SVP, International Relations

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

The SVP, International Relations will lead U.S. Soccer’s global engagement strategy, building and managing the relationships, influence, and operational infrastructure that advance U.S. Soccer’s In Service to Soccer Strategy within the international soccer ecosystem.

This function is an enterprise-servicing role, engaging cross-functionally with U.S. Soccer leadership and external partners to help drive forward our 2032 Shared Goals.

This role sits at the intersection of international strategy, protocol and operations, and ongoing relationship management, and is core to how U.S. Soccer positions itself within FIFA, Concacaf

Primary Responsibilities

• Global Strategy & Influence: Serve as one of U.S. Soccer’s primary liaisons to FIFA, Concacaf, and other confederations and member associations, while developing and executing an influence and advocacy strategy advancing U.S. interests and position within global soccer.
• Federation Relations & Stakeholder Management: Build and steward relationships with key national federations and international stakeholders, driving concrete outcomes against our 2032 Shared Goals; support strategic execution across a number of workstreams with our core stakeholders in the global soccer world.
• Risk, Reputation & Stakeholder Diplomacy: Manage geopolitical, governance, and reputational risks facing U.S. Soccer internationally in support of the CEO/Secretary General and Federation President; support in crisis response involving international stakeholders; work hand-in-hand with U.S. Soccer's Communications and Corporate/Government Affairs infrastructure to ensure alignment between international strategy and domestic policy, government relations, and corporate positioning.
• Protocol and Operations: Oversee the mechanics of international delegation hosting, executive engagements, and protocol at a standard befitting U.S. Soccer’s ambition, in alignment with U.S. Soccer’s sporting, fan, and commercial objectives. Liaise closely with Sporting to help deliver Coaching Education, Referee development and Player development pathways that can be shared with selected MA’s as part of the overall IR strategy. Liaise with Sporting on the Senior National Teams and Youth National Teams scheduling process to be fully aware of the Sporting and Commercial objectives.
• Competition, Hosting & Development: Lead international stakeholder strategy for major events; identify and pursue future hosting opportunities; partner with U.S. Soccer leadership team to develop overall commercial and advancement approach and execute on opportunities; including significant responsibilities of future Bid projects.
• Government Relations: Lead the relations with the U.S. State Department to support International Diplomacy initiatives, as needed. Serve as U.S. Soccer’s main contact for U.S. Embassies globally.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Multilingual — fluency in at least one language beyond English is critical (Spanish strongly preferred given Concacaf / CONMEBOL landscape).
• 15 + years of international / corporate affairs experience — prior work within international governing bodies, diplomacy, international government relations, or a top-tier sports federation.
• Demonstrated ability to build influence, navigate and drive outcomes across complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Standing and credibility to represent U.S. Soccer externally at the highest levels of global football governance.
• Understanding of global football dynamics (leagues, clubs, tournaments, international competitions).
• Strong communicator and negotiator with a track record of closing bilateral agreements and partnerships. 
• High cultural fluency and comfort operating across diverse geographies and political contexts.
• Collaborative, enterprise-minded leader — this role succeeds by elevating the work of others across Legal/Corporate Affairs, Strategy, and the executive leadership team at U.S. Soccer.
• Proven capability to manage internal and external resources to accomplish goals. 
• 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).

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.