Senior 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 

The Senior Manager of Soccer Growth is a strategic and operational leader, who will be responsible for supporting the strategy for meaningfully growing the game of soccer for the recreational segment. They will work closely with the Head of Soccer Growth Strategy, Senior Director of Soccer Growth, cross-functional leaders, and broader ecosystem stakeholders to carry out key priorities to grow participation and foster best playing environments in the amateur ecosystem for the recreational segment. They are a strategic and operational leader, as well as relationship builder, with experience supporting design and implementation of strategies to achieve specific objectives. This person will report to the Senior Director, Soccer Growth.

Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic and operational roadmap for U.S. Soccer’s growth and environments business line, focusing on recreational soccer and educational initiatives.
• Support the development, expansion, and implementation of programs that increase participation, quality, and diversity in recreational soccer.
• Support the design and delivery of programming that advances key objectives, ensuring alignment with educational and participation growth goals.
• Assist in go-to-market planning for initiatives, integrating strategy with business objectives, educational resources, and community-based participation models.
• Build and sustain partnerships with clubs, schools, community organizations, and local governments to expand access and engagement in recreational soccer.
• Engage and collaborate with recreational soccer stakeholders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement by incorporating feedback into program enhancements.
• Support the implementation of soccer pilots and educational programs, ensuring efficient execution, scalability, and measurable impact.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative assessments to measure program effectiveness and guide future improvements.
• Develop strategic materials and engagement resources to support recreational soccer initiatives and stakeholder communication.
• Support change management for key partners as new programs, tools, and educational resources are introduced.
• Work cross functionally with departments such as Sporting, Coaching Education, Product/Tech and Commercial teams to ensure alignment across U.S Soccer strategies. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Collaborative and passionate about growing the game of soccer at all levels, including youth, adult and adaptive participation.
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university required, Education, Sport Sciences or Sport Management preferred. 
• 5 years of experience in soccer program management, grassroots/recreational soccer development, education initiatives, or community-based programs.
• Proven experience in developing and scaling recreational soccer programs at the regional or national level, including working with clubs, schools, or community organizations.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, has existing relationships and partnerships with schools, soccer clubs, community groups, and government entities.
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading pilots, implementing programs, and tracking progress against key performance indicators.
• Background in educational programming (e.g., coach education, player development, or parent engagement) is highly desirable.
• USSF Coaching (B ) and Educator License (Grassroots ) preferred but not required.
• Strong ability to influence key stakeholder partners.
• Must have a strong belief in growing diversity and inclusion in soccer.
• Proven problem solver and operator.
• Deep understanding of regulations, standards, and levers germane to the amateur soccer ecosystem a plus.
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments.
• Ability to deliver high quality work and execute under pressure/deadlines.
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient experience with 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).  

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.