Manager, Communications

Description:

U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That’s why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of US.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for US soccer in the near and far future. We are therefore, looking for dynamic servant-leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description

U.S. Soccer is seeking a dynamic and strategic Manager, Communications to drive storytelling and elevate the profile of the Soccer Forward Foundation, while aligning communications across the Advancement and Commercial teams. This role plays a critical part in building awareness and momentum around major gifts, partnerships, and donor impact, while seamlessly connecting the work of the Foundation to broader commercial initiatives.

This position will work closely with the Vice President, External Communications to develop and execute an integrated communications strategy. The ideal candidate is a natural storyteller, strong writer, and proactive media liaison with excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the communications strategy for the Soccer Forward Foundation in collaboration with the VP, External Communications.
• Create and manage storytelling opportunities for Soccer Forward programs. Work to build and maintain relationships with a diverse portfolio of reporters to secure coverage of Soccer Forward’s work. Regularly liaise with Federation programmatic staff to identify opportunities and assess options for pitching and storytelling through USSF channels and earned media.
• Craft compelling narratives that highlight the impact of the Foundation, major gifts, and strategic donor partnerships.
• Connect storytelling across Advancement, Commercial, and Foundation efforts to ensure brand alignment and amplify impact.
• Create press materials, feature stories, speeches, talking points, and donor communications.
• Pitch stories to media and secure earned coverage that enhances the visibility of the Foundation and Advancement programs.
• Assist with reactive press support as needed: manage and field incoming press inquiries. Be able to provide research, recommendations, and strategic assessments for press inquiries.
• Oversee the creation of donor spotlights, case statements, social media content, videos, and other storytelling tools.
• Serve as a liaison between the Advancement, Commercial, and Foundation teams to align messaging and share success stories.
• Support Commercial partnerships with communications content that ties back to mission-driven work.
• Lead and manage multiple communications projects from concept to execution, ensuring on-time delivery and high-quality outcomes.
• Track progress and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in in communications, public relations, or related field.
• Experience developing campaigns from the ground up, including strategy, messaging, content, and distribution – specifically for initiatives focused on community or social impact.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills for different formats including reactive statements, briefing memos, press releases, social media, pitches, etc.
• Strong planning capabilities to identify and prioritize communication strategies and activities, execute upon them and meet fast-moving deadlines.
• Track record of successfully pitching and placing stories in traditional and digital media.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated success working across internal departments and external partners to align messaging and maximize community impact.
• Experience working with fundraising, philanthropic, or nonprofit initiatives preferred.
• Passion for sports, community impact, and donor engagement a plus.

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

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.