Director, People & Engagement

MLS Soccer league; Lloyd's Corners (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Wellness reimbursement

Holiday and PTO package

Career development opportunities

In-office schedule: 4 days; 1 remote

Job summary

Major League Soccer seeks a Director, People & Engagement to lead employee engagement, ERG governance, and internal communications across the league.

You will develop programs to strengthen culture, belonging, and the employee experience, partner with HR leaders, and oversee ERG funding and annual planning. The role includes driving inclusive practices, events, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in employee engagement, inclusion, internal communications, employee experience or related HR functions required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the employee engagement strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee ERG governance and provide coaching to ERG leaders.
• Direct internal communications across intranet, newsletters, email campaigns, and town halls.
• Partner with HR and Talent on inclusive practices and employee experience.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Written communications

Editorial skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

The Director, People & Engagement will lead the organization’s employee engagement and internal employee communications strategies, with a focus on creating a connected, informed, and inclusive employee experience. The individual in this role will develop and execute programs that strengthen culture, engagement, and belonging; lead the strategy and governance of Employee Resource Groups; partner with HR people leaders and Talent Team on inclusive practices and oversee internal employee communications.

Responsibilities

Employee Engagement

• Develop and execute a comprehensive employee engagement strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Design, implement, and evaluate engagement initiatives that improve employee experience and retention.
• Manage company-wide events, leadership forums, volunteer programs, and cultural celebrations.
• Champion initiatives that strengthen organizational culture and employee belonging.
• Identify emerging workplace trends and recommend innovative engagement practices.
• Use employee feedback and workforce insights to identify opportunities and measure impact.
• Share scalable tools, frameworks, and best practices with Club People leaders to support engagement efforts across the league.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

• Lead the organization's ERG strategy and governance model.
• Manage and provide leadership, coaching, and support to ERG executive sponsors and ERG leaders.
• Ensure ERGs align with business objectives, talent development, recruiting, community engagement, and inclusion initiatives.
• Manage ERG funding, reporting, and annual planning processes.
• Measure program effectiveness through participation, employee feedback, and business impact.

Internal Communications

• Lead employee internal communications strategy to ensure employees receive timely, relevant, and engaging information.
• Oversee employee communication channels including intranet, newsletters, email campaigns, digital signage, town halls, and collaboration platforms.
• Develop communication plans supporting organizational change, business initiatives, and employee programs.
• Ensure consistent messaging, tone, and brand across all employee communications.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 8+ years of progressive experience in employee engagement, inclusion, internal communications, employee experience or related HR functions required

Qualifications

• Experience leading company-wide employee engagement and culture initiatives.
• Experience managing or supporting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or employee community programs.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging employee communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• High level of commitment to produce quality work and convey organizational ethics, integrity and compliance.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgement, confidentiality and sense of urgency.
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail.
• Acts with curiosity and takes the initiative to identify problems, offer creative solutions and resolve issues.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $120,000 - $155,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

Major League Soccer believes in the value of in-person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in-office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs.

Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance.

Join our team and help support the growth and success of Major League Soccer.