United Soccer League
Job Title: Safeguarding & Compliance Manager
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: USL Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.
Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."
Position Purpose
The Safeguarding & Compliance Manager plays a critical role in supporting the implementation and operationalization of USL’s Safeguarding initiatives. The Safeguarding and Compliance Manager will be responsible for communicating and consulting with member clubs regarding standards, reviewing safeguarding referrals/concerns, providing investigation support, and ensuring best practices are shared and implemented within the USL ecosystem.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Lead Safeguarding and Discriminatory Behavior and Language Investigations.
- Receive and acknowledge all complaints or notifications in a timely manner that arise through the referral pathway.
- Conduct interviews of claims and manage the claim process.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on all cases, log decisions, investigation information, activities, and status of cases.
- Inform USL stakeholders on abuse or misconduct complaints and provide resolution recommendations.
- Remain informed of regulatory guidance related to misconduct, abuse and/or SafeSport requirements at federal, state and local levels.
- Have a solid knowledge of DEI and Trauma-Informed interview concepts.
- Consult and provide training to USL member clubs on best practices, policy compliance, safeguarding standards and procedures.
- Audit USL member clubs’ compliance with USL safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent experience/combined education.
- Minimum of 2-4 years related professional experience in case management, investigation, and/or compliance auditing.
- Prior professional safeguarding or safety compliance experience within a sports team or league preferred.
- Experience in recognizing and assessing risk in a professional capacity highly preferred.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive matters and athlete/team member information required.
- Knowledge of SafeSport, Safe Soccer and compliance requirements necessary.
- Strong emotional intelligence is necessary.
- Strong planning skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.
- Bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish highly preferred.
- Must be extremely detail-oriented with a large focus on producing thorough documentation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Strong Presentation skills including PowerPoint.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / when necessary.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Work Environment
Based in Tampa, FL, USL Headquarters provides a vibrant and open working environment designed to promote collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and knowledge sharing. We believe in fostering a culture that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Currently, USL HQ operates on a hybrid work model. From Monday to Thursday, team members gather in person to harness the power of face-to-face collaboration. This not only strengthens the bonds within the team but also enhances communication and innovation. On Fridays, we transition to a remote work setup, providing our team with the flexibility to manage their tasks in an environment of their choosing.
Typical USL HQ hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm ET. Evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel may be necessary based on business demands.
We have great Perks - Comprehensive Benefits Package • Medical, Dental, Vision • Health HSA and FSA • 401k w/ up to 6% company match • Pet Insurance • Corporate Discounts • Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days • Business Casual Dress • Optional Remote Work Fridays • And More!
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
