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Director, Corporate Affairs

Full time Business & Commercial Leadership & Management

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 Director, Corporate Affairs is responsible for working with key soccer stakeholders in order to deliver on collective goals through U.S. Soccer’s strategic plan. This role will work closely with the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, internal leadership within U.S. Soccer business units, and the strategy department in order to coordinate on effective engagement with and delivery on core priorities with several various soccer stakeholders. Those groups across the American soccer landscape could include pro leagues / clubs, government officials, FIFA and CONCACAF, and several other critical stakeholders within U.S. Soccer membership.
 
The Director, Corporate Affairs role is highly cross-functional in nature, and will ensure enterprise-wide strategic program management. In this role, they will require sophisticated strategic thinking, program management, and relationship building to understand how U.S. Soccer can support in delivery against long-term ambitions for soccer in the U.S.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Build and maintain relationships with critical external groups, including professional leagues and clubs, government officials, FIFA, CONCACAF, and U.S. Soccer membership, to align efforts and drive collective goals for soccer in the U.S.
  • Partner with the Corporate Affairs department, U.S. Soccer business units and leadership, and the strategy function to manage and deliver key initiatives aligned with U.S. Soccer's strategic priorities, ensuring effective coordination and stakeholder engagement
  • Support in enterprise-wide program management and initiatives reporting by establishing project workstreams, managing deliverables, tracking progress, and ensuring alignment across relevant internal and external stakeholders
  • Drive effective meeting preparation through agenda and material development, documentation of notes, and coordination of next steps to ensure effective internal and external stakeholder engagement
  • Create and implement solutions that address stakeholder needs and priorities while ensuring alignment with U.S. Soccer's strategic goals and broader mission
  • Proactively manage and safeguard U.S. Soccer's brand and reputation by aligning stakeholder initiatives with organizational values and addressing potential reputational risks with strategic solutions
  • Serve as a key point of contact for several key individuals across stakeholder groups, fostering positive relationships and promoting U.S. Soccer’s mission at all levels of the soccer ecosystem

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 
  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • 5-10+ years professional experience, preferably within public affairs, strategy consulting, and/or within an equivalent function in industry 
  • Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
  • Outstanding project management and associated communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Proactive and highly-organized self-starter who can work independently and within ambiguity
  • Ability to communicate with senior executives both inside and outside the organization 
  • Proven ability and robust experience managing and leading project teams
  • Strong intellectual curiosity and ability to apply learnings to create new opportunities 
  • Ability to spot issues and manage risk
  • Quantitative, financial, research, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage and drive forward multiple projects while maintaining zero-defect attention to detail
  • Desire to be part of a team and drive continual growth of oneself and colleagues
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Potential of significant travel both domestic and international

Desired Qualifications 
  • Passion for the sport of soccer 
  • A strong understanding of the culture of soccer and its fans across North America
  • General knowledge of Sports, Entertainment, Media and Technology industries
  • Prior experience working in the sports industry, non-profit, or public affairs 
  • Ability to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities to support U.S. Soccer’s initiatives
 
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. 
U.S. Soccer Federation
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