving. It was not immediately known what role Birnbaum would play in the head coaching seach.

“We are thrilled to add Steven to help lead the club’s evolution,” said DC Power co-owner Devin Talbott in a statement. “He spent his entire professional soccer career playing for and leading D.C. United. His commitment to the DMV community extends beyond the playing field, where he has helped us grow DC SCORES and lead our annual gala One Night One Goal, so more kids throughout DC can enjoy the benefits of soccer-fueled confidence and community connection. Steven’s deep roots in both the DMV community and the soccer community make him uniquely qualified to helm Power FC as the club looks to expand and develop during this inaugural season.”

Birnbaum has a tough task ahead of him to help the team rebound, but his commitment to the building process has given him this opportunity. DC Power is off until next month, when the USL Super League season continues with the spring portion of the schedule.