United Soccer League

Job Title: Contracts Manager / Paralegal

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 Contracts Manager / Paralegal supports the General Counsel and Associate General Counsel in all legal matters; including drafting and negotiating certain business agreements and by tracking all agreements company-wide. The Contracts Manager / Paralegal will also be primarily responsible for franchise disclosures and state fillings. The Contracts Manager / Paralegal will provide additional, essential support to the Legal Department.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the General Counsel and Associate General Counsel in support of all legal matters, including transactions and litigation.
• Manage overall workflow for the Legal Department.
• Track status of various contracts and documents, and prompt internal departments regarding status.
• Serve as custodian of all executed contracts, policies, and other legal documents.
• Review incoming documents/agreements.
• Input deal components into Contract Management Software.
• Draft basic amendments and other legal documents (e.g., Non-Disclosure Agreements, Consent Letters, Consulting Agreements) with oversight of attorneys.
• Review and assist with structuring various contracts including but not limited to sponsorship agreements, trade agreements, and various marketing, vendor, and services agreements.
• Review sponsorship, trade, broadcasting, and various other team agreements to ensure they comply with USL rules.
• Manage a portfolio of intellectual property.
• Draft contest and promotion rules.
• Draft waivers and releases for various events, activations, and promotions.
• Analyze various operational policies and procedures with respect to best practices. Draft executive summaries, reports, and policies based on findings.
• Primarily responsible for Franchise Disclosure Document renewals by maintaining and compiling relevant documents, completing applications, and other tasks as necessary.
• Keep abreast of legislative changes that may affect the company and provide factual and legal research on key issues.
• Manage various legal projects and deadlines as liaison to internal departments.
• Prepare correspondence to teams.
• Track calendar objectives and tickler updates (including tracking of daily agenda items, as well as Franchise Agreement renewals and defaults).
• Assist with preparing, sorting, and mailing legal documents.
• Perform other general legal and administrative responsibilities as requested.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education.
• Paralegal Certification highly preferred.
• 3-5 years of legal or contracts management experience required.
• 2+ years of franchise agreement experience highly preferred.
• Transactional, in-house experience highly preferred, especially if related to sports or entertainment.
• Previous experience with Contract Management Software highly preferred (e.g. Novatus).
• Excellent communication, writing and proofreading abilities required.
• Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and proactive.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines with accuracy.
• Ability to multi-task and handle tasks in a calm, professional, and thorough manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and use the utmost discretion when privy to sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
• 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.

Job Questions:

1. Do you currently have a Paralegal Certification?
2. Do you have 3-5 years of previous legal or contracts management experience?
3. Do you have experience with franchise agreements? Please explain.
4. Do you have prior contracts management/paralegal experience with a sports team, league, or agency? If so, what experience and with which organization(s)?
5. This position is a full-time role at our USL HQ office located in Tampa, FL. If selected for this position, when could you begin employment?
6. What is your salary expectation for this position (Response Required)?
7. Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for our Company?
8. Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our Company in the United States?

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