Counsel, Corporate Development

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’s Corporate Development team leads inorganic growth initiatives to advance the organization’s strategic priorities and drive value creation. This includes mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic investments and partnerships, corporate integrations, and real estate development projects. The team works with cross-functional partners across U.S. Soccer, including Finance, Strategy, and Legal, to execute these projects. 

The Counsel, Corporate Development position is a new role at U.S. Soccer. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel and embedded in the Corporate Development team, you will help us do the right thing the right way, make sound business decisions, manage risk, and creatively navigate internal and external challenges. 

You will provide general transactional support that is corporate in nature – think transactions involving mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic investments, real estate and financing, and bylaw amendments – and come to us with 4-6 years of corporate experience handling general corporate matters.  

This role can be in-person at our National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia (NTC) or  remote. If remote, occasional travel to the NTC and to member organizations’ offices is required to attend key meetings and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the legal structuring, negotiation, and execution of significant corporate transactions, including term sheets, letters of intent, managed services agreements, joint venture agreements, acquisition agreements, bylaw amendments, strategic alliance agreements, financing agreements, real estate-related agreements, and other transaction documentation.  
• Perform legal due diligence for transactions, identifying legal, regulatory, and commercial risks and opportunities.  
• Partner closely with leaders across Corporate Development, Legal, Risk Management, Compliance, and Finance to evaluate opportunities, structure transactions, and drive successful deal execution. 
• Coordinate with outside counsel to ensure efficient, high-quality support on large transactions.  
• Research and advise on transaction-related regulatory approval strategies. 
• Prepare concise materials for executive leaders (and, as necessary, the Board of Directors) on transaction structure, key risks, and approval requirements.  
• Support transaction integration and post-closing activities, including implementation of legal and governance requirements. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law, in good standing, in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. 
• 4–6 years of corporate legal experience, preferably at a top-tier law firm, with a significant focus on corporate transactions.   
• Strong ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for non-legal colleagues.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills. 
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to quality work product, ethics, integrity, and compliance. 
• 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

• Experience with mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and diligence is preferred. 
• Prior experience managing transactions involving nonprofit organizations is desirable but not required. 
• Sports industry experience is not required, but a general understanding of the youth soccer ecosystem in the United States 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.