TITLE: Senior Manager, People Programs & Experience

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC & Seattle Reign FC

DEPARTMENT: People & Culture

REPORTS TO: VP, Employee Experience

FLSA: Exempt

ROLE: Individual Contributor

OUR CLUBS

Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are entering an exciting new era as one soccer family with a shared commitment of excellence and growth on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and greatness. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Manager, People Programs & Experience owns enterprise people programs across Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC and is accountable for their quality, effectiveness, and how employees experience them. This role shapes the strategy and owns delivery of critical people programs, drives strong execution, and continuously improves how those programs support employee experience and organizational performance. The right candidate brings judgment, ownership, and follow-through, and translates priorities into high-quality work. This role is best suited for a strong individual contributor who operates with context, thoughtfulness, and high standards, and who proactively leverages AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve how people programs are designed, delivered, and scaled.

This role is ideal for someone energized by the opportunity to help build within a growing sports and entertainment enterprise and who is genuinely excited about working in professional soccer. It offers the chance to shape critical people programs in a fast-moving, high-visibility environment where culture, performance, and employee experience directly support the success of two ambitious clubs.

We care deeply about our clubs and the work we do, and that shows up in the energy and pride we bring every day. Whether at the stadium or in the office, we strive to create an environment that’s positive, supportive, and enjoyable to be part of. We bring enthusiasm to our work, celebrate wins, and continuously improve. We are also committed to building a workplace where people can grow, take on new challenges, and advance their careers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Lifecycle Programs 

• Own and improve onboarding, offboarding, and role transition programs across the enterprise to deliver a consistent, high-quality employee experience.
• Build and maintain the tools, templates, and workflows needed to run these programs effectively at scale.
• Use feedback, data and operational insights to identify gaps, solve problems, and improve program effectiveness.
• Own and maintain employee policies and related guidance, ensuring they are clear, current, and aligned with internal standards and applicable MLS and NWSL requirements.

Employee Experience & Workplace Programs

• Lead enterprise employee experience programs, culture moments, and key events that strengthen pride, connection, engagement, and organizational performance.
• Manage recognition programs, including milestone and tenure recognition, ensuring they are meaningful and well executed, and aligned with organizational values.
• Manage ad hoc employee events and cultural initiatives that reinforce shared purpose, connection, and a strong employee experience.
• Ensure employee programs and experiences are inclusive, accessible, and designed to strengthen belonging, trust, and connection across the workplace.
• Identify, pilot, and implement opportunities to apply AI and emerging technologies to people programs, improving efficiency, insight generation, and employee experience.
• Partner with the Office Assistant to deliver employee experience initiatives and to create a high-functioning workplace.
• Support administration of MLS and NWSL programs and compliance requirements.

Performance, Development and Internal Mobility

• Manage performance and development programs that strengthen leadership capability, manager effectiveness, employee growth, internal mobility, advancement and overall organizational performance.
• Partner with leaders to identify development needs and build programs, tools, and resources that address business priorities and support growth across the organization.
• Help elevate team performance by coaching and mentoring others, sharing expertise, and reinforcing high standards for execution, thought partnership, and continuous improvement.
• Reinforce a culture of continuous learning and professional growth across teams. 

Employee Listening, Insights and Improvement

• Lead employee listening efforts, including surveys, feedback channels, and other methods used to understand employee experience, manager effectiveness, and program impact.
• Build regular feedback and data review into how people programs are managed, using employee input, participation trends, operational metrics, and business results to assess what is working and where change is needed.
• Leverage data to understand trends, uncover insights, and translate them into concrete program improvements, owning execution through to completion. Use technology and automation to improve workflows, reporting, communication, and program results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven and progressive experience leading and improving people programs with accountability for quality, adoption, and impact.
• Experience operating in a high-growth, evolving environment where strong judgment, adaptability, and follow-through are essential.
• Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution across teams.
• Experience using technology (including AI) and automation to improve workflows, reduce manual work, and strengthen program delivery.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data and feedback to improve programs and support decisions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and move work forward thoughtfully.
• Demonstrated ability to elevate the work of others through coaching, mentoring, thought partnership, and setting a high bar for execution.
• Eagerness to continue growing as a leader and professional, with the capacity to take on increased scope and impact over time.
• Strong judgment and discretion in handling sensitive employee matters.
• Experience working across departments to drive alignment and consistent execution.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and compliance-related processes.
• Experience in sports and entertainment is preferred.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living organizational values and the organizational mission: Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify & Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and fans.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is a hybrid position working from home and from our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton WA, with the expectation of 4 days a week in the office most weeks.
• This role requires flexibility to support occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays tied to matchdays, events, or business needs.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel. Some out-of-state travel may be required for team-related experiences or conferences.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 20 pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people. 

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $145,000. Positioning within the range at time of offer is based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal equity, and current market conditions.  

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs, resources, and experiences that support growth, internal mobility, and career advancement.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.