Director, Partnership Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Partnership Marketing

🔹 Company: United States Soccer Federation

🔹 Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Sports, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a team focused on growing and retaining U.S. Soccer partnerships
• Driving partner-specific commercial value through creative and high-impact activations
• Collaborating with U.S. Soccer colleagues to create sellable programming and identify new opportunities
• Renewing existing relationships and securing new partners to support U.S. Soccer’s growth

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of partnership marketing to drive success in a fast-paced environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead a dynamic team, driving results and inspiring growth

✅ Own day-to-day relationships with strategic partners, developing and implementing creative activations

✅ Establish new platforms and opportunities by working collaboratively with U.S. Soccer colleagues

✅ Renew existing relationships by leveraging industry trends, deep category knowledge, and meaningful relationships

✅ Secure new partners by assisting business development initiatives and creating innovative concepts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires the ability to connect micro details to the macro vision and mission, as well as the capacity to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field of expertise

Experience: 8+ years of experience in strategic brand and partnership marketing

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership and project management skills
• Strong analytical skills and experience understanding and interpreting quantitative and qualitative research
• Creative strategist with the ability to open doors
• Relationships with senior-level marketing executives at agency and client level
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)

Preferred Skills:

• Pro-active and curious with a bias for action to maximize partner value
• Excellent computer skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities
• Experience with Adobe suite or a similar program
• A background in, and passion for, soccer, sports, and entertainment
• Experience in sports marketing
• Desire to be part of a team and a “Student of the Game” mentality
• Multi-lingual a plus

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should possess a strong work ethic, be accountable for their actions, and demonstrate a desire to grow within the role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Director-level role in partnership marketing with 8+ years of experience in the sports industry)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, with the ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) governs soccer in the United States and is responsible for the sport's growth and development at all levels. The organization is committed to making soccer a preeminent sport in the USA and continues to develop soccer at all recreational and competitive levels.

Company Size: The USSF has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure that offers opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: The USSF was founded in 1913 and has played an integral part in charting the course for soccer in the USA for over 100 years.

Company Description:

• The USSF is the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the United States
• The organization aims to make soccer a preeminent sport in the USA and continues the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels
• The USSF is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind

Company Specialties:

• Governing soccer in the United States
• Developing soccer at all recreational and competitive levels
• Promoting soccer as a preeminent sport in the USA

Company Website: http://www.ussoccer.com/

ASSUMPTION: The USSF is a well-established organization with a clear mission and a commitment to growing soccer at all levels in the United States.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the Director level, requiring significant experience and leadership skills to drive success in partnership marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Partnership Marketing will report directly to the Chief Commercial Officer and oversee a team focused on growing and retaining U.S. Soccer partnerships.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the ability to work remotely up to 35% of the time to attend domestic U.S. Soccer controlled matches.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the commercial team as U.S. Soccer continues to expand its partnerships and brand
• Opportunities to work with high-profile partners and collaborate with colleagues across various departments
• Chance to contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States and make a lasting impact on the sport

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential as U.S. Soccer continues to grow and expand its partnerships and brand.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The USSF's headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Carson, California, and Kansas City, Kansas. This role is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Office Location(s): 303 E Wacker Dr, #1200, Chicago, IL 60601, US; 18400 Avalon Blvd Ste 400, Carson, CA 90746, US; 9677 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109, US

Geographic Context:

• Atlanta, Georgia, is a vibrant city with a growing sports industry and a diverse population
• The city offers a variety of cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities
• Atlanta is home to several professional sports teams, including Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

ASSUMPTION: The Atlanta office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across various departments and locations.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the Human Resources department
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Analytical and quantitative skills
• Communication and presentation skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your passion for soccer and understanding of the sports industry
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills

ATS Keywords: Partnership marketing, strategic brand management, team leadership, project management, sports marketing, soccer, U.S. Soccer Federation, commercial growth, relationship management, creative activations

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary, and it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the USSF's Human Resources department.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• Adobe Suite or similar program (preferred)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Jira)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau or Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the USSF and the Director of Partnership Marketing's team.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for soccer and commitment to growing the sport in the United States
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and creativity
• Accountability and integrity

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Opportunities for collaboration and growth
• Focus on results and driving commercial success

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate your passion for soccer and commitment to growing the sport?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully led a team to achieve a significant goal?
• How do you approach creative problem-solving and innovation in your work?

ASSUMPTION: The USSF values candidates who possess a strong work ethic, are passionate about soccer, and demonstrate a commitment to growing the sport in the United States.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple concurrent events and projects, requiring strong organizational and time management skills
• Working in a fast-paced and demanding environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
• Balancing the needs and objectives of multiple strategic partners, requiring strong communication and relationship management skills
• Keeping up with industry trends and developments, requiring a continuous learning mindset

ASSUMPTION: The Director of Partnership Marketing role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development in the sports industry.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Director-level positions in partnership marketing, but with a focus on the sports industry and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents
• Compared to other roles in the sports industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with high-profile partners and contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States
• Career progression in this role may include opportunities to advance within the commercial team or explore other leadership positions within the USSF

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities for growth and development in the sports industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing creative activations for a major sports apparel brand to drive brand awareness and engagement among soccer fans
• Collaborating with U.S. Soccer's media partners to create innovative content and sponsorship opportunities that align with both parties' objectives
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify new partnership opportunities and trends in the sports industry

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available to the Director of Partnership Marketing in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role fits into the broader organization?
• How does the USSF support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in this role?
• What are the most significant challenges and opportunities facing the USSF and this role in the near future?
• How does the USSF approach collaboration and innovation in partnership marketing, and how can I contribute to these efforts?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role, and how will my progress be measured?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to driving success for the USSF.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Follow up with the USSF's Human Resources department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.