Director, Strategic Operations

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.

Position Description

The Director, Strategic Operations, reporting directly to the VP, Strategy & CEO’s Office, is a position responsible for the project management, stakeholder engagement, and operational execution that ensure the executive team’s time, focus, and communications are aligned to U.S. Soccer’s highest priorities. This role will function as a key organizer for the CEO’s office, translating strategy into execution, ensuring disciplined follow-through, and orchestrating the complex internal and external engagement demands. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. This role would work closely with the CEO, U.S. Soccer executive leadership team, the President, CEO, and COO Offices, and external stakeholders. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the translation of Federation-wide strategy into coordinated operational execution across functions
• Oversee high-priority cross-functional initiatives to ensure timely, high-quality delivery; this include streamlining internal workflows and operational processes to increase efficiency and scalability 
• Oversee preparation and follow-through for high-profile engagements including members, donors, partners, federation leadership, government officials, and international stakeholders
• Develop clear briefing materials, background documents, action trackers, and recommendation frameworks to support key meetings and informed decision-making
• Partner with the Communications department to review, refine, and coordinate internal and external executive communications for alignment, tone, and clarity. Support development of talking points, speeches, and key presentations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure consistency across strategy, competition, commercial, and ecosystem messaging
• Draft or coordinate timely follow-up communications and next steps from CEO / executive leader interactions
• Collaborate with the CEO’s Executive Assistant on the strategic design and execution of the CEO’s calendar to align time allocation with Federation priorities, key initiatives, and long-term goals.
• Drive operational excellence within the CEO’s office and executive leadership team: building systems, dashboards, calendars, and workflows that increase efficiency and transparency

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5-7+ years professional experience, preferably in strategy, consulting, operations, executive office, public affairs, or high-growth environments
• General knowledge of soccer
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives or operating in high-performance, fast-paced organizations
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and professional judgment.
• Proactive self-starter who can work independently and with ambiguity to drive towards set objectives
• Ability to communicate with senior executives both inside and outside the organization 
• Ability to spot issues and manage risk
• Desire to be part of a team and drive continual growth of oneself and colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality

Desired Qualifications 

• Passion for the sport of soccer 
• A strong understanding of the culture of soccer and its fans across North America
• Knowledge of Sports, Entertainment, Media and Technology industries
• Prior experience working in the sports industry, non-profit, government, or national governing body
• Ability to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities to support U.S. Soccer’s initiatives
• Fluency both verbal and written in Spanish, or another language, is preferred

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.