Senior Director, Match Business

Major League Soccer•New York, NY

3d•$155,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Properties and Match Business Department oversees the development and delivery of all Soccer United Marketing (“SUM”) events in North America, as well as the management of SUM business relationships with some of the most meaningful soccer properties in the region. The portfolio of events includes the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Mexican National Team U.S. Tour and other Major League Soccer and enterprise events. The organization has long-term business partnerships with Concacaf, Liga MX, and the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol (FMF). The Senior Director, Match Business is responsible for managing the creation, planning, promotion, delivery, and overall match business operations including tournament planning/development, regional relationships, and venue contacts for all SUM events. This position is also a primary connection point between all other internal departments associated with SUM events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required
10+ years of experience organizing and promoting international sports and entertainment events
Strong knowledge of the international and domestic soccer landscape
Possess strategic and innovative mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to direct multiple team members
Experience developing cross-functional marketing & ticket sales plans for sporting events
Familiarity with the parameters of booking events, venue operations, and an understanding of the facility management industry
Experience in contract development, negotiation, and execution
Experience managing production and creative agencies
Strong executive presence with experience working directly with C-Level Executives
Excellent people skills, with an ability to interact effectively in a professional and diplomatic manner with internal and external clients at all levels
Ability to maintain confidentiality and use upmost discretion when privy to sensitive information
Resourceful, quick learner with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, team environment
High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, compliance, promptness and timeliness
Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills
Flexible with the ability to adapt to change when necessary
Knowledge of US Sports landscape and connections with North American sporting venues
Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point
Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail
Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)

Responsibilities

Lead event business operations to maximize revenue and business opportunities across all SUM events
Develop long-term match business plans, considerate of marketplace opportunities for both SUM/MLS and MLS clubs with a focus on business and fan growth
Assume Match Business P&L responsibility for all SUM/MLS events including Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, Concacaf events, and other assigned tournaments or events
Build and maintain positive and productive relationships with MLS clubs, stadiums, municipal stakeholders and local host committees to optimize event placement and revenue opportunities
Work closely with internal departments (Properties, Marketing, Content/Digital, Media, Partners, PR/Communications, Ticketing etc.) to manage the overall sales & promotion plan for all events, and ensure goals and revenue targets are met/exceeded
Manage and develop one direct report, annual contract employees, and multiple full-time agencies
Work closely with Property Managers (internal Concacaf, FMF, and Liga MX leads) to ensure delivery for property clients from a business, brand and opportunity perspective
Maintain relationships with key industry contacts including agencies, clubs, Federations and ticketing companies to ensure continued innovation and evolution of the business
Build culture of long-term planning and data-based decision-making, liaising with internal finance and research stakeholders to employ core insights
Lead the development of a process and workflow to organize friendly matches for MLS clubs throughout the year, serving as the League stakeholder on identifying and connecting opportunities
Drive team performance by setting clear expectations, coaching and counseling employees, establishing procedures and productivity standards, and fostering employee growth and development
Additional responsibilities as assigned