United Soccer League
Job Title: Vice President, Corporate Communications – Publicist
Position Type: Full Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: USL Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.
Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."
Position Purpose
The United Soccer League is looking for the right, qualified candidate to serve as the league’s primary contact for non-sports media and to generate and execute a year-round media relations strategy for USL business initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in corporate communications, experience in business media relations, executive communications, scheduling, television media, as well as a proven track record of success with social media and public relations campaign management.
The right candidate will be extremely proactive, equipped with strong interpersonal communications skills as well as having high levels of professionalism and emotional intelligence.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Generate year-round media relations strategy for USL HQ corporate initiatives.
- Cultivate relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure high-impact placements and coverage.
- Identify opportunities for media partnerships, collaborations, and features to amplify the USL brand.
- Develop and implement proactive earned media strategies.
- Serve as primary point of contact for all business, and sports business industry outlets.
- Serve as primary contact and scheduler for USL HQ executive conference appearances and speaking engagements.
- Serve as primary point of contact for all USL stadium development projects.
- Develop engaging storytelling narratives to showcase USL's impact, achievements, and unique stories.
- Assist with crisis communication protocols and strategies to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks.
- Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership during crisis situations, providing strategic counsel and guidance on communication responses.
- Develop a plan to provide opportunities for media training to staff who represent USL and related properties in public.
- Develop close contacts in both prospective and existing USL communities.
- Write and disseminate media alerts and news releases to promote USL HQ corporate initiatives.
- Establish and maintain meaningful connectedness to the USL community, keeping a pulse on local trends, news, and events of relevance.
- Partner directly with the social media department to coordinate messaging and corporate public relations initiatives.
- Monitor social media mentions and national or international stories regarding the organization and decisively influence the organization's media presence and portrayal.
- Oversee quality control of publications and written materials across all departments of the business office.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and alignment of communication efforts across all departments.
- Develop internal communication channels and initiatives to engage team members, stakeholders, and partners in the league's mission and initiatives.
- Write website articles covering USL HQ’s community initiatives, staff events, etc.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- BA/BS or equivalent is required in Communications, Journalism, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience/combined education. Master’s degree preferred.
- 8+ years of relevant experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations, with a demonstrated track record of generating earned media coverage.
- Strong publicist background highly preferred.
- Proven track record of nurturing, developing, and maintaining strong relationships with business media outlets.
- Strong planning skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and shifting deadlines.
- Proven experience developing and executing successful communication strategies in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and messages tailored to diverse audiences.
- Crisis communication experience, with the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and risks in the media landscape.
- Leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and mentor team members.
- Passion for soccer and a deep understanding of the sports industry landscape is preferred.
- Ability to work comfortably with a variety of audiences including professional athletes, press, fans, community leaders, executives, and peers.
- Must maintain confidentiality and use utmost discretion when privy to sensitive information.
- Ability to demonstrate uncompromised judgment and discretion with regard to interpersonal relationships.
- Self-confident, resilient and possess a high energy level and enthusiasm.
- Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, both verbal and written, highly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel when necessary.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Work Environment
Based in Tampa, FL, USL Headquarters provides a vibrant and open working environment designed to promote collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and knowledge sharing. We believe in fostering a culture that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Currently, USL HQ operates on a hybrid work model. From Monday to Thursday, team members gather in person to harness the power of face-to-face collaboration. This not only strengthens the bonds within the team but also enhances communication and innovation. On Fridays, we transition to a remote work setup, providing our team with the flexibility to manage their tasks in an environment of their choosing.
Typical USL HQ hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm ET. Evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel will be necessary based on business demands.
We have great Perks - Comprehensive Benefits Package • Medical, Dental, Vision • Health HSA and FSA • 401k w/ up to 6% company match • Pet Insurance • Corporate Discounts • Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days • Business Casual Dress • Optional Remote Work Fridays • And More!
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
