Manager, Community Engagement & Activation

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 is 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 U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. 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.

Soccer Forward Overview

Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup legacy initiative, is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities through the most accessible sport in America. Soccer Forward focuses on its partners in the soccer ecosystem and will engage with key stakeholders such as FIFA, Concacaf, NWSL, and MLS, as well as with U.S. Soccer member organizations.  

The Soccer Forward team creates innovative and thoughtful strategies on how Soccer Forward can contribute to U.S. Soccer’s sponsors, media partners and donors through social impact initiatives, events and programs. The team organizes, engages, manages and develops relationships with key community and charitable partners, particularly at a national and global level. 

Position Description

The Manager, Community Engagement & Activation will play a key role in developing and executing Soccer Forward’s grassroots and community-focused initiatives. This position will be responsible for managing partnerships with national and local community-based organizations and leading community events leading up to U.S. Men’s, Women’s and Extended National Team matches in key markets. The Manager will work closely with U.S. Soccer membership organizations, clubs, leagues, and partners to drive engagement through matchday activations, community programming, special events, and national campaigns. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing community engagement programs and events that align with U.S. Soccer’s broader mission, ensuring that Soccer Forward leaves a lasting impact through the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and beyond. 

Primary Responsibilities

Community Partnerships & Engagement 

• Support the execution of local market activations with community-based organizations to scale soccer programming and increase access to the game. 
• Develop and manage relationships with U.S. Soccer membership organizations to integrate Soccer Forward initiatives into their existing programs. 
• Collaborate with U.S. Soccer’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) team to ensure all engagement efforts promote inclusion and accessibility.  

Event & Matchday Activation 

• Lead the planning and execution of Soccer Forward’s community activation events tied to U.S. Men’s, Women’s and Extended National Team matches. 
• Develop best practices for local and regional activations, ensuring Soccer Forward efforts are scalable and impactful. 

 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 cause marketing 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 annual updates and reports to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Manage budgets and resources to ensure the efficient execution of all engagement and activation initiatives.  

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required. 
• 4-6 years of experience in community engagement, grassroots sports development, or event 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, delivering high ROI.
• 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). 
• 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.
• General knowledge of soccer.
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as travel domestically as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• General knowledge of soccer’s ecosystem in the U.S., including grassroots programs, leagues, and major events. Experience working with FIFA, MLS, NWSL.
• Proficient in pitch and presentation development, with extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated expertise in partnership development, strategic planning, and stakeholder management within the sports and social impact sectors.
• Experience developing and securing corporate partnerships aimed at driving community impact through sports.

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

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.