Director Internal Communications, Human Resources

Open to applicants in Atlanta, GA and New York, NY

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 ambitions plans for US 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 Director of Internal Communications, Human Resources plays an important role in helping to inform, engage and empower U.S. Soccer employees in multiple locations and remote working. This individual will be an integral member of both the Marcomms and HR teams, supporting all HR communications. This dedicated individual and business partner will be a creative writer and content creator, who understands employees as an audience. They will be responsible for developing an HR-communications specific strategy that aligns with the overall U.S. Soccer communications strategy and then executing on all HR comms.

The individual in this role will maximize different channels, including the monthly all staff meeting, the intranet, newsletters, videos, talking points, emails and more, to deliver relevant, personalized content to employees. They will be innovative and excited to try new approaches to get information to employees. They will have experience creating and executing communications plans for specific initiatives, while ensuring these communications connect to the broader U.S. Soccer strategy. This individual will be highly organized, known for their attention to detail and a strong project manager who is able to balance multiple priorities. They will maintain an ongoing HR communications content calendar and support transparency across the team.

This person will build strong relationships across the Marcomms team, the HR team and the Federation, and be seen as a trusted partner. They will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to pivot seamlessly with discretion and accuracy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, holistic, HR-communications strategy.
• Provide change management communications with the transition of staff to Atlanta and the National Training Centre.
• Be a true and trusted business partner, helping to advise on employee branding, culture development, and storytelling around key initiatives to drive HR metrics.
• Lead the content creation for the U.S. Soccer intranet, while developing a process to establish intranet champions across departments.
• Create and distribute staff newsletters, adding value to all employees.
• Create and execute strategic communications plans for HR initiatives, including information about benefits, policies and more.
• Work with the VP, Inclusion & Engagement on all internal initiatives, providing support and guidance as needed.
• Support change management communications including new hires, promotions, exits and alumni.
• Work with the U.S. Soccer alumni, Cornerstone, building an internal and external narrative of support and awareness.
• Maintain a HR communications content calendar in collaboration with the HR team.
• Support the establishment of metrics and measurement across the internal communications team.
• Ensure messaging is consistent with established Federation messaging, internally and externally.
• Align all communications with business objectives, clearly connecting to the U.S. Soccer mission, vision, strategy and purpose.
• Develop strong cross-functional relationships with key partners and stakeholders across the organization.\

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years in a media relations/corporate communications role at a senior level in the sports, media, or entertainment industries.
• Proven track record of developing internal communications content across various channels.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong experience in HR communications and change management.
• Ability to think creatively about internal communications to enhance engagement.
• Extensive experience in speech writing and preparation for senior leadership.
• An intelligent and articulate individual who can relate to people at all levels of an organization and possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in communications, press and advocacy, with established HR press and PR networks, public affairs and contacts in relevant fields.
• Experience in influencing senior leadership to strive for change and constantly push the envelope.
• Strong project management skills with an analytical mindset.
• The ability to work independently and in a collaborative work environment is required, along with strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and planning skills.
• Someone with excellent judgment, who listens well, implements effective, efficient solutions to problems and earns the respect necessary to implement changes to better the organization.
• An excellent facilitator who is experienced in resolving conflicts between parties to a dispute.
• Business, Marketing, English, Journalism or Communications advanced education.
• Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Able and willing to travel to most / all domestic & international U.S. Soccer controlled matches.
• 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

• Knowledge of the U.S. soccer ecosystem and its members.
• Strategic hustle, initiative, and work ethic with diversity of thought.
• Proactive and curious with a bias for both commercial action and brand values.
• Able to think strategically and handle multiple projects.
• Confidence without ego.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of constructing innovative, creative, and digitally minded presentations.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Established leadership qualities focusing on collaboration, team development, empathy, and challenging team members to deliver the highest-level performance.

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.