Podcast Producer

Description

U.S. Soccer Overview

We are U.S. Soccer and we are the future of sport in the United States.  Our mission is to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States.  We embrace diversity, technology and global connections to drive the growth of our sport and serve our athletes and fans.  We seek motivated, passionate, skilled people who can think, create and work on a team. 

U.S. Soccer is a growing company that looks for team members to grow with it. U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture and an atmosphere for professional development. 

The Federation’s core principles set organization-wide standards to identify and foster our culture and inform how we interact and hold each other accountable. These principles guide U.S. Soccer: We Win Together.  We Aim High.  We Champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. To be successful as a USSF employee, it is critical to demonstrate and live up to these principles every day and with every interaction with peers, stakeholders, and partners.  

The Federation’s core values are the individual attributes and characteristics that staff embody to uphold the organization’s principles and succeed. These values guide our employees: Integrity. Commitment.  Teamwork.  Respect. 

 
U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for US soccer in the near and far future. We are therefore, looking for dynamic servant-leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility and an empathic approach that contributes to bold teams and delivers globally significant results. 

Position Description 

U.S. Soccer is seeking an experienced producer and audio expert to lead the Federation’s podcast, telling the story of soccer in all forms across the soccer landscape. This includes highlighting the Federation’s work in service to soccer, our members (referees, coaches, member orgs, etc…) and ultimately the best of us - our athletes, from our Senior National Teams to Extended National Teams.

The Podcast Producer will be responsible for the development, production, and distribution of the show. This role will be responsible for producing high-quality podcasts that bring to life the stories of soccer in the United States with narratives designed to deepen fan engagement, grow reach, and increase relevancy. 

In addition to storytelling, the Podcast Producer will develop and execute segments to support the Federation’s commercial efforts in driving revenue, including: growing Insiders, driving ticket sales, supporting kit launches, working with U.S. Soccer’s partners, etc… This role will work closely with the Director, Content Strategy and Planning on supporting these initiatives. 

The Podcast Producer will also build adaptable and repeatable playbooks for international camps, tournaments and match days. Create a 365- content engine designed to keep the engage soccer fans year round with an audience-led approach and collaborating with Director, Social Media on distribution.

We are seeking someone relationship driven with the ability to collaborate, communicate and build trust with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders. 

Travel to team events, camps and games will be required as needed.
 

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end podcast production from segment development to final edits, ensuring high audio and video quality, in addition to engaging story telling
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to develop episode topics and interview outlines that aling with U.S. Soccer’s brand and messaging
• Build, organize and manage podcast content calendar for episodes and campaigns in collaboration with stakeholders throughout the organization
• Manager recording sessions, including remote and on-location interviews, using professional audio/video equipment and editing software
• Identify and book relevant guests, both internal and external, including players, coaches, U.S. Soccer leadership and other voices from the soccer ecosystem
• Implement strategies to grow listenership through social media, partnerships and innovative content distribution.
• Manage the podcast release schedule and optimize distribution across platforms
• Track performance metrics, analyze listener data, and adjust strategy to improve reach and engagement
• Work cross-functionally with marketing, social media and video teams to amplify podcast content
• Collaborate with Partnerships Marketing team on the ideation and development of segments for partners and ensure branded content delivers and complies with platform and partner requirements
• Have and maintain an in-depth knowledge of best practices and remain at the forefront of innovation for each platform
• Promote inclusivity, conversation and engagement on platforms by joining in relevant conversations and aligning with meaningful cultural trends

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

• 5+ years experience managing podcast production
• Used to performing and exceling in fast-paced environments, while under pressure
• Proficiency in audio editing software (Adobe Audition, preferably)
• Strong writing and scripting skills, with an ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Knowledge of podcast hosting platforms, distribution strategies, and audience growth tactics
• Experience conducting interviews and managing guests
• Passion for soccer and an understanding of the sports’ ecosystem in the U.S
• Capable of working with a large number of stakeholders
• Background or experience working for a media/news company is helpful
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission 
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook) 
• Able and willing to travel, in addition to working non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as needed
• When not traveling, able to work out of U.S. Soccer’s future headquarters in Atlanta, GA 
• Discretion - this roll will be privy to confidential information

Desired Qualifications

• Spanish speaking is a plus
• Experience working in a sports media environment
• Familiarity with video production and multimedia storytelling
• Strong writing ability and mastery of AP style and soccer terminology

U.S Soccer 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.