Manager, Partnerships

Description

Soccer Forward Overview 

Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup legacy initiative, is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities through the most accessible sport in America. Soccer Forward will be partner focused and driven. The staff will engage with key stakeholders in the world of soccer, such as FIFA, Concacaf, NWSL, and MLS, as well as with U.S. Soccer member organizations.  

The Soccer Forward team will create innovative and thoughtful strategies on how Soccer Forward can contribute to U.S. Soccer’s sponsors, media partners and donors. The team will organize, engage, manage and develop relationships with key community and charitable partners, particularly at a national and global level. 

Position Overview 

The Partnerships Manager will play a key role in developing and executing Soccer Forward’s partnerships with corporate partners, donors, and national and local community-based organizations, ensuring alignment with Soccer Forward goals. The Manager will work closely with Advancement, Commercial and Soccer Growth teams to ensure alignment, engagement and delivery of partnerships successfully contribute to the goals of Soccer Forward as the wider objectives of the Federation. The Manager will also work closely with U.S. Soccer sponsors and manage key projects and programs, ensuring that Soccer Forward leaves a lasting impact through the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and beyond. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Partnerships  

• Lead day-to-day relationships with key U.S. Soccer sponsors that support Soccer Forward. 
• Work with partners to ensure authentic alignment with Soccer Forward’s mission, including co-branded cause marketing efforts. 
• Manage programming efforts on behalf of Soccer Forward tied to key U.S. Soccer sponsors. 
• Implement and lead partner-related activations on behalf of Soccer Forward.  

Campaigns & Storytelling 

• Collaborate with U.S. Soccer’s marketing and communications teams to elevate community engagement initiatives through digital, social, and broadcast assets. 
• Support the development of compelling impact stories that highlight Soccer Forward’s role in growing the game and driving social impact 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree required. 
• 5-6 years of experience in community relations, sports activation, project management and/or partnership marketing.  
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, exercise flexibility as needed, communicate changes/updates to colleagues in a timely, detailed manner.  
• Management of third-party partners (business and community) to implement programming. 
• Comfortable working under pressure and independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction. 
• Ability to think creatively and communicate clearly, professionally and persuasively (both verbally and in written form).  
• High level stakeholder engagement and capability to collaborate and work with all levels of leadership. 
• A strong passion for soccer and a deep commitment to advancing the sport’s impact on communities. 
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as travel domestically as needed. 

Desired Qualifications 

• General knowledge of soccer’s ecosystem in the U.S., including grassroots programs, leagues, and major events.  
• Proficient in pitch and presentation development, with extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Demonstrated expertise in partnership development, strategic planning, and stakeholder management within the sports and social impact sectors. 
• Experience developing and securing corporate partnerships aimed at driving community impact through sports. 

Soccer Forward Foundation 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.