Manager, Media Relations

Job Description

Job Description

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 seeking a Manager, Media Relations, that will support the execution of earned media strategies to share U.S. Soccer’s story and drive positive coverage across national and global outlets. This role will focus on building and maintaining relationships with media, securing placements, and ensuring consistent, compelling messaging.

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Media Relations, the Manager will collaborate across the Federation, particularly with the Marcomms, Advancement, and Commercial teams, to identify and execute proactive media opportunities, respond to inquiries, and ensure that U.S. Soccer is part of relevant conversations in sports, culture, and entertainment.

This position will work closely with the Sr. Director, Media Relations to develop and execute an integrated communications strategy. The ideal candidate is a natural storyteller, strong writer, and proactive media liaison with excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of U.S. Soccer’s national and global media relations strategy.
• Pitch and secure media placements by proactively engaging with key reporters, editors, and influencers.
• Partner with the Sr. Director, Media Relations, to manage day-to-day media inquiries and coordinate responses.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Sporting, Commercial, Advancement, Consumer Products) to identify and package compelling stories for media.
• Assist in planning and executing media activities for major announcements, events, and tournaments.
• Coordinate press logistics for U.S. Soccer-controlled events, including press conferences, media availabilities, and photo/video opportunities.
• Prepare talking points, briefing materials, and press releases in alignment with U.S. Soccer’s messaging framework.
• Support the creation of core messaging and ensure it is reflected across media materials and spokesperson interviews.
• Maintain and update U.S. Soccer’s media contact database.
• Track, measure, and report media coverage to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
• Serve as an on-site media relations lead for select events, including evenings, weekends, and travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in in communications, public relations, or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience drafting press releases, talking points, and briefing documents.
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments.
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong relationships with media across sports, culture, and entertainment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience handling comprehensive writing projects.
• Ability to develop effective communication pieces with minimal editing. Knowledge of Associated Press style guidelines.
• Familiarity with media research and monitoring tools such as Muckrack, Cision, Meltwalter and Netbase/Quid.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with senior leadership.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Willingness to travel to domestic and occasional international events.

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.