Senior Manager, Soccer Growth (Competitive & Pre-Professional Focus)

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 competitive and pre-professional segments. They will work closely with the Chief Soccer Growth Officer, Vice President 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 competitive segment. They are a strategic and operational leader, as well as a 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

• Act as a key contributor to overall strategic and operational roadmap for USSF’s competitive and pre-professional soccer growth and environments business line
• Conduct ecosystem review strategy and implementation to inform ecosystem services model for competitive and pre-professional segments – support the review, workplan to develop co-authored strategies, and implementation/execution of new strategy
• Support go-to-market planning for the competitive and pre-professional segments, aligning strategy with business objectives, product/service offerings, and target markets
• Support development, growth, and adoption of programs directed at growing the number, quality, and diversity of participation within the competitive and pre-professional segments
• Forge member and non-member partnerships and engagement models that meaningfully advance the strategic plan to grow participation
• Responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative assessments (performance monitoring) in partnership with our product team to guide feedback for future state solutions
• Primary point of contact for competitive ecosystem members and non-members, embracing and driving a culture of continuous improvement and learning where feedback from ecosystem is used to drive iterative changes and enhancements
• Provide project management support for all competitive pilots and programs
• Develop materials for competitive strategic and engagement needs
• Supports change management for competitive key partners
• Helps to identify and implement digital tools and resources to enhance competitive soccer growth and development
• Serve as a team leader who is comfortable navigating ambiguous and challenging situations to arrive at positive outcomes
• Support initiatives that relate to the men’s and women’s college landscape and high school environment

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Passion for the sport of soccer, specifically the amateur ecosystem
• B.S./B.A. or Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university required
• 3-5+ years of experience in business operations / general management, strategy, or management consulting; high-growth startup experience a plus
• Must have a strong belief in growing diversity and inclusion in soccer
• Experience supporting program design and delivery that drive results against priority objectives
• Experience with financial analysis and modeling 
• Proven problem solver and operator
• Strong ability to influence key stakeholder partners
• Collaborative and passionate about growing the game of soccer at all levels, including youth and adult participation
• 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
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• PMP certification is a plus
• Experience as a player or coach is an added plus, especially in the competitive or pre-professional segments
• 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.