Director, Communications

Overview

The Director, Communications manages and executes public relations activities for Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing. The Director works within the sports communications group, advises MLS executives on communications strategy, supports functional areas of MLS and SUM, serves as a spokesperson to the media and works closely with all MLS clubs on communications strategy. 

Responsibilities

• Strategic communications professional who shapes public perception of the organization while upholding its values and integrity.
• Manage the development of proactive publicity via the following:
  • Cultivate strong relationships with media outlets, editorial decision makers, and content creators.
  • Develop proactive communications strategies.
  • Create and pitch feature ideas and content.
• Drive communications strategy for the MLS professional player pathway, including MLS NEXT.
• Serve as Communications liaison to the Sporting and Competition groups.
• Steer consistent and successful messaging throughout all communications, digital and marketing platforms.
• Support league executives with interview preparation and strategic messaging.
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely manner, providing background information, facilitating interviews and serving as a company spokesperson on select topics as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison to MLS club communications personnel, supporting strategic communications initiatives.
• Oversee and participate in live monitoring of MLS games and related internal and external communications.

Additional Responsibilities

• Build and foster collaborative relationships with other departments within the organization to stay informed and abreast of new initiatives, program and other organization wide events.
• Attend industry events and trade conferences to remain current with industry changes.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in public relations, marketing, sports administration or related field
• 8+ years of experience in public relations\communications, or marketing

Required Skills

• Familiarity with current patterns and trends in traditional, digital, and social media
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced media environment and make quick decisions using sound judgment
• Ability to think strategically, creatively, and in an effective manner while managing multiple issues and projects
• Extensive national media contacts and demonstrated ability to place stories
• Knowledge and passion for Major League Soccer 
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with a variety of media and community contacts (such as newspapers, TV, radio, social media, etc.)
• Ability to anticipate problems and find opportunities to build/protect the MLS brand
• Public speaking skills, including the ability to be interviewed by the media
• Ability to manage people/projects, delegate responsibility and provide follow-through on multiple projects
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of the sport of soccer

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $115,000 – 150,000 based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, generous PTO, and a hybrid office/remote work schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel creativity, strengthen connections, and cultivate a vibrant workplace. As a result, employees are required to work from an MLS office at least four days a week. We understand the value of balance, so employees also have the flexibility of working remotely on Fridays, along with the option to take up to two additional remote flex days each month.

At Major League Soccer, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to compete in the marketplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the job application or interview process, essential job functions, and other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to request it.