VP, Game Operations

National Women's Soccer League • New York, NY

18d • $200,000 - $250,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

About the Opportunity This unprecedented growth in audience, media reach, and franchise value reflects the NWSL's expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture. The future of the NWSL is now - and we're looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum. The Role The Vice President, Game Operations is an executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer . This role is responsible for defining and executing the comprehensive strategic vision for match day operations, security, competition integrity, and large-scale event management across the entire NWSL ecosystem. You will serve as the league's most senior operational leader, ensuring all on-field competition is executed with world-class professionalism and compliance. What You Will Own & Drive The VP, Game Operations will define, own, and execute the following critical functions at an executive level:

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Sports Management, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in professional sports administration, competition management, or large-scale event operations.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team while driving strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional executive presence, strategic planning, complex project management, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of US Soccer as they pertain to competition structure, operations, and field standards.
• Able and willing to travel frequently (up to 50%) and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during the competitive season.

Nice To Haves

• Executive Presence: Possesses a strong, credible, and positive executive image that effectively represents the NWSL brand to internal stakeholders and external partners (including club owners).
• Integrity: Guided by the highest moral and ethical principles, demonstrating executive accountability for all actions and decisions affecting competition.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Proven experience partnering with departments such as Broadcast, Legal, and Commercial to ensure operational decisions align with league business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Policy Leadership: Lead the Operations team into its next phase of growth during a critical juncture, establishing new systems and processes to establish best-in-class game day experience and ensure competition integrity.
• Gameday Operations & Security: Establish and enforce world-class operational standards for all NWSL matches, covering stadium operations, safety protocols, field conditions, and the overall player and fan experience. Ensure consistency, compliance and quality across all clubs.
• Oversee the development, refinement, and strict enforcement of all competition rules and policies.
• Executive Club Liaison: Serve as the primary executive contac t for Club Presidents, General Managers, and Ownership on critical operational and compliance matters, ensuring strong communication and partnership.
• Major Event Execution: Directly oversee the planning and execution of all major league events, including the NWSL Championship, NWSL Challenge Cup, NWSL Combine, and associated tournaments, guaranteeing flawless execution.
• Officiating: Oversee operational and administrative support for league officiating functions. Primary liaison with Professional Referee Organization (PRO) to drive officiating improvements to meet demanding standards of the League.
• Scheduling: Lead the strategic planning and tactical scheduling of all game-day events, ensuring optimal resource allocation, venue efficiency, and seamless coordination across all internal and external operations teams (e.g., security, broadcast, logistics).
• Operations Manual: Oversee the compliance to and updating of the Operations Manual, including policies and decisions around player, team, and league disciplinary issues.
• Technology: Manage broadcast and in-game technology integration, establishing the league as a premium and innovative partner ahead of upcoming media rights negotiations
• Departmental Leadership: Manage, mentor, and lead the Operations department staff, fostering a culture of accountability, urgency, and operational excellence.
• Budget & Resource Management: Develop, manage, and execute the annual departmental budget, strategically optimizing resources for staffing, equipment, and technology.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: $200,000 - $250,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office in NYC and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Additional Perks: Commuter benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive