Job Description
Director of Social Impact
ABOUT FIFA WORLD CUP ™
BOSTON 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Boston 26 (Boston 26) is the host city organizing committee leading the strategic planning and execution of the seven matches of the FIFA World Cup 26™ awarded to Boston, including the official celebratory events taking place over a 39-day period surrounding the tournament in June-July 2026. We aim to create and deliver memorable and safe experiences that promote the region. As a non-profit organization, we are committed to creating sustainable and positive economic and social impact for all communities.
For more information, visit us at and on Instagram @FWC26Boston.
ABOUT THE ROLE: The Director of Social Impact will be a strategic leader responsible for overseeing and implementing the organization’s social responsibilities in line with FIFA’s Sustainability and Human Rights Strategy. This includes safeguarding and inclusion, workers' rights, and access to effective remedy mechanisms for all stakeholders involved in these events, with a focus on ensuring the successful delivery of the seven FIFA World Cup matches in Boston.
Reporting to the Chief Sport & Impact Officer, the role requires a proactive and collaborative leader with deep expertise in social impact frameworks, event operations, and community engagement. The Director will work closely with local authorities (especially the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), FIFA representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with international standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Leadership & Collaboration - Advise Boston 26 and FIFA representatives on human welfare considerations, providing strategic guidance on risk mitigation and best practices.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local NGOs, advocacy organizations, and community groups to align local initiatives.
- Collaborate with senior management and outside counsel to integrate protective considerations into business decisions and practices.
- Work closely with the Executive Office and Human Resources to monitor the organization's practices and adherence to international and local standards and labor laws.
- Work with the Communications Department to manage and respond to issues that may arise within the organization or its supply chain.
- Oversee the social impact budget ensuring efficient resource allocation.
- Track and report on key performance indicators, including safeguarding, inclusion, workers’ rights, and remediation outcomes.
Safeguarding & Inclusion - Develop and implement safeguarding policies tailored to the unique context of large-scale events, ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals, including children and people with disabilities.
- Promote an environment across all event activities that ensures equitable access and participation for fans, workers, volunteers, and community members.
- Train staff, contractors, and volunteers on safeguarding and inclusion principles, ensuring alignment with FIFA’s Human Rights Framework.
- Monitor safeguarding risks before, during, and after the matches, with effective reporting and response protocols in place.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate safeguarding and inclusion into operational planning and decision-making for the events.
Workers’ Rights - Ensure all Boston 26 staff involved in the matches—event staff, contractors, and volunteers—are treated in line with international labor standards, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
- Contribute to and advise on the responsible procurement and contracting process design, in alignment with FIFA and industry best practices.
- Monitor and address any risks of forced labor, child labor, or other violations in event supply chains.
- Establish relationships with local unions to ensure transparency on worker rights.
- Ensure clear mechanisms for workers to report grievances anonymously and without fear of retaliation, ensuring swift and transparent resolution.
Access to Remedy - Oversee the development of accessible grievance mechanisms for event-related human rights issues, ensuring all stakeholders - workers, volunteers, fans, and local communities - have access to justice.
- Collaborate with FIFA’s grievance mechanisms and local legal bodies to address and resolve reported issues efficiently.
- Ensure timely investigations into complaints or incidents are in place, ensuring accountability and preventive measures.
- Engage affected individuals and communities to provide fair and sustainable remedies while incorporating lessons learned into future planning.
Event-Focused Responsibilities - Act as the liaison for Boston 26, ensuring alignment with FIFA’s Human Rights Framework and relevant international standards.
- Coordinate with local law enforcement, event managers, and community leaders to address potential risks associated with the matches and other events hosted in connection with the FIFA World Cup in the Boston region.
- Develop and implement community outreach programs to engage local stakeholders in the planning and execution of the events.
- Draft and oversee the implementation of Boston 26’s Human Rights Action Plans and contribute to responsible procurement and contracting process design.
- Monitor and report on social impact performance throughout the event lifecycle, from planning to post-event evaluation.
- Ensure legacy planning that leaves a positive, lasting impact on Boston .
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR: - Graduate degree in related fields such as human resources, labor relations, law, social justice, or social work.
- 10+ years in human rights, social impact, labor relations, or a related field.
- Experienced leadership responsibilities in a highly visible and high-pressure role and organization.
- Strong knowledge of local labor laws, human rights standards, and ethical practices.
- Experience in developing and implementing policies and programs related to human and workers' rights.
- Knowledge of local (Commonwealth of Massachusetts and City of Boston) human rights efforts, governmental institutions, and private interest groups.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to effectively work with diverse groups and build consensus amongst various stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data related to labor practices and human rights.
- A commitment to promoting human and workers' rights within their organization and its broader community.
- Sporting events experience highly preferred.
Please Note : Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa or sponsorship, and must be within reasonable commuting distance of Foxborough, MA.
WORK EXPECTATIONS: - Full-time, onsite, 40hr per week role that may require occasional evening and weekend work. Local and regional travel is expected on occasion.
- This role is estimated to conclude in late Summer / early Fall of 2026.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: The compensation range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience, and includes access to:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 3 weeks paid vacation, plus 12 paid company holidays annually.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with 3% dollar for dollar company match, plus 50% of elective deferrals that exceed 3%, but do not exceed 5%. Elective deferrals may begin upon hire.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Company paid life insurance.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth in the international sports industry.
Boston 26 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of our personnel processes are based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications, professional competence, performance & business needs. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws. It is the shared responsibility of every employee to adhere to these principles.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, For contractors, Summer work, Local area, Visa sponsorship, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,