Director, Communications (Press Officer) - 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 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

U.S. Soccer is seeking a Director, Communications to lead all communications for the Youth and Extended National Teams (YNT and ENT) programs. This role is responsible for developing and executing a long-term communications vision that amplifies the profile of these 25 teams, representing 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.

As a senior member of the External Communications leadership team, the Director will guide the Federation’s narrative around development pathways, inclusion, and excellence across every level of play. The role requires a strategic storyteller and experienced media relations professional who can build awareness, shape public perception, and align YNT and ENT communications with the broader vision of U.S. Soccer.

The Director will oversee all YNT and ENT communications planning and execution, including press operations, proactive storytelling, media training, and global tournament coverage. They will collaborate closely with the Men’s and Women’s National Team communications leads to ensure cohesive messaging across all sporting programs and to elevate how U.S. Soccer represents the full spectrum of the game.

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

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy for all Youth and Extended National Teams, ensuring alignment with U.S. Soccer’s mission, brand, and strategic priorities.
• Serve as the Federation’s primary spokesperson and senior media contact for all YNT and ENT matters, managing relationships with domestic and international outlets.
• Advise and support leadership across Sporting, Technical, and MarComms teams on communications strategy related to player development, pathway storytelling, and tournament exposure.
• Oversee and mentor staff or contractors supporting YNT/ENT communications, including on-site media operations and content development.
• Collaborate closely with counterparts across the Men’s and Women’s National Teams to ensure cohesive Federation-wide narratives.
• Drive proactive storytelling that highlights diversity, development, and inclusion—particularly through U.S. Soccer’s ADAPTandTHRIVE initiative.
• Develop executive talking points and Federation statements related to youth development, inclusion, and extended team programs.
• Lead media operations during major YNT/ENT competitions and events, ensuring consistent and professional representation of U.S. Soccer.
• Partner with Content, Digital, and Creative teams to amplify player and team stories across owned channels.
• Track and analyze coverage and sentiment, leveraging insights to refine messaging and measure communications impact.
• Represent U.S. Soccer’s Communications team in internal leadership meetings, ensuring YNT and ENT perspectives are integrated into broader Federation strategies.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• 8–10 years of professional experience in communications or media relations, preferably within sports, entertainment, or national governing body environments.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic communications efforts, managing high-profile media relationships, and overseeing event-based media operations.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across platforms.
• Proven ability to develop messaging frameworks and execute cross-channel communications campaigns.
• Experience working with athletes, coaches, and leadership in high-performance, media-intense environments.
• General knowledge of soccer.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• Willingness to travel and work nontraditional hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong understanding of player development pathways, youth sports, or international soccer.
• Demonstrated success in proactive media pitching and reputation management.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and influence senior leaders.
• Commitment to U.S. Soccer’s mission of growing the game for all.
• Confidence without ego.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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.