Director of Brand Marketing - Sounders FC

JOB TITLE: Director of Brand Marketing

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC

DEPARTMENT: Marketing

TYPE: Full Time

FLSA: Exempt; Salary

TYPE: Individual Contributor

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Brand Marketing for Seattle Sounders FC will be the steward of the club's brand marketing, driving a consistent brand identity and creative expression across club digital and experiential platforms, expression across consumer products and overall brand narrative. This new role will define and execute a brand strategy that elevates the club's position in the market, strengthens its relevance with fans, partners, within the league, and deepens fan loyalty and engagement.

While collaborating with creative leadership across the organization, the Director will be solely focused on Seattle Sounders FC-ensuring the club's distinct voice, tone, and visual identity are consistently expressed across all platforms. At the same time, they will align with the Seattle Reign brand strategy and any additional brands within our shared portfolio, working cross-functionally to drive both brand cohesion and commercialization by connecting creative strategy with fan engagement and business growth objectives.

You'll have the platform, resources, and creative freedom to make a lasting impact on the club's legacy while working in a collaborative, innovative environment that champions the power of sport to inspire and unite communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Brand Strategy & Identity

• Develop and execute an annual roadmap that implements brand's north star strategy, including campaigns, that position the Seattle Sounders FC as a leader and a cultural force in the marketplace.
• Define and maintain the club's brand voice, visual identity, and storytelling principles to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.
• Uphold brand identity and guidelines while ensuring consistency across all marketing channels, including digital, social, content, merchandise, and experiential activations.
• Act as the brand champion internally, ensuring alignment across all departments, partners, and stakeholders.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the competitive landscape and make recommendations for differentiation and improvement.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to communicate brand strategy, objectives, and results.
• Drive annual campaigns - from kickoff to recap - tied to key brand and business moments, including season launches, playoff pushes, jersey releases, and major team milestones.

Creative Leadership & Execution

• Lead the creative direction for all brand campaigns, content initiatives, and fan engagement activations.
• Partner with the Director of Design to create compelling visual assets that support marketing, ticketing, partnerships, and community initiatives.
• Partner with the Communications Team to ensure brand messaging is consistent and impactful across PR and media relations.
• Integrate brand storytelling into matchday and fan experience touchpoints to create a compelling in-stadium presence.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Integration

• Work closely with the VP of Brand and Creative to align the club's strategy within the broader organizational framework.
• Provide stewardship, insight and inspiration to cross-functional for club moments as part of briefing & recap process.
• Collaborate on project management and alignment solutions for annual go-to-market calendar and annual brand tentpole moments.
• Serve as a creative and strategic thought partner for the VP of Content & Distribution and their team, ensuring the club's storytelling is elevated across all owned and external media.
• Manage external creative and agency relationships, ensuring high-quality output that aligns with the club's vision and objectives.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of progressive experience in brand marketing or a related field, ideally in sports, entertainment, or lifestyle brands.
• Ability to define brand strategy and positioning through demonstrated analytical skills and effective application based on data driven insights.
• Deep understanding of brand-building, storytelling, and fan engagement strategies.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing creative projects and cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional visual and verbal storytelling abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Passion for soccer culture, and growing the game.
• Familiarity with digital, social, and emerging platforms that enhance fan engagement.
• Experience working with community engagement or partnerships teams is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This role requires regular on-site presence at our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton, WA.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND PERKS

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people by providing the following top-notch benefits.

The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 - $135,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored premiums for you and your dependents.
• Generous and Flexible PTO: Our Paid Time Off plan is designed with your well-being in mind, offering unlimited paid vacation.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12-16 weeks of paid leave, giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you'd like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

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