The Events Manager will support the Property & Events team with the planning, management, and execution of all MLS big events, including but not limited to MLS All-Star, MLS Cup, Heineken Rivalry Week, SuperDraft and eMLS Cup.

The Events Manager will also support the team by tracking event economic impact and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) according to event strategy mandates.

The Properties and Events department manages partnerships with Soccer United Marketing (“SUM”) Properties (U.S. Soccer, Federacion Mexicana de Futbol, CONCACAF, Liga MX and others) and oversees the development, planning and execution of Major League Soccer (“MLS”) and SUM events and platforms in North America each year, including marquee events like MLS All-Star, CONCACAF Gold Cup, MLS Cup, the Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, MLS Rivalry Week, MLS Decision Day, and U.S. Soccer Federation programming. The group also spearheads organization-wide initiatives, including hospitality/B2B programming, press/media events, department/executive meetings, competition events and the development of new platforms / partnerships for the enterprise.

• Plan and execute MLS public facing event plans (concerts, interactive fan areas, festivals, eSports events etc.); coordinate all event details and oversee internal alignment and approval processes
• Manage programming development across existing and new MLS events
• Oversee creative concept integration into all event plans
• Manage organizational alignment and spearhead internal planning processes including development, oversight and coordination of steering meetings, roles and responsibilities, timelines, schedules, recaps and other key project management tools for MLS events
• Develop event overview documents and recap documents for all MLS events
• Build and manage relationships with production agencies and creative/design agencies (RFP/bid process, general communication and oversight of agency deliverables)
• Oversee all site visits and coordinate event planning meetings
• Negotiate vendor contracts
• Coordinate with other departments to confirm event deliverables
• Work with MLS legal to develop execute agreements with venues and event vendors
• Manage event budget forecasts and reconciliation process; work with internal contacts to compile all cost elements. Coordinate all invoices, billing and reconciliation associated with the event
• Provide additional department support during the planning and execution of big events
• Administrative duties such as general correspondence, files, and archive maintenance
• Develop and implement new standard operating procedures for the Properties & Events group including creation of more efficient project planning tools and oversight of process implementation across the organization

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5-8+ years of experience in event, agency and/or sponsorship activation experience

Required Skills & Expectations

• Understanding of industry and event trends
• Detail oriented and excellent project management and organizational skills
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work within strict deadlines and high stress situations
• Ability to multi-task with minimal supervision and prioritize tasks
• Experience managing employees and vendors
• Ability to work with many different personalities
• Extensive travel including 6-10 days event travel for MLS tentpole events
• Long hours and weekends are expected during events and high work volume times
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills

 Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer