VP, Safeguarding - Prevention & Education

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 VP, Safeguarding Prevention & Education will lead the Safeguarding prevention and education strategy related to all player’s and participant’s safety. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring policies, standards, and educational programs and processes that ensure the safeguarding of all players and participants across the U.S. Soccer landscape. They will work collaboratively across the organization to integrate safeguarding principles into all aspects of operations. Player and participant safeguarding includes, but is not limited to, protection against physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; neglect; retaliation; exploitation; malnutrition; psychological damage; and severe training.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive safeguarding prevention and education strategy that aligns with USSF’s mission, values, and goals
• Provide leadership and direction to the safeguarding prevention and education team, ensuring the effective delivery of prevention and education programs
• Act as a key advisor to senior leadership on matters related to safeguarding prevention
• Lead the development and delivery of U.S. Soccer Federation’s Safeguarding prevention and education programming, training and materials
• Lead Safe Soccer Clearance program implementation, adoption strategy, and long-term / sustainable business model
• Report on matters regarding player and participation abuse prevention and education. Work in collaboration with Safeguarding – Reporting & Response, HR, Legal, and Coaching Education departments, as well as external Safeguarding Representatives
• Develop updated U.S. Soccer policies and procedures to aid in the prevention of abuse
• Educate all participants, and develop and implement processes, procedures, and guidelines, for safeguarding standards
• Works closely with regulatory and governing bodies, including FIFA, USOPC, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and other soccer governing entities, on safeguarding matters to improve prevention
• Works with the U.S. Center for SafeSport in training & education, and policy development
• Collaborates with and supports U.S. Soccer's organization members, such as its professional leagues (NWSL, MLS, USL, etc.), state associations, and national associations, on promoting safe practices and mitigating risks of abuse in soccer
• Educate and train organization members on the benefit of Safeguarding initiatives, building excitement and buy-in
• Drive the approach to promote fun, inclusive, and safe soccer environments for all while effectively managing risk
• Cooperate and comply with U.S. Soccer's health and safety policies and procedures
• Maintain an awareness of national and international safeguarding issues that impact the soccer environments
• Develop and maintain up-to-date Safeguarding knowledge and skills through regular training and professional development
• Oversee Safeguarding Prevention & Education team members

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of years of experience and education
• 12+ years of experience with safeguarding, player health, and safety, or investigatory role
• Proven experience leading Safeguarding Prevention & Education strategy and programming
• Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding prevention and education
• Ability to work consistently in an area where emotionally distressing and sensitive issues and cases may arise
• Proven capacity to listen and understand the perspective of others
• Experience working with children, their families, and vulnerable groups
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, emotional intelligence, discretion, and a high level of confidentiality 
• Clear and thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of statutory authorities/agencies
• Capacity to produce reports and written materials in safeguarding to a high standard
• Able to identify behavior that is harmful to players, at-risk participants, and vulnerable populations and distinguish thresholds of poor practice or abusive behavior
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments 
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to prioritize workflow 
• Ability to deliver high-quality work and execute under pressure and deadlines
•  Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission  
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook) 
• Excellent written and verbal communication combined with a professional demeanor 
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed 
• Able and willing to travel up to 30% of the year
• 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 soccer 
• Master's degree in a related area
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) knowledge of other languages is beneficial 
• Relevant experience in safeguarding investigations, social care, or other safeguarding roles
• Experience in high-volume case management, including report intake, investigation, resolution, and tracking.
• Experience and competence in presenting and/or delivering training
• Strong knowledge of sports governance, previous experience with a club or national team 
• Thorough institutional understanding of U.S. Soccer's mission, goals, technical plan, policies, practices, and procedures 

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.