Manny Meraz

About Manny Meraz

With a demonstrated interest in nonprofit work, I find my joy in community-driven programs aiming to help those who need it most. As a member of a successful team at the U.S. Soccer Foundation, I believe in the influence of youth-based development through sports and the power it has to make a difference. Enhancing the lives of kids from underserved communities through proven programming in tandem with driving the popularity of the game of soccer is at the core of what drives me on a daily basis.

Experience

1. Manager, Marketing & Communications

   U.S. Soccer Foundation

   Sep 2024 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Lead the strategic vision, planning, and execution for all Foundation public-facing events, including mini-pitch openings, World Cup host city activations and events, Just Ball events, and other high-visibility engagements.•Serve as the primary external liaison with funders, FIFA World Cup host city officials, community partners, and high-profile stakeholders to ensure alignment, collaboration, and successful event outcomes.•Serve as executive lead for multi-stakeholder events, managing cross-functional teams and partners to deliver seamless, high-impact experiences. Oversee budgets, planning calls, run-of-show development, executive prep, vendor management, success metrics, and coordination across all stakeholders.•Develop and manage event strategies that align with broader marketing, communications, and social impact goals—ensuring each event enhances the Foundation’s brand and mission.•Oversee key funder-related marketing and event deliverables, ensuring timely execution, strategic alignment, and clear reporting of outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.•Lead the creation of compelling media and promotional materials, including press releases, media alerts, and event collateral, in collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team.•Design and implement performance dashboards to track event success, gather feedback, and continuously improve strategy and execution.•Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with external partners—including corporate marketing and communications teams and consultant groups—to collaboratively deliver events and marketing initiatives that drive both social impact and business value.•Build and maintain high-level relationships with corporate partners, content creators, influencers, and athletes to amplify event reach and engagement.•Contribute to partnership development efforts, using event and marketing expertise to shape compelling proposals and pitch innovative ideas to prospective funders.

Education

• Colorado College

  Sociology, Sociology

  2015 — 2019