JOB TITLE: Chief Marketing Officer
CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC & Seattle Reign FC
REPORTS TO: President of Business Operations
TYPE: Full-Time
FLSA: Salary, Exempt
ROLE: Executive, People Manager
OUR CLUBS
Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are two clubs with a shared legacy of excellence on and off the pitch. Our clubs are committed to high performance by fostering a dynamic and inclusive culture focused on transformational impact in our business and the community. We strive to challenge standard paradigms and practices to create better outcomes that fuel growth individually and collectively. We produce live experiences that bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and opportunity.
POSITION SUMMARY
As the Chief Marketing Officer, you will shape and drive fan growth through insights and engagement, expand brand penetration and reach, resulting in business growth across the enterprise and all properties. Reporting directly to the President, the CMO will be instrumental in developing and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy that honors the unique legacies of both clubs while aligning resources with priorities. This critical role requires a proven leader, coach, and manager of people who will build an organization of best-in-class marketing professionals capable of creating solutions that generate momentum across the organization.
The ideal candidate combines analytical acumen with creative vision, has a deep understanding of brand, content, and digital strategy, and is passionate about inspiring teams. They must also be a collaborative leader, working seamlessly across the executive leadership team to ensure that initiatives support all organizational objectives including culture, community and fan engagement, and commercial partnerships.
UNIQUE MOMENT
In the coming years, this role will play a pivotal part in positioning our clubs at the forefront of high-profile soccer events, including the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and capturing new audiences and amplifying our brand as Seattle’s teams take center stage in global conversations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- People Leadership: recruit, develop, and align talented people committed to extraordinary outcomes
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute plans to achieve organizational goals and expand fan engagement and brand reach.
- Brand/Content Leadership:
- Shape and elevate the Sounders and Reign brands, creating a consistent voice and identity that resonates with diverse audiences locally, nationally, and globally.
- Drive fan growth through compelling storytelling and memorable experiences that engage targeted fan growth segments.
- Fan Engagement and Growth:
- Lead initiatives to expand fan reach, deepen engagement, and cultivate a loyal, passionate fan base.
- Leverage high-profile opportunities, including international soccer events, to showcase the clubs’ legacies and attract new fans.
- Data-Driven Growth:
- Foster a data-driven culture, utilizing fan insights and market trends to inform strategy, identify opportunities, and optimize campaigns.
- Oversee the development and execution of innovative digital marketing and analytics initiatives to drive engagement and conversions.
- Unified Messaging: Guide the Communications team to ensure cohesive, impactful messaging across all platforms, honoring both clubs’ legacies and community values.
- Content Leadership: Oversee the Content team to develop stories and narratives that deepen fan connections and amplify the voices and missions of each club.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partner closely with the Chief Impact and Fan Experience Officer and the Impact department to align on community engagement initiatives, enhancing fan loyalty and social impact.
- Executive Leadership and Team Development:
- Build and lead a high-performing team across the Communications, Brand and Creative, Content, and Fan Insights functions.
- Cultivate a collaborative, innovative environment that prioritizes employee growth, continuous learning, and cross-functional teamwork.
- Resource Management: Oversee the marketing budget, optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact and efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience:
- 10+ years of marketing experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the sports and entertainment industry.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful, high-impact marketing strategies that drive fan engagement, brand visibility, and revenue growth.
- Strategic and Visionary Leadership:
- Ability to set a compelling vision for brand and fan growth, aligning diverse stakeholders and driving a culture of excellence.
- Demonstrated success in building global brand presence, with a deep understanding of digital, brand, and content strategy.
- Innovative Thinker:
- A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to innovate and adapt to changing market trends.
- Skilled at leveraging analytics and fan insights to inform strategic decisions and optimize marketing initiatives.
- Exceptional Communication and Collaboration Skills:
- Outstanding ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, and community leaders.
- Track record of successfully leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Passion for Soccer and Community Impact:
- A strong connection to the sport, with a deep appreciation for its role in building community and inspiring fans.
- Committed to living club values and fostering a respectful, inclusive culture.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This is a hybrid role based in Renton, WA, with attendance required at club events, matches, and key engagements.
- Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.
The annual salary range for this position is $275,000- $325,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. Base pay at time of offer will consider 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 SRFC HR 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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