Program Lead, Soccer at Schools

Soccer Forward IncChicago, IL, US

2 days ago

Job type

Full-time

Job description

Job Description

Description :

Soccer Forward Overview

Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup legacy initiative, is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities through the most accessible sport in America. Soccer Forward will be partner focused and driven and staff will engage with key stakeholders in the world of soccer, such as FIFA, Concacaf, NWSL, and MLS, as well as with U.S. Soccer member organizations.

The Soccer Forward team will create innovative and thoughtful strategies on how Soccer Forward can contribute to U.S. Soccer’s sponsors, media partners and donors. The team will organize, engage, manage and develop relationships with key community and charitable partners, particularly at a national and global level.

Position Description

The Program Lead, Soccer at Schools will be responsible for designing, managing, and executing the rollout of a nationwide soccer initiative in schools across the U.S. This role oversees the execution of curriculum, teacher trainings, grants administration, and program measurement, ensuring seamless delivery and maximum impact. The Program Lead will manage project timelines, digital products, and communications while tying the initiative to broader Soccer Forward programs and goals.

This position requires close collaboration with school districts, educators, nonprofit partners, and corporate supporters, with a focus on scaling soccer’s presence in schools across the country. The successful candidate will be a strategic project manager, a strong communicator, and an advocate for making soccer accessible for all.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Development & Execution

Lead the design and national rollout of Soccer at Schools, including overseeing curriculum development, teacher training, and grant administration.
Ensure program alignment with Soccer Forward’s strategic pillars and U.S. Soccer’s broader goals.
Oversee program measurement and reporting, using data to refine and demonstrate impact.
Manage the digital tools, platforms, and resources that support program delivery.

Partnerships & Collaboration

Serve as the primary point of contact for advisory council, comprised of grassroots organizations, schools, U.S. Soccer partners and after-school programs.

Collaborate with U.S. Soccer’s membership organizations to integrate Soccer at Schools into existing networks.

Coordinate with internal U.S. Soccer teams (marketing, DEIB, communications) to maximize reach and inclusion.

Engage U.S. Soccer corporate partners and manage integration and support of program.

Project Management & Administration

Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure efficient program execution.

Prepare reports, presentations, and impact summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

Oversee grant process, including application review, selection, distribution, and compliance.

Ensure clear communications across stakeholders at national, regional, and local levels.

Storytelling & Communications

Partner with U.S. Soccer’s communications and marketing teams to highlight the program’s impact through digital, social, and traditional media.

Develop success stories and case studies that demonstrate how Soccer at Schools transforms access to the game.

Contribute to cause-marketing and branded partnership campaigns in collaboration with sponsors.

Requirements :

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required.

5–7 years of experience in program management, the education system, nonprofit, or sports-based youth development programs in a school setting.

Demonstrated experience leading large-scale initiatives involving schools, educators, or community-based programs.

Proven ability to manage timelines, budgets, digital tools, and complex stakeholder relationships.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build consensus across diverse partners.

Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

A passion for soccer and a commitment to advancing equity, access, and inclusion through sport.

Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission

Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)

Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and travel domestically as needed.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of the U.S. education and youth sports ecosystems, including curriculum implementation and teacher training.

Experience working with corporate sponsors, nonprofit partners, or foundations to design and scale impactful programs.

Familiarity with major digital learning platforms and educational technology.

Background in soccer development, U.S. grassroots programs, or school-based athletics.

Soccer Forward offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

Soccer Forward is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.

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School Program Lead • Chicago, IL, US