Social Media Strategist

Overview

The U.S. Soccer Foundation helps young people embrace an active and healthy lifestyle and cultivate critical life skills through soccer. The Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has impacted thousands of children through its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives, which offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. For more information, visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org. The Foundation’s headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. Remote candidates will be considered.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is at the core of our mission and who we are. It fuels our work as we continue to create opportunities for underrepresented populations and fight systemic inequalities through soccer. This is a shared commitment with our partners, within our organizational systems, across all the programs we offer, and within the communities we work with, as we continue to do our part to build a better future for children. We value our diverse team and are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of respect and inclusivity in which they can thrive.

About the Role

The Social Media Strategist will be an individual contributor to a five-person Marketing & Communications team that reports to the Director. The Social Media Strategist will be responsible for growing our social media following and engagement by developing engaging content that elevates the Foundation’s brand as a thought leader. The Strategist will manage the Foundation’s day-to-day social media responsibilities, monitor data analytics and trends, engage with our digital community, and ensure that content is aligned with the brand. Content creation responsibilities include the crafting of original content, as well as working with the Graphic Design Manager and other outside consultants to develop visually appealing graphics, reels, stories, videos, and written content that is high-quality and engaging for current and potential supporters (followers, donors, etc.). This person will conduct content audits, analyze data on how pieces of content perform, and present findings and recommendations for any necessary adjustments. The Strategist will use social monitoring and listening tools to stay informed and strategize around our audience while staying in alignment with our goals. This role will also be responsible for staying current with digital and industry trends and growing the Foundation’s social media following and engagement under direction of the Director of Marketing & Communications. 

 About the Team

The Marketing & Communications Department is responsible for shaping the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s brand, overseeing all external communications, and showcasing the organization’s work to engage key audiences. The Marketing and Communications Team is part of the Revenue Group and is critical to the positioning of the Foundation to external stakeholders—including corporate partners and individual donors—and manages small dollar donor acquisitions. The Marketing & Communications Department works collaboratively with all other departments to ensure the organization communicates a consistent narrative. The Marketing & Communications department is responsible for organizational messaging and branding, reputation management, organizational marketing strategies, digital strategy, media relations, speechwriting, thought leadership, storytelling, public event planning and execution, graphic design, and video production.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, compelling content including written stories, reels, and other engaging pieces for digital and social media channels. The Social Media Strategist will work closely with the Graphic Design Manager on visual design and graphic creation but will be responsible for the copy and content for social and digital assets
• Plan the social media editorial calendar and content, and craft and schedule posts across social media platforms, under the direction of the Director to ensure organizational strategy alignment
• Manage the day-to-day monitoring of social media accounts, including monitoring inboxes, comments, and replies
• Monitor social media trends and conversations through social listening tools to identify emerging topics, audience sentiment, and engagement opportunities; share insights with the Director to inform content and campaign strategy
• Track and calculate content ROI and develop reporting mechanisms to measure content performance month over month and year over year. Work collaboratively with the Director on digital strategies to increase followers and engagement metrics based on reporting
• Write scripts and record engaging direct-to-camera video content for organic social media, ensuring alignment with brand voice and strategy while creating authentic, platform-specific storytelling moments
• Perform exhaustive research to gain in-depth knowledge of all key audience personas and insight into their thoughts and trends
• Conduct content audits and collaborate with Foundation teams and consultants under the direction of the Director to implement strategy and adjust tactics based on data
• Support the Marketing & Communications team at events including collecting testimonials, stories, and other content to be repurposed for social media use
• Stay abreast of best digital practices, provide research, and work in tandem with the Director, Marketing & Communications to increase digital footprint
• Support the Marketing & Communications team’s efforts to achieve other marketing & communications goals that ultimately align with the Foundation’s strategic goals
• Work collaboratively with program partners, corporate partners, and other external parties to collect and capture stories and content
• Travel, evening, and weekend work is sometimes required (up to 20% travel)

About You

We are seeking a bold, self-motivated Social Media Strategist with a passion for cultural connection, creativity, and results. You’re not only tuned in to today’s social trends—you’re ahead of them. You bring fresh, authentic ideas to the table and take the initiative to turn them into compelling, high-performing content that drives impact. You approach your work with curiosity, ambition, and a desire to grow both yourself and the organization. You're energized by the fast pace of social media and thrive with teamwork and when entrusted with responsibility and space to innovate.

• A minimum of 2-3 years managing a brand’s social media channels
• Strong oral, copywriting, and research skills
• Proven experience collecting and creating high-quality compelling content, posts, and stories (i.e., from interviewing stage to drafting and publishing completed story or asset) to meet goals
• Proven track record of identifying and leveraging social media trends to produce engaging, culturally relevant content that is aligned with the brand and goals
• Proven experience with social media platforms—including scheduling/posting daily content, social listening and monitoring, collecting/analyzing data, and increasing followers as well as engagement metrics on social media platforms
• Editorial competency for content audits; good analytical abilities to spot trends in content marketing data; proven experience shifting content strategies in order to meet goals
• Strong content presentation skills and content delivery skills
• Proven experience handling and strategizing marketing campaigns
• Creative mindset and the knowledge of how to create and edit reels and other social media short videos
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to professionally represent the Foundation when working with partners, program participants, families, and other stakeholders
• Enjoys and excels in a fast-paced environment
• Possesses a strong attention to detail and has leadership qualities
• Demonstrated ambition and a proactive approach to problem-solving, ideation, and strategy execution
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects with an open, innovative, and efficient perspective; possesses a strong work ethic as well as the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Natural self-starter with strong follow-through and a bias for action
• Committed to bettering the lives of children through sports-based youth development
• Committed to working on a diverse team and helping build a culture of inclusion internally and externally

 The U.S. Soccer Foundation isn’t a typical organization, and the right candidate for this role isn’t typical either. The ideal candidate is looking for opportunities to improve themselves and the organization. We want go-getters. We want candidates with high expectations for themselves, hungry for the next opportunity to learn and grow.

Salary

The Foundation offers a market competitive compensation package. We are committed to incorporating DEI practices and accounting for inequities as we conduct an annual salary planning process to include merit increases, promotions, bonuses, and equity analysis across the entire organization. Foundation benefits include generous medical and dental insurance plans; 401(k) retirement plans with employer match; professional development; mobile data plan reimbursement; and flexible time off.

 If you need an accommodation during the interview/hiring process, please email hr@ussoccerfoundation.org.