United Soccer League
Job Title: Vice President, Partnership Marketing
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."
Group Overview
The Partnerships team is charged with driving new business revenue generation via strategic, integrated partnerships alongside the retention of existing partners delivering a first-class service that delivers and exceeds partner objectives. The team sets the short and long-term commercial strategy, including platform creation, that drives enterprise-wide value for the league and its teams.
Position Overview
The VP, Partnership Marketing will build and execute the overarching partnership marketing department strategy while leading the maximization of partner value across USL and throughout the league’s expansive team network. The role will be charged with executing, growing, and retaining USL’s growing portfolio of strategic partners. This position will work closely with all departments at the league office, as well as teams across the USL ecosystem, to develop, execute and fulfill upon the sponsorship sales strategy.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Build and manage a department dedicated to providing first-class service and over-delivery to USL strategic partners.
- Work with key Department heads to build upon and execute a long-term strategy for the Partnership Marketing team.
- Work with departments across USL HQ to ensure delivery of partnership inventory, to include broadcast/media, digital, social media, and experiential elements.
- As the primary point of contact, cultivate strong, meaningful relationships with USL strategic partners, focused on building an understanding of their key business objectives.
- Build strong relationships with USL Team leadership to identify and execute local opportunities for national partners.
- Generate and evaluate pre-, post- and mid-season reports to assist in assessing overall effectiveness of the current partnerships; effectively present data to communicate ongoing value.
- Identify and work with third party platforms that provide key tracking and valuation metrics related to partnership delivery
- Oversee project calendars for partner fulfillment, to include working within and managing budgetary guidelines
- Lead all partner communications with pertinent department personnel to cover individual task updates, overall project timelines, and brainstorm new ideas for improving future partnership marketing operations.
- Collaborate with the Corporate Communications and the broader Marketing team to showcase partner success stories to drive USL and partner relevance.
- Deliver ongoing creative marketing and implementation recommendations for current partners including retail activation, in-stadium promotions, special events and community outreach ideas based on evolving business objectives.
- Support the partner integration within USL’s marquee event series designed to showcase USL and its partners while driving business-to-business opportunities.
- Develop renewal strategies and timelines leading processes internally and externally.
- Maintain a deep understanding of industry trends in the commercial partnership landscape.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of extensive and proven integrated marketing experience with demonstrated success in the media, sport sponsorship or entertainment fields.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience/combined education.
- Team, League, and/or Agency experience preferred.
- Strong presentation abilities required.
- Proven track record of successful partnership renewals.
- Established partner contacts and strong relationships within a variety of industries.
- Ability to work well within tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Effectively communicate information and ideas in written, visual, and verbal formats, and build and maintain relationships.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / 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 may 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.
