The Director, Platform Development and Packaging will be responsible for the development, vetting and commercial packaging of new and priority fan engagement and sponsor platforms for Major League Soccer (“MLS”) and Soccer United Marketing (“SUM”) properties. The role will work collaboratively with internal and agency constituents to identify and ideate impactful and disruptive ideas that deliver for millions of soccer fans in North America, drive the growth of our properties, build value and provide meaningful sponsorship opportunities.

• Work closely with Partnership Marketing and Brand Alliances business leads to understand sponsorship market trends, needs and feedback to prioritize development opportunities.
• Liaise with MLS, MLS NEXT, Concacaf, FMF, Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup property leads to identity high potential platforms for development.
• Work with internal constituents to vet new opportunities, including calendar alignment, stakeholder buy-in, cost projections, resource analysis and revenue / valuation analysis.
• Manage the development projects, coordinating the efforts and contributions of internal and external stakeholders, while aligning deliverables to sync effectively into a final work product.
• Lead the development of external sponsorship and media sales materials, working closely with key stakeholders to include market, property, and opportunity considerations.
• Create and structure internal platform management documents, including inventory trackers, sponsor positions and transition-to-execution plans.
• Champion creativity and innovation internally to develop bold and innovative ideas.
• Foster industry relationships in the live event, digital, design and marketing industries to bring fresh ideas and thinking to development initiatives.
• Manage hiring and onboarding process by interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
• Accomplish team results by communicating job expectations and managing the Performance Management process:
  • Plan, monitor, and review performance;
  • Coach and counsel employees;
  • Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards and reinforce Company policies
  • Develop personal growth opportunities for employees

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required, MBA Preferred
• 10+ years of experience in creative, sponsorship, sales and marketing roles in the sports and entertainment industry

Required Skills

• Experience building sports and entertainment properties, platforms and events, including the creation and delivery of new revenue opportunities
• Experience building sales documents, with strength building opportunity narratives and clear and concise concept presentations
• Knowledge of international, North American and youth soccer business
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to interact effectively and professionally with internal and external constituents to co-create and achieve organizational goals
• Highly organized with excellent project coordination and project management skills
• Resourceful, quick learner and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Capable of working in a fast-paced environment
• Must be flexible and adapt to changes, when necessary
• Experience working with and managing production and creative agencies
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must have outstanding and “sales-ready” Power Point work product, with a strong command of visual design principles
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision

 Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays