Senior Counsel

Description

U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That’s why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of US.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for U.S. 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 management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description 

Reporting into the General Counsel, the Senior Counsel will provide comprehensive legal support to the Federation and its affiliates.

Primary Responsibilities

• Review and provide legal advice on general corporate matters. 
• Negotiate and draft a wide array of contracts, including technology, vendor, independent contractor, professional services, non-disclosure, licensing, data processing, and event agreements.
• Draft and negotiate commercial partnership agreements and provide associated legal advice.
• Review, develop, and update U.S. Soccer’s data privacy and security practices, including but not limited to assessing technologies and systems, data collection, and data storage, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Negotiate and draft data-related provisions of commercial and other agreements, as well as create standardized templates.
• Manage intellectual property portfolio, enforce U.S. Soccer’s intellectual property rights, and ensure acquisition of appropriate third-party licenses.
• Provide counsel regarding all traditional, mobile, social, and digital media matters, including digital marketing, content, and advertising.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with evolving legal and regulatory developments, particularly with respect to data privacy, intellectual property, and marketing/advertising.
• Collaborate with internal teams on time-sensitive and complex projects and translate business objectives into agreements.
• Collaborate with other departments within U.S. Soccer to minimize risk and promote compliance.
• Special projects or other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree 
• JD from accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in at least one state and in good standing
• 7+ years’ experience working as an attorney at a leading law firm and/or in-house legal department; transactional and data privacy experience preferred
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• General knowledge of soccer 
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments 
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission 
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook) 

Desired Qualifications

• Strategic and innovative thinker 
• Business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with commercial needs of U.S. Soccer 
• Exercises initiative and independent judgment; self-starter 
• Ability to manage a high volume of projects and contracts on short timeframes
• Effective prioritization, adaptability, and ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills 
• Team player 
• Honesty and integrity 
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills 
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and functional teams 
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers in a small department 
• Clear understanding of the delineation of responsibilities between an attorney and a paralegal 
• Maintain confidentiality in work performed 
• High-level of attention to detail  

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.