Senior Manager, Corporate 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 is 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 U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. 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

The Senior Manager, Corporate Communications supports and executes enterprise-wide communications strategies that build understanding, strengthen relationships, create meaningful opportunities for engagement and ensure U.S. Soccer’s Federation membership base feels informed, heard and connected to the organization’s mission and direction. In close partnership with the Senior Director of Corporate Communications and business partners across the Soccer Growth and Member Strategy teams, this role is responsible for developing and executing both internal and external communications plans and initiatives that reflect U.S. Soccer’s strategic priorities and mission. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic, proactive and relationship-driven communicator with experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and aligning messaging that helps members and key stakeholders including referees, coaches and youth leaders understand how the organizations work affects them. Areas of focus include executive communications, member engagement, and cross-functional coordination. 

This role oversees the development of executive briefing materials, talking points, background documents, and presentations for public appearances, media engagements, and internal leadership communications as it relates to Soccer Growth and Member Strategy initiatives. This role also supports larger Federation external functions, including board meetings, annual member meetings, annual general meetings of member organizations, regional meetings and public-facing appearances. 

Success in this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences, and a commitment to ensuring that U.S. Soccer’s internal communications infrastructure and external messaging are aligned and mission-driven. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute corporate communications strategies that support organizational priorities and strengthen reputation among members, partners, media and other stakeholders. 
• Develop executive communications, talking points, presentations, messages and other materials for internal and external audiences. 
• Identify opportunities to proactively tell the organization’s story and demonstrate its impact. 
• Build strong relationships across departments and serve as a communications thought partner to teams working directly with members and stakeholders. 
• Collaborate with marketing, digital, events, executive leadership, advancement and other teams to create integrated engagement strategies. 
• Develop and lead integrated communications strategies that strengthen member understanding, connection and engagement with the organization. 
• Build communications plans around major organizational initiatives, changes, announcements and priorities. 
• Play a lead role in building a monthly membership newsletter. 
• Establish meaningful measures of communications and member engagement effectiveness. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, membership communications or a related field, ideally within sports, entertainment, or nonprofit sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field; advanced degree a plus. 
• Strong understanding of the U.S. soccer ecosystem, including key stakeholders such as members, referees, coaches, and youth programs. 
• Proven experience supporting C-suite executives with briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and internal/external messaging. 
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills across a variety of formats (speeches, memos, newsletters, social content, feature articles, etc.). 
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive information and craft strategic responses in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations. 
• Experience coordinating communications for high-profile events, such as board meetings, conventions, and internal town halls. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to develop clear, consistent messaging across internal and external channels, aligned with organizational mission and voice. 
• Comfort working collaboratively across departments and building relationships at all levels of an organization. 
• Experience communicating with a membership, association, nonprofit or similarly diverse stakeholder base strongly preferred.
• General knowledge of soccer.
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments.
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel up to two times per quarter. 
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook). 

Desired Qualifications 

• Strategic hustle, initiative, and work ethic with diversity of thought. 
• Strong posture for empathy. 
• Ability to build meaningful relationships both internally and externally. 
• Able to think strategically and handle multiple projects. 
• Confidence without ego. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. 

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.