Vice President of Brand & Creative

JOB TITLE: Vice President of Brand & Creative

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC & Seattle Reign Fc

DEPARTMENT: Marketing 

REPORTS TO: Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

TYPE: Full Time

FLSA: Salary, Exempt

ROLE: People Manager

OUR CLUBS

Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are entering an exciting new era in the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to growth on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to 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 greatness.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Brand & Creative will play a critical leadership role overseeing the development and execution of brand, design, and creative strategies for both Reign FC and Sounders FC. The VP will be responsible for leading a cross-functional team, driving brand innovation, and ensuring cohesive storytelling and visual consistency across all fan touchpoints. Working closely with the Chief Marketing Officer and a team of directors, including those overseeing Brand Marketing, Consumer Products, and Design, the VP will spearhead creative initiatives that align with the clubs' values and fan engagement strategies.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead brand evolution at two of the most recognized names in soccer while contributing to the growth and transformation of the broader sports and entertainment landscape.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Brand Leadership & Strategy:

• Develop and execute the overall brand strategy for Reign FC and Sounders FC, ensuring alignment with each club's mission, values, and goals.
• Maintain and refine a compelling, cohesive brand identity and expression that resonates across all fan touchpoints, including digital platforms, merchandise, in-stadium experiences, and integrated campaigns.
• Act as the brand steward, ensuring consistent storytelling and visual identity across all channels, aligning creative output with the clubs' missions and core values.
• Work cohesively to communicate the brand(s) story and vision to the larger organization

Creative Direction & Innovation:

• Drive the creative vision for both clubs, leading a team of experts in design, brand and consumer products to deliver groundbreaking, fan-centric content.
• Lead and inspire the creative team, including design producers, graphic designers, and external partners, to produce world-class creative materials that elevate the fan experience and position the clubs as innovative leaders in sports and entertainment.
• Pioneer new approaches to creative storytelling, bringing cutting-edge ideas to life while remaining rooted in the values and traditions of Reign FC and Sounders FC.
• Lead the adoption and use of technology inclusive of AI-powered creative tools to improve content production, enhance storytelling, and personalize fan experiences across the new media landscape.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work hand-in-hand with internal stakeholders, including the ticketing, sponsorship, and community impact teams, to create holistic, multi-channel campaigns that support key business goals, including fan acquisition, engagement, and retention.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CMO and senior leadership team, helping to shape long-term business strategies that ensure the clubs remain industry innovators and fan favorites.

Fan Engagement & Storytelling:

• Lead the charge in creating fan-centric stories and in-person experiences in and outside of local market that celebrate the rich history, diverse community, and social impact of both Reign FC and Sounders FC.
• Work in collaboration to develop forward-thinking content that captures the hearts and minds of supporters locally and globally, tapping into the unique passions of soccer fans to deepen engagement and build loyalty.
• Ensure that the brand is at the forefront of cultural conversations, aligning campaigns with major trends and moments that resonate with audiences across various platforms.

Leadership & Talent Development:

• Build and lead a high-performing brand and creative team by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, mentorship, and leadership development at all levels.
• Cultivate future leaders within the department through structured development plans and growth opportunities.
• Create a culture of feedback within the team, encouraging collaboration, creative risk-taking, and continuous refinement of processes and output.
• Lead with agility and focus, guiding the team through the dynamic and fast-paced environment of sports and entertainment. Empower the team to adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining a relentless commitment to delivering top-quality work, ensuring both speed and excellence are balanced seamlessly.

Budget & Resource Management

• Oversee the creative department’s budget while ensuring the integration of AI technologies that streamline processes and reduce production timelines, maximizing efficiency without sacrificing quality.
• Manage external vendors, agencies, and freelancers as needed to ensure high-quality output that aligns with brand and creative standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional Experience and Leadership: 10+ years in brand management and creative leadership, including 5+ years in senior roles driving brand strategy, team growth, and impactful initiatives.
• Industry Alignment: Extensive experience within sports, entertainment, or consumer-driven industries, bringing industry-specific insights and a consumer-centric approach.
• Team Development and DEI Commitment: Skilled in coaching high-performing teams and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a strong commitment to advancing organizational values and a mission-driven culture.
• Strategic Brand Innovation: Proven expertise in developing multi-platform brand strategies that elevate brand presence and engagement.
• Leadership: Inspirational leader capable of cultivating and motivating creative teams toward ambitious goals.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding communicator, able to clearly articulate brand vision and creative concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Project and Budget Management: Highly organized in managing budgets, timelines, and partnerships to ensure alignment and efficient resource allocation.
• New Media Expertise: In-depth knowledge of digital media and social trends, skilled in executing fan engagement strategies that resonate in today’s digital landscape.
• Proficiency in AI Tools: Advanced user of AI-powered creative tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Sensei, Jasper AI) to streamline content creation and personalize campaigns.
• Innovative and Collaborative: Creative thinker who contributes bold ideas and effectively engages in cross-departmental efforts.
• Results-Oriented Focus: Outcome-driven, consistently leveraging brand and creative efforts to achieve measurable results.
• Technology-Driven Leadership: Embraces AI, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance brand strategies and optimize fan engagement.
• Adaptability and Agility: Agile leader, adept at responding to evolving business needs while maintaining brand integrity.
• Building Community: Passionate about building community and uniting through global sport.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• This role requires regular on-site presence at our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton, WA, as part of a hybrid work arrangement. Frequent attendance at Sounders FC and Reign FC matches is also expected.
• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.  
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.  
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as lifting up to 20 pounds. 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & 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 $150,000 - $200,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. 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.