Entertainment Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Why join our team?

With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

A Certified Great Place to Work®

Don’t just take our word for it—our people have spoken. According to the Great Place to Work® 2025–2026 survey:

• 96% feel good about how we support the community
• 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO
• 92% say their work has special meaning—it’s not “just a job”
• 91% felt welcomed from day one
• Over 88% agree all employees are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender

The Manager, Entertainment Relations supports the Director of Global Entertainment in the development and implementation of USO entertainment with celebrity talent recruitment and industry relations. This position requires exceptional relationship-building skills, sound judgment, project management expertise, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

• Assist the Director, Global Entertainment Relations in program implementation and manage initiatives and activities that attract, secure and engage high profile celebrity talent for diverse USO programming worldwide and key USO storytelling and fundraising initiatives.
• Participate in celebrity recruitment activities including but not limited to planning and implementation, coordinating, sourcing and fulfilling talent requests, and preparing and providing follow-up.
• Manage a high volume of entertainment activities, including but not limited to talent/agent solicitation and procurement, in-kind donation classification and handling, distribution and reporting.
• Interface with key internal stakeholders, external partners, and audiences as it relates to celebrity engagement requirements and commitments.
• Provide talent guidance and assistance to regional teams, with a specific focus on coordinating emerging talent.
• Prep program related briefings and electronic presentations including but not limited to strategic plans, work plans, meeting summaries, recruitment inquiries, internal offer letters, and talent confirmations.
• Receive and respond to inquiries related to celebrity recruitment. Maintain internal celebrity profile database. Track progress on prospective talent requests and performance outcomes.
• Research and monitor celebrity publicity trends, events and social media postings.
• Maintain departmental knowledge databases, and prepare reports, briefings, and internal communications.
• Organize and maintain electronic documentation. Produce and prepare reports, updates and event metrics.
• Assist with general administrative tasks including ordering, processing invoices, credit card reconciliation, procurement requisitions and expense reports.
• As required, travel on in support of special events and USO tours in times of heavy volume.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This is an in-person position located in Arlington, VA.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field.
• 5+ years work experience, preferably in a program/project support role in the sports or entertainment industry, including 1+ years in a supervisory capacity. Relevant experience in a not-for-profit, multicultural, corporate and/or global organization preferred.
• Working knowledge of music, TV, film, sports, and pop culture. General awareness of complex cultural sensitivities of a variety of domestic and international locations.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO leadership, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism. Ability to manage and influence external vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications. Ability to communicate to a diverse audience at a variety of levels using multiple channels with diplomacy, tact and poise. Ability to exercise sound judgment related to controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects.
• Knowledge of various software programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite. Prior experience using social media and online communication tools in a business environment preferred.
• Willingness and ability to work non-standard hours and/or overtime as needed.
• Must show initiative, self-motivation, and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities. Ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver’s license.
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.

Details

• The salary range for this position is $80,000-$100,000.
• To support pay transparency, this posting includes the anticipated base salary range for this role. Compensation is determined based on several factors including geographic location, relevant experience, specialized skills, certifications, and overall alignment with the position requirements. Our compensation practices are designed to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity across roles and levels.
• Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check – education, criminal and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.

Apply today. Join the mission. Join Team USO.