Manager, Community Events and Activations in Atlanta, Georgia at Soccer Forward Inc

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.

Soccer Forward Overview

Soccer Forward is U.S. Soccer’s social impact and legacy initiative, created to harness the power of soccer to improve lives and strengthen communities across the country. Launched in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Soccer Forward is focused on ensuring the impact of this moment extends well beyond the tournament by creating greater access and opportunity to experience, play and participate in the game.

Through programs, partnerships and community-based activations, Soccer Forward brings together organizations from across the soccer ecosystem, U.S. Soccer partners and donors, and national and local community organizations to create meaningful and lasting impact. By connecting U.S. Soccer’s reach and resources with organizations already doing important work in communities, Soccer Forward helps expand access to the game, strengthen the people and places that make soccer possible, and use the sport as a vehicle for positive change.

The Soccer Forward team develops and delivers thoughtful social impact strategies, programs and events that bring Soccer Forward’s priorities to life in communities across the country. Through community-based activations, key U.S. Soccer moments and partner-supported events, the team creates meaningful opportunities to expand access to the game, increase participation and strengthen communities. The team works closely with U.S. Soccer’s sponsors, media partners and donors to integrate their priorities into this work in authentic and impactful ways, while building and managing relationships with community organizations, U.S. Soccer members and other key stakeholders across the soccer ecosystem.

Position Description

The Manager, Community Events & Activation will play a key role in developing and executing Soccer Forward’s grassroots and community-focused events. This position will be responsible for leading community events nationwide, with a focus on key markets where our U.S. Men’s, Women’s and Extended National Teams play. The Manager will work closely with U.S. Soccer membership organizations, clubs, leagues, community organizations and partners to drive engagement through community programming and activations that bring Soccer Forward programs to life.

Primary Responsibilities

Community Partnerships, Activations & Events

• Bring Soccer Forward programs and initiatives to life through meaningful, community-centered activations, collaborating across the local soccer ecosystem to create engaging and impactful experiences to increase access to the game.
• Serve as the department’s lead for event planning and execution, managing all event logistics and coordinating internal and external stakeholders to deliver activations seamlessly from concept through completion.
• Build and manage relationships with U.S. Soccer member and community-based organizations, engaging them as key partners in the planning and execution of events and activations in local markets.
• Develop and manage Soccer Forward’s national activation approach and strategy that provides a range of ways for communities to activate.

Campaigns & Storytelling

• Collaborate with U.S. Soccer’s marketing and communications teams to elevate community engagement initiatives through digital, social, and broadcast assets.
• Work with corporate and Soccer Forward partners to ensure authentic alignment with Soccer Forward’s mission, including co-branded efforts.
• Support the development of compelling impact stories that highlight Soccer Forward’s role in growing the game and driving social impact

Strategic Support & Administration

• Provide administrative assistance to the Vice President and Executive Director of Soccer Forward.
• Track and measure the impact of Soccer Forward’s community engagement efforts, providing regular and detailed updates and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and resources to ensure the efficient execution of all engagement and activation initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 4-6 years of experience in community event planning, grassroots sports development, or activation within sports, non-profit, or related industries.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, sports leagues, or youth programs to drive engagement and impact.
• 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).
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
• High level stakeholder engagement and capability to collaborate and work with all levels of leadership.
• A passion for soccer and a deep commitment to advancing the sport and its impact on communities.
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as travel domestically 3-4x a month.

Desired Qualifications

• General knowledge of soccer’s ecosystem in the U.S., including grassroots programs, leagues, and major events.
• Event planning experience, ideally community or soccer specific.
• Demonstrated expertise in partnership management and strategic planning within the sports and social impact sectors.

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.