Manager, Soccer Growth

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 

U.S. Soccer is seeking a Manager, Soccer Growth Initiatives to help drive the creation and execution of key programs that expand access to soccer and professional development opportunities. Reporting to the Director, Soccer Growth Strategic Programming, this role will design community-driven programs while working closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful implementation. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong execution skills, capable of managing multiple initiatives simultaneously. They should be highly intelligent, hard-working, adaptable, and mission-driven, with an interest in sports, professional development, recruiting, or program management.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead execution of key Soccer Growth initiatives
• Manage program logistics and operations, ensuring smooth execution from planning through post-event evaluation
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders (Soccer Growth team, HR, Advancement, Events, Finance) and external partners (e.g., community organizations)
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to align on program goals, deliverables, and timelines
• Develop and implement outreach strategies tailored to engage unique audiences
• Track and measure program impact, collecting data and feedback to refine and improve initiatives
• Problem-solve and adapt quickly, managing last-minute changes and unexpected challenges in fast-moving event and program environments
• Represent U.S. Soccer professionally, building strong relationships with corporate partners, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders
• Contribute to long-term strategy development, helping shape the growth and evolution of Soccer Growth initiatives as the portfolio expands

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 2 years of experience in program management, event planning, recruiting, partnerships, or a related field
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading initiatives, implementing programs, and tracking progress against key performance indicators
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including corporate partners, academic institutions, and internal teams
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission, ensuring alignment between day-to-day execution and long-term strategy
• Strong ability to influence key stakeholder partners and drive engagement across multiple teams
• Must have a strong belief in growing diversity and inclusion in soccer and a passion for expanding access to career development opportunities
• Proven problem solver and operator, capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
• Ability to deliver high-quality work and execute under pressure/deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
• General knowledge of soccer and enthusiasm for the sport
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• 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  

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Sport Management, Education, Business, or a related discipline)
• 5 years of experience in program management, event planning, talent development, or partnership management
• Experience in recruiting, career services, workforce development, or higher education
• Background in educational programming, learning & development, or curriculum design
• Experience managing large-scale events, conferences, or multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Knowledge of data analysis and impact measurement, with experience using metrics to refine programs
• Previous experience working in sports organizations, nonprofits, or corporate social responsibility initiatives
• Familiarity with grant-funded program execution and reporting
• Existing relationships with colleges, universities, and community organizations to aid in outreach
• Passion for soccer, professional development, and increasing access to career pathways in sports

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.