What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Motion Graphics 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
We are looking for a skilled Motion Designer with expert graphic design skills to join U.S. Soccer’s creative team, responsible for bringing the brand to life through animated elements across multiple touchpoints. As part of a passionate team of creative problem solvers, you will report to the Sr. Manager, Brand Design and work on the design and production (from concept to execution) of animated creative concepts aligned with U.S. Soccer’s brand strategy and standards, helping to define the voice of the brand and support U.S. Soccer’s mission.
The position requires someone who can ideate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, think on their feet, operate swiftly in the fast-paced environment of international soccer, and creatively connect with fans to achieve both brand and business goals. We are looking for someone who aspires to creative excellence and will help drive the organization toward that goal. The position will focus on projects related to the Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Teams (FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, 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 LED creative (for our own and operated matches) that brings U.S. Soccer’s brand to life and promotes the brand’s narrative and achieve Federation objectives
- Create best-in-class animated elements for use across social and web channels
- 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
- Serve as a subject matter expert in cross-functional projects with teams across U.S. Soccer, such as Consumer Products, Media, Events, Sporting, etc.
- Shares inspiration and best practices from design, sports, and other industries
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- 5 – 8 years of working full-time in an agency or in-house creative department on motion design
- 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:
- Motion Graphic Design
- 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 After Effects, Premier, 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 Atlanta by January, 2025
- 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)
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.