Manager, Corporate Communications, Youth and Extended National Teams

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 ambitions 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.

Position Description

U.S. Soccer is looking for a Manager, Sporting Communications to lead communications for our Youth National Teams (YNT) and Extended National Teams (ENT). These 25 teams represent the future and diversity of American soccer—from elite youth players competing in FIFA tournaments to athletes excelling in Beach Soccer, Futsal, Power Soccer, and Cerebral Palsy and Deaf disciplines. This role is essential to elevating their visibility, telling their stories, and aligning their communications with U.S. Soccer’s broader mission to work in service to soccer and grow the game for everyone.

This role will own and execute the full communications strategy for YNT and ENT programs, including developing press materials, conducting media relations and proactive pitching, tracking team stats, milestones, and rankings, translating them into engaging narratives across internal and external platforms. You’ll serve as the primary liaison between media, teams and internal stakeholders to build cohesive messaging and multi-channel campaigns that underscore the U.S. Soccer mission. Additionally, you will manage media operations during domestic training camps and international tournaments, ensuring coaches and players are well-prepared for interviews and can incorporate U.S. Soccer messaging organically.

A key focus will also be driving visibility for ADAPTandTHRIVE, U.S. Soccer’s flagship disability inclusion initiative. Your work will support not only competition coverage but also community engagement, human-interest storytelling, and awareness-building efforts that highlight U.S. Soccer’s commitment to access and opportunity. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for all YNT and ENT, ensuring alignment with U.S. Soccer’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as the primary media liaison for YNT and ENT, managing daily requests, developing press materials, and preparing athletes and coaches for interviews and public appearances.
• Proactively pitch stories and build strong relationships with local, national, and international media to increase visibility and recognition for the teams and their accomplishments.
• Track and analyze team stats, rankings, and milestones, transforming data into engaging narratives, features, and media content for use across internal and external platforms.
• Oversee media operations during training camps, tournaments, and international competitions, ensuring smooth execution and message consistency on-site and remotely.
• Lead communications support for ADAPTandTHRIVE, including storytelling, campaign messaging, and community engagement promotion.
• Produce internal communications content to keep U.S. Soccer employees informed and aligned with team developments and organizational goals.
• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and internal visibility for team achievements and initiatives.
• Support media training and message development for athletes, coaches, and staff to ensure effective, confident communication that reflects U.S. Soccer’s values and voice.
• Monitor media coverage and deliver regular reporting on media sentiment, engagement metrics, and campaign performance to guide strategy and demonstrate value

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in sports communications or media relations
• Proven experience managing press relations and