Job Description
U.S. Soccer Overview
We are U.S. Soccer and we are the future of sport in the United States. Our mission is to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States. We embrace diversity, technology and global connections to drive the growth of our sport and by supporting members, impacting athletes, and serving fans. We seek motivated, passionate, skilled people who can think, create, and work on a team.
U.S. Soccer is a growing company that looks for team members to grow with it. U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture and an atmosphere for professional development.
Position Description
We’re looking for a junior graphic designer to be a part of U.S. Soccer’s newly formed creative suite, responsible for bringing U.S. Soccer’s brand to life through visual storytelling across multiple touch points. As part of a passionate team of creative problem solvers, you will work on the design and production (concept through to execution) for creative concepts aligned with U.S. Soccer’s Brand strategy and standards to define the voice of our brand and help U.S. Soccer achieve its mission of becoming the preeminent sport in the U.S. The position will require someone who has the capacity to ideate and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, who thinks on their feet and operates quickly in the fast-moving environment of international soccer, and thinks creatively about how to connect with fans and achieve brand and business goals. We are looking for someone who aspires to creative excellence and will help drive the organization in pursuit of that goal. The position will focus on projects related to the Men’s and Women’s National Soccer teams (FIFA World Cup and competitions, Olympics, International Friendlies, CONCACAF Competitions, SheBelieves Cup) as well as Federation efforts to grow and develop the sport in the U.S.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop high-quality creative (for online and offline channels) that brings U.S. Soccer’s brand to life and promotes the brand’s narrative and achieve Federation objectives
- Ability to create within a brand system to establish brand consistency (tone of voice, style, color, and quality)
- Flexibility to work game days which may include nights, weekends, and holidays
- Push the boundaries of design to deliver communication and visuals that excites and engages fans and other key audiences
- Partner with internal creatives, U.S. Soccer staff, and external partners to foster a collaborative process, environment, and culture of creative excellence at U.S. Soccer
- Leverage best practices to develop resources, guidelines and templates that ensure consistency, efficiency and improves our ability to meet the highest level of creative and brand standards across all communication
- Play a key role in Digital asset management throughout the organization
- Shares inspiration and best practices from design, sports, and other industries
Minimum Qualifications
- 2 – 3 years of working full-time in an agency or in-house creative department
- Strong understanding of digital media including social media, website, app, etc.
- Strong, audience-focused design capabilities in both print and new media.
Must present a portfolio of work that represents a diverse creative skill set including:
- Typography
- Identity / logo design
- Photo editing and compositing
- Data visualization / Infographics
- Basic understanding of developing both vector and raster graphics
- Multipage layout
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop.
- Proficient with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint/Keynote, and Excel.
- Ability to understand/follow creative direction and incorporate constructive feedback.
- Strong time management, organizational, and communication skills with an ability to work within strict deadlines and quick turnarounds.
- Must be able to work non-traditional hours and available remotely or on-site during events.
- Has a pulse on social media and cultural trends, and user interaction
- Must reside or be willing to relocate to Chicago
Desired Qualifications
- Basic understanding in Adobe After Effects & Adobe Premiere is a plus
- Interest in illustration
- Poses a desire to working in the unique space of athletics and design as a career
- Proficient with Apple/ Mac operating systems and equipment
- Familiar with the sport and/or Soccer landscape
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
About U.S. Soccer Federation