Manager, Partnership Development & Strategy

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

We are looking for an energetic Manager, Partnership Development & Strategy to join our team to support a group of strategic marketers and partnership experts that 1) Drive new business in the form of new sponsors/partners of U.S. Soccer, and associated properties, 2) Support the creation of industry-leading storytelling materials, and 3) Create new platforms to help new partners connect directly with our fans and grow the game. This person will play a key role in driving financial growth by supporting all key components of the Partnership Development department, including analysis of new commercial partnership opportunities, strategic storytelling and design support, and new asset development aligned with key Federation priorities. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Learn and understand all phases of partnership prospects’ marketing objectives and present partner solutions recommendations consisting of ownable platforms, content ideas, and thought starters  
• Project manage the end-to-end sales process—from discovery call to proposal development, contract execution, and partnership announcement
• Collaborate with Partnership Strategy design team to create sales materials in support of the overall sales process
• Support cross-departmental priorities by identifying and securing strategic, multi-year product or service integration partnerships that further Federation initiatives
• Collaborate with cross-departmental and external stakeholders to support the commercial growth and go to market strategy for U.S. Soccer’s “emerging property” portfolio
• Conduct strategic analysis of open USSF commercial partnership categories in collaboration with leads on the Partnership Development team
• Take a lead role in drafting and project managing partnership proposals, decks, and sales materials
• Support the Director in leading consistent meetings with internal stakeholders to review progress, provide updates, and vet partner requests 
• Collaborate with the Partnership Strategy team in the asset development and management process, including collaboration with key internal stakeholders (i.e., Marketing, Events, Media, Sporting), to develop new platforms
• Support Federation-wide initiatives from a commercial standpoint  
• Maintain strong understanding of Federation KPIs in order to develop key strategies & initiatives to achieve long-term and annual goals 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• 4–6 years of relevant experience in business development, partnership innovation, or commercial strategy roles (either with a property, an agency, or a brand in a similar role)
• Experience working in cross-functional environments with several stakeholders  
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments 
• A strong attention to detail with an ability to connect to the high-level vision
• Experience with Adobe Creative and proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• General knowledge of soccer
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for soccer 
• A strong understanding of the culture of soccer and its fans across North America
• A strong track record of delivering strong revenue outcomes 
• Knowledge of sports, entertainment, media, and technology industries
• Prior experience working in the sports industry, non-profit, or national governing body
• Ability to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities to support U.S. Soccer’s initiatives
• Fluency, both verbal and written, in Spanish or another language is preferred

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.