Senior Counsel, Commercial and Business Affairs

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’s 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 US.

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

Reporting into the General Counsel, the Senior Counsel, Commercial and Business Affairs will provide comprehensive legal support to the Federation and its affiliates.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior business, commercial, marketing, media, and technology stakeholders on a wide range of corporate and sports-industry matters
• Lead the negotiation, drafting, and management of complex commercial agreements typical to the sports ecosystem, including sponsorships, technology licenses, vendors, independent contractors, professional services, events, and related operational agreements.
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on commercial partnerships and strategic alliances, including sponsor, supplier, and ecosystem partner relationships, ensuring alignment with brand value, revenue objectives, and risk profile
• Advise on data privacy, technology, and information security matters impacting athlete, fan, member, and consumer data, including assessment of platforms, analytics tools, mobile applications, and digital engagement technologies, in compliance with applicable U.S. and international privacy laws and industry best practices.
• Negotiate and draft data protection, data monetization, data sharing, and cybersecurity provisions in commercial, marketing, and technology agreements, and develop standardized templates and playbooks for scalable use
• Oversee and support management of the organization’s intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, brands, logos, and content, and advise on enforcement, licensing, and third-party rights clearance across commercial and marketing initiatives.
• Provide legal guidance on sports media and content matters, including traditional broadcast, streaming, social media, digital platforms, athlete and influencer engagement, marketing campaigns, promotions, and advertising compliance.
• Advise on legal issues associated with live events, competitions, fan engagement initiatives, and experiential marketing, including sponsorship activations, promotions, and sweepstakes.
• Monitor and interpret evolving legal, regulatory, and industry developments affecting sports organizations, with an emphasis on data privacy, intellectual property, marketing/advertising rules, emerging technologies, and digital fan engagement.
• Partner closely with internal teams to support fast-paced, high-visibility, and time-sensitive initiatives, translating business and commercial objectives into clear, practical, and enforceable agreements.
• Collaborate across departments including commercial, marketing, media, technology, events, and operations to proactively identify and mitigate legal risk while enabling business growth and innovation.
• Support strategic initiatives, special projects, and other duties as assigned, consistent with the evolving needs of a dynamic sports organization.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 
• JD from accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in at least one state and in good standing
• 7+ years’ experience working as an attorney at a leading law firm and/or in-house legal department; transactional and data privacy experience preferred
• 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)

Desired Qualifications 

• Strategic and innovative thinker 
• Business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with commercial needs of U.S. Soccer 
• Exercises initiative and independent judgment; self-starter 
• Ability to manage a high volume of projects and contracts on short timeframes
• Effective prioritization, adaptability, and ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills 
• Team player 
• Honesty and integrity 
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills 
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and functional teams 
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers in a small department 
• Clear understanding of the delineation of responsibilities between an attorney and a paralegal 
• Maintain confidentiality in work performed 
• High-level of attention to detail 

 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.