What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safeguarding- Manager/Sr. Manager 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
Reporting to the Vice President, Safeguarding Education and Prevention, the National Team Safeguarding Officer is a critical advocate for the safety, well-being, and inclusivity of U.S. Soccer’s athletes, staff, and their families. This role supports and enhances the safeguarding culture by ensuring the highest standards of safety and inclusivity are prioritized across all team environments.
Primary Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and execution of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Safeguarding Strategy and Priorities.
- Lead safeguarding-specific risk assessments in collaboration with medical and security staff to proactively address potential risks.
- Serve as an independent, trusted resource for athletes, staff, and families to report welfare concerns, poor practices, or abuse.
- Maintain and continuously improve safeguarding standards across all national team activities and environments.
- Manage safeguarding concerns impartially, ensuring proper reporting, management, and resolution of issues.
- Deliver tailored safeguarding education to players, staff, and families, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for safety and well-being.
- Promote inclusive and anti-discriminatory practices in alignment with U.S. Soccer’s values.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements set by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and SafeSport.
- Act as a liaison between club-level safeguarding or player safety officers when required.
- Assess and address environmental factors that may impact player safety, ensuring comprehensive protection in all settings, including those beyond immediate team environments.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S./B.A. or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or similar from an accredited college or university required
- 3 years of experience working in a direct practice role with athletes or equivalent experience working with children, adults and/or vulnerable populations, using trauma-informed practices.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize and respond to behaviors that may indicate trauma or harm to players, and vulnerable populations.
- Strong commitment to fostering safer, supportive, and inclusive environments for players, with a trauma-informed approach
- Preference for someone with safeguarding experience and familiarity with governing USOPC, FIFA, and USCSS policies
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, emotional intelligence, discretion, and a high level of confidentiality.
- Experience supporting program design and delivery that drive results against priority objectives Capable of maintaining professionalism and focus in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Ability to deliver high quality work and execute under pressure/deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Passion for the sport of soccer and its ability to positively impact lives.
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
- Able and willing to travel, as necessary.
- Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends, if necessary.
- 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)
Desired Qualifications
- Passion for athlete safety.
- Can work independently, while coordinating and communicating with other members of the of the office.
- Can manage multiple, co-current tasks.
- Has advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish); knowledge of other languages is beneficialGeneral 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.
