What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Media Operations position at U.S. Soccer Federation?
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 Manager of Media Operations will be a key member of the U.S. Soccer media team supporting with broadcast operations for all U.S. Soccer events, including U.S. Senior Men’s and Women’s National Team matches, U.S. Youth National Teams and Extended National Teams matches and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Media Operations Manager will work closely with our media partners and Events team to ensure match productions meet and exceed international standards. This position interfaces with U.S. Soccer media partners, FIFA Member Associations and Confederations, international rights holders, and a wide range of venues to coordinate and execute broadcast operations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Coordinate and execute broadcast operations at U.S. Soccer events, including but not limited to home and away U.S. Senior National Team matches, SheBelieves Cup, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and other ancillary events
- Assist with the production planning process via proactive communication between rights holders, production groups, stadiums, internal events staff, opponents and relevant third parties.
- Service visiting federations and international rights holders with onsite needs
- Assist with production planning meetings and site visits with media partners, visiting team rights holders and venues in preparation for all matches
- Foster and maintain relationships with key production points of contact for all media partners, including tv and radio rights holders, international takers and sport betting partners - managing relationships for both domestic and international events
- Support and ensure delivery of enhanced broadcast and programmatic needs, including but not limited to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and virtual advertising signage
- Manage the process for non-news gathering inquiries, including but not limited to documentaries, content filming requests, and other special projects
- Produce and gather production related documents including running orders, team rosters, match timelines, and event guides and oversee the distribution of documents to domestic and international rights holders
- Support with department’s production budget, processing event invoices and ensuring financial accountability and alignment with strategic goals
- Document all internal and external workflow processes and changes to ensure accurate and up to date records
- Document all technical requirements and workflows for broadcast to ensure clear communication, especially regarding technical caused changes that affect rights holders’ broadcasts
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum 5 years of experience in sports and/or live event broadcast operations
- Proven experience in broadcast production and rights management
- Knowledge of soccer broadcasting standards
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent events through multi-tasking and prioritizing efficiently
- Ability to deliver high quality work and execute under pressure/deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint - experience with accreditation software is a plus
- Able and willing to travel 50% of the time
- Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as needed
Desired Qualifications
- Previous experience in sports and working with high profile athletes, coaches and teams
- Deep understanding of the ever-evolving sports marketing and media landscape
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) – able to read, write and speak Spanish proficiently preferred
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.
