[Hiring] Manager, Community Events and Activations @Soccer Forward Foundation

Role Description

The Manager, Community Events & Activation will play a key role in developing and executing Soccer Forward’s grassroots and community-focused events. This position will be responsible for leading community events nationwide, with a focus on key markets where our U.S. Men’s, Women’s and Extended National Teams play. The Manager will work closely with U.S. Soccer membership organizations, clubs, leagues, community organizations and partners to drive engagement through community programming and activations that bring Soccer Forward programs to life.

Primary Responsibilities

• Community Partnerships, Activations & Events:
  • Bring Soccer Forward programs and initiatives to life through meaningful, community-centered activations, collaborating across the local soccer ecosystem to create engaging and impactful experiences to increase access to the game.
  • Serve as the department’s lead for event planning and execution, managing all event logistics and coordinating internal and external stakeholders to deliver activations seamlessly from concept through completion.
  • Build and manage relationships with U.S. Soccer member and community-based organizations, engaging them as key partners in the planning and execution of events and activations in local markets.
  • Develop and manage Soccer Forward’s national activation approach and strategy that provides a range of ways for communities to activate.
• Campaigns & Storytelling:
  • Collaborate with U.S. Soccer’s marketing and communications teams to elevate community engagement initiatives through digital, social, and broadcast assets.
  • Work with corporate and Soccer Forward partners to ensure authentic alignment with Soccer Forward’s mission, including co-branded efforts.
  • Support the development of compelling impact stories that highlight Soccer Forward’s role in growing the game and driving social impact.
• Strategic Support & Administration:
  • Provide administrative assistance to the Vice President and Executive Director of Soccer Forward.
  • Track and measure the impact of Soccer Forward’s community engagement efforts, providing regular and detailed updates and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage budgets and resources to ensure the efficient execution of all engagement and activation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 4-6 years of experience in community event planning, grassroots sports development, or activation within sports, non-profit, or related industries.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, sports leagues, or youth programs to drive engagement and impact.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, exercise flexibility as needed, communicate changes/updates to colleagues in a timely, detailed manner.
• Management of third-party partners (business and community) to implement programming.
• Comfortable working under pressure and independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction.
• Ability to think creatively and communicate clearly, professionally and persuasively (both verbally and in written form).
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
• High level stakeholder engagement and capability to collaborate and work with all levels of leadership.
• A passion for soccer and a deep commitment to advancing the sport and its impact on communities.
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as travel domestically 3-4x a month.

Desired Qualifications

• General knowledge of soccer’s ecosystem in the U.S., including grassroots programs, leagues, and major events.
• Event planning experience, ideally community or soccer specific.
• Demonstrated expertise in partnership management and strategic planning within the sports and social impact sectors.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package.
• Casual work environment.
• Inclusive culture.
• Atmosphere for professional development.

Company Description

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.