Senior Director, Corporate Communications

US Soccer; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in soccer is seeking a Senior Director of Corporate Communications to lead and innovate their communications strategy. This role is pivotal in shaping the narrative around U.S. Soccer, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring that the Federation's mission resonates across all platforms. The ideal candidate will possess a wealth of experience in media relations and corporate communications, demonstrating a deep understanding of the soccer ecosystem. With a focus on collaboration and strategic vision, you will lead a talented team, driving impactful communications that elevate the brand and inspire passion for the game. If you are a dynamic leader ready to make a significant impact, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in media relations/corporate communications in sports or entertainment.
• Strong project management and analytical skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive communications strategy for U.S. Soccer.
• Lead communications for key events and manage stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Media Relations

Corporate Communications

Speech Writing

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Adaptability

Conflict Resolution

Education

Business Degree

Marketing Degree

Journalism Degree

Communications Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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

The Senior Director of Corporate Communications will develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for U.S. Soccer at an enterprise level, in close collaboration with the Vice President, Communications. They will lead communications for the offices of the President and CEO, as well as communications to key audiences including our members, referees, Youth National Teams, and Extended National Teams across Beach, CP, Deaf, Futsal and Power. U.S. Soccer is proud to have more Extended National Teams than any Federation in the world.

A consensus builder and change maker, the candidate must have exceptional interpersonal skills to work across the Federation and to understand the delicate balance between key stakeholders, members and their objectives.

This individual will have a deep understanding of both communications, the U.S. soccer ecosystem and the global game. They will be comfortable navigating sensitivities and challenges that may impact particular audiences. This individual will put the U.S. Soccer Federation and brand at the center of all communications, align their work with the overall work of the Marcomms team and have the business savvy to understand how their work can help drive revenue.

They will draw on their experience writing talking points, speeches and presentations for members of the C-suite, and understand how to fully prepare leaders for public engagements. They will be comfortable using their knowledge and expertise to influence key stakeholders. They will be creative, innovative and highly organized.

This individual will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be able to pivot seamlessly when urgent needs arise. They will develop strong relationships across the organization at every level with particular importance given to the Membership and Strategy teams.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are bold in their ambition and vision and have sufficient large-scale leadership and change-management experience to play a senior role in fostering a team and culture to deliver the Federation growth plans. This individual will also lead a team of seven, supporting their growth and development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive communications strategy, with a focus on plans for the President and CEO offices.
• Lead the planning and management of all communications needs for key events e.g. AGM, United Soccer Coaching Convention, Board / Member / Committee meetings.
• Leverage their deep understanding of the U.S soccer ecosystem to integrate communications for key audiences, including members, fans, referees and more into the communications strategy.
• Working with the Youth & Extended National Team Coaches, advise and lead communications for all of U.S. Soccer’s Youth and Extended National Teams across Beach, CP, Deaf, Futsal and Power.
• Develop strong relationships at the C-suite level, across the Marcomms team and across the organization.
• Be a step ahead of anything that could impact U.S. Soccer, the President or CEO and ensure a response is ready.
• Maintain a risk assessment of selected themes / individuals where appropriate, ensuring a prepared reactive statement is ready at a moment’s notice.
• Establish social guidelines for CEO tone of voice and President where required.
• Create the annual calendar around keymember dates, ensuring efficient planning for President & CEO involvement and travel.
• Establish clear goals and a framework for metrics and measurement including all members, key audiences, selected media and key stakeholders.
• Ensure all messaging is consistent with established Federation messaging, internally and externally.
• Align all communications with business objectives, clearly connecting to the U.S. Soccer mission, vision, strategy and purpose.
• Lead and develop a team of 7 individuals creating a supportive, creative and high-performance environment.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years in a media relations/corporate communications role at a senior level in the sports, media, or entertainment industries.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. soccer ecosystem, members & global game / senior stakeholders.
• Discretion and being highly adaptable are key to success in this role.
• Extensive experience in speech writing and preparation for senior leadership.
• An intelligent and articulate individual who can relate to people at all levels of an organization and possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in communications, press and advocacy, with established press and PR networks, public affairs and contacts in relevant fields.
• Experience in influencing senior leadership to strive for change and constantly push the envelope.
• Strong project management skills with an analytical mindset.
• The ability to work independently and in a collaborative work environment is required, along with strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and planning skills.
• Someone with excellent judgment, who listens well, implements effective, efficient solutions toproblems and earns the respect necessary to implement changes to better the organization.
• An excellent facilitator who is experienced in resolving conflicts between parties to a dispute.
• Business, Marketing, English, Journalism or Communications advanced education.
• Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Able and willing to travel to most / all domestic & international U.S. Soccer controlled matches.
• 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.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).

Desired Qualifications

• Strategic hustle, initiative, and work ethic with diversity of thought.
• Proactive and curious with a bias for both commercial action and brand values.
• Able to think strategically and handle multiple projects.
• Confidence without ego.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of constructing innovative, creative, and digitally minded presentations.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Established leadership qualities focusing on collaboration, team development, empathy, and challenging team members to deliver the highest-level performance.

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.