The Director, Events will assist with the development, planning and project management of new and existing MLS and SUM Events.  This role requires strong leadership and people management, strong business insights to create a strong strategic vision. In partnership with the Senior Vice President & Chief Events Officer you will lead the efforts in creating a long-term, sustainable operating model for MLS Events that can be scaled to support League expansion and growth opportunities.

The role will also support the team by overseeing production agencies, contractor management and facilitating cross-departmental meetings.

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, Leagues Cup, MLS Cup and the Mexican National Team U.S. Tour 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.

Planning:

• Partner with Marketing team to develop comprehensive plans for event activation and key marketing moments, which will be presented to executive leadership; key focus on creating expert presentations with a compelling narrative and building event activation plans.
• Lead post-event recaps that promote data-driven decision-making and recommendations.
• Document, implement, and train key processes, policies, and procedures that deliver high quality and high consistency events while managing budgets effectively to facilitate the growth of the business.
• Evaluate, assess and negotiate contracts with key vendors and suppliers - implement outstanding deal structures that best serve business needs.

• Stay informed on current industry trends, new technologies, and standard methodologies to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.

Development:

• Orchestrate innovation and new asset creation with cross-functional teams to grow the impact of existing events and increase the go-to-market portfolio.
• Implement and execute against a business plan to maximize profitability at events by creating ancillary revenue streams, effectively managing expenses, and improving productivity.
• Cultivate deep relationships with club and event markets, emerging technologies, and industry-leading operators, and formulate cost-effective partnerships.
• Support negotiations that garner funding from local municipalities and government agencies by implementing processes and documenting economic impact and event investment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience (events, marketing, business strategy, etc.)

Required Skills

• Strong business competence with the ability to implement strategy effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally.
• Understanding of visual design principles and applying them to presentation materials.
• Outstanding PowerPoint skills and the ability to craft different types of presentation narratives.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Superior organization, project management skills, and attention to detail.
• Understanding of sports, entertainment, event, and/or media industries.
• Commitment to building positive team environments and experience managing staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment, with demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous with excellent multitasking skills and the ability to meet deadlines autonomously.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Consumer Research Tools.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel 25- 30%
• In-office presence 3-4 days/week as required by the business.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the North American and global soccer landscapes.

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary $115,000 - $130,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.

Career & Professional Development – on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.

Employee Engagement - We offer office perks, discounts, and employee events that go beyond the traditional paycheck. We want you to feel like a part of our team and be encouraged to elevate the Game.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process, job performance, and to access employment benefits and privileges. Contact us to request accommodation.