Director, Content Strategy and Planning

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.? 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

U.S. Soccer is seeking an experienced content strategist to lead the development and execution of best in class content that will engage and inspire soccer fans and members.

The role will be integral in shaping U.S. Soccer’s content ecosystem, including developing dynamic content strategies to tell the story of soccer in all forms. This includes highlighting the Federation’s work in service to soccer, our members (referees, coaches, member orgs, etc…) and ultimately the best of us - our athletes, from our Senior National Teams to Extended National Teams.

This individual will oversee building content plans, creating new content initiatives, and overseeing distribution strategies across multiple digital platforms designed to deepen fan engagement, serve our members, grow reach, increase relevancy and drive revenue.

The Director of Content Strategy and Planning will work closely with the Partnership Marketing team to develop and execute new content series. This includes continuous communication to identify and enhance additional story telling and activation opportunities. This role will also lead ideation of new content with Partnership Marketing, ensuring alignment between the Federation’s content strategy and values with the partner’s goals and needs.

We are seeking someone relationship driven with the ability to collaborate, communicate and build trust with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.

Travel to team events, camps and games may be required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for U.S. Soccer’s content strategy and execution.
• Develop and implement strategies to support the Federation’s mission, brand and commercial objectives. This includes (1) growing U.S. Soccer's fan base, including underserved and emerging audiences and (2) overseeing a content strategy for direct-to-consumer platforms, determining ideal format, length, and placement to optimize audience engagement, align with audience needs, and Federation goals.
• Balance long-term content planning with the flexibility to respond to dynamic, real-time shifts in soccer landscape, ensuring content remains relevant, timely and aligned with both strategic goals and current trends.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of U.S. Soccer landscape, including key player and emerging talent, with the ability to plan content across all 27 National Teams to engage audiences and highlight key narratives.
• Identify key storytelling opportunities and plan content across all 27 National Teams, the Open Cup and other Federation initiatives designed to engage audiences and highlight key narratives.
• Manage the content calendar, in collaboration with the Director of Social Media and Directors of Sr. National Team content, to align the content strategy across all platforms, ensuring cohesive brand messaging, execution and maximizing audience engagement.
• Lead ideation of new content series in collaboration with various departments.
• Collaborate with Partnership Marketing to translate partner needs into creative content ideas that align with partner objectives as well as U.S. Soccer’s values, goals and strategic objectives.
• Work with the broader marketing team to create compelling campaigns that resonate with fans and deliver on objectives.
• Leverage data and insights to understand audience behavior and preferences, and implement learnings to maximize engagement and reach.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of best practices and remain at the forefront of innovation for different content platform.
• Build adaptable and repeatable content playbooks for international camps, tournaments and matchdays.
• Establish KPIs for content and build out daily reporting dashboards to quickly evaluate content in real-time.
• Regularly analyze content performance and provide actionable recommendations for optimization, in real-time and for future plans.
• Lead reporting on content strategy outcomes for campaigns and tentpole events.
  
  

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 7 years experience in content strategy, direct-to-consumer, digital marketing or media planning, preferrable within sports, media agency or a related industry.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful content strategies that drive engagement and brand growth.
• Strong understanding of digital platforms, social media and direct to consumer platforms.
• Data-driven mindset with experience in analytics tools and performance measurement.
• Proven ability to build consensus while driving meaningful change, adept at challenging the status quo and fostering innovation to continuously improve processes and outcomes.
• Used to performing and exceling in fast-paced environments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance short-term deliverables with long-term projects in concurrent workstreams.
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality and efficience across multiple projects.
• Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic and fast-changing environments, effectively balancing priorities and ensuring clear communication across teams.
• 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).
• Able to work out of U.S. Soccer’s future headquarters in Atlanta, GA.
• Discretion, this role will be privy to confidential information.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Spanish speaking is a plus.
• A self-starter capable of taking initiative and leading a team.
• Knowledge of online marketing channels and SEO.
  
  

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.