Background:

We are U.S. Soccer, and we are the future of sport in the United States. Our mission is to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States. We are soccer stewards, uniting people through the global game, and our collective goal to inspire, elevate communities, and change lives in pursuit of a better future for soccer and our nation. Our core principles are: We Aim High, We Win Together, and We Champion DEIB; our staff embody the values of Integrity, Commitment, Teamwork, and Respect; and we’re seeking candidates who share our beliefs. We embrace a healthy work-life balance, diversity, technology, and global connections to drive the growth of our sport by supporting members, impacting athletes, and serving fans.

As the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the United States, U.S. Soccer has played an integral part in charting the course for the sport in the USA for over 100 years. In that time, the Federation’s mission statement has been very simple and very clear: to make soccer, in all its forms, a preeminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels.

We are embarking on the most exciting era in the history of American soccer. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to inspire and impact millions of players, coaches, referees, and fans of all ages. To guide this important work, U.S. Soccer has outlined a strategy built around five ambitious pillars that will be imperative to our success moving forward: Grow the game. Foster the best playing environments. Develop winning teams. Grow the soccer economy to fuel reinvestment. Create a world-class organization.

The next ten years will serve as a moment in time unlike any other for the sport of soccer in the United States. With U.S. Soccer’s Senior, Youth, and Extended National Teams achieving success on and off the field, and the FIFA World Cup on U.S. soil in 2026, there has never been a better time to join the soccer movement!

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting U.S. Soccer will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

Position Summary:

The Sr. Director of Partnership Development will be a key leader within the growing, industry-leading team at U.S. Soccer. This strategic leadership position is responsible for developing and driving partnerships that support the overall goals and objectives of U.S. Soccer. This role requires a visionary leader who can identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation, build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, and drive successful outcomes through effective negotiation and management of strategic alliances.

The Sr. Director of Partnership Development should have a “Student of the Game” mentality and a desire for continual growth while being a collaborative team player with a results-driven mindset. They will demonstrate a strategic hustle and work ethic, while bringing a proven track record of successfully constructing, presenting, negotiating, and securing sophisticated partnerships.

Essential Functions 

• Serve as a sales leader responsible for developing, negotiating, and securing large-scale, purpose-driven partnerships with brands that are motivated to help grow the sport of soccer in the U.S.

• As U.S. Soccer’s commercial arm continues to grow, provide thought partnership and oversight to help identify commercial 2.0 opportunities

• Establish and build relationships with key external contacts across key open categories (e.g., corporate decision-makers at Fortune 500 companies and sports marketing influencers). This includes hosting U.S. Soccer games and events across the country.

• Conceptualize bespoke, industry-acclaimed, multi-year partnerships to drive revenue, activation, community engagement, recognition, and conversion around U.S. Soccer’s 27 National Teams and the new home of soccer in Atlanta – the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center

• Collaborate with Partnerships, Marketing, Media, Community Impact, and various other departments throughout the Federation to develop quality, compelling, partnership proposals.

• Lead the sales process from start to finish with exceptional attention to detail.

• As a leader within the Partnerships group, manage and motivate staff to achieve partnership development and organizational goals with a proactive prospecting approach.  

• Attend industry events to connect with other leaders and develop new business opportunities

• Create and implement new and innovative outbound sales initiatives across key open categories with a focus on strategically growing U.S. Soccer’s partnership portfolio.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience uncovering, strategically building and negotiating large-scale partnerships.

• A proven sales track record with strong, national client and agency relationships and alliances.

• In-depth knowledge of the sports marketing and sponsorship landscape

• Passion for leveraging sports as a force for good to make a positive impact in communities throughout the country – including U.S. Soccer’s new home in Atlanta

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

• Polished, captivating presenter with exceptional public speaking skills.

• Exceptional attention to detail and negotiation skills.

• Deep understanding of the ever-evolving sports marketing and media landscape.

• Proven ability to set and deliver on clear, ambitious goals and to be accountable for results.

• Strategic thinker, and self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities to address and resolve issues that face a growing company.

• Effective people manager with proven history of creating a positive culture 

• Ability to handle multiple projects, tasks, and priorities.

• Excellent computer skills, including CRM, Outlook, MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel capabilities.

• A background in, and passion for, soccer, sports, and/or entertainment is preferred.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field of expertise.

• Able and willing to travel to domestic U.S. Soccer-controlled matches.

• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Base Salary: $185,000 + Bonus

United States Soccer Federation Equal Opportunities Statement

U.S. Soccer is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable feeral, state, or local laws.