Brand Manager

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

We are looking for a skilled Brand Manager with expert graphic design skills to join U.S. Soccer’s creative team, responsible for bringing the brand to life through visual storytelling across multiple touchpoints. As part of a passionate team of creative problem solvers, you will report to the Sr. Manager of Brand & Creative and work on the design and production (from concept to execution) of 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 creative (for online and offline channels) that brings U.S. Soccer’s brand to life and promotes the brand’s narrative and achieve Federation objectives. 
• 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 communications and visuals that excite and engage 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. 
• Act as the direct manager for Design Coordinators, managing their workload, providing creative feedback and assisting in professional growth & mentorship. 
• 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 

• 3 – 5 years of working full-time in an agency or in-house creative department. 
• Strong understanding of digital media including social media, websites, 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:

                    -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 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

Desired Qualifications 

• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects & Adobe Premiere is a plus.
• Interest in illustration. 
• Poses a desire to work in the unique space of athletics and design as a career. 
• Proficient with Apple/ Mac operating systems and equipment.
• Familiar with the sport and/or Soccer landscape.

Working at U.S. Soccer is a unique opportunity. Employees who work at U.S. Soccer have the following attributes: 

• Adopt a company centric approach—Serve the Athlete, Members and the Fan.
• Embrace and see learning as a lifelong pursuit. 
• Possess a growth mindset—keeps an open mind and seeks new challenges. 
• Practice self-assessment and self-reflection.
• Open to criticism and does not make excuses.
• Possess a tireless work ethic.
• Wants to be part of a team that wins.
• Has the ability to be firm but fair. 
• Communicate in a direct, open, and honest manner.
• Build relationships through genuine interpersonal skills. 

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.