Role description
Overview
About MLS NEXT Pro
Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the USA and Canada that completes the pro player pathway. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating global opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro enters its second season in 2023 with 27 teams, all affiliated with MLS clubs. Seven are new to MLS NEXT Pro in 2023: Atlanta United 2, Austin FC II, Crown Legacy FC (Charlotte FC), Huntsville City FC (Nashville SC), LA Galaxy II, Los Angeles Football Club 2 and New York Red Bulls II. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Carolina Core FC in 2024 and Cleveland in 2025.
The majority of MLS NEXT Pro matches in 2023 will be available to watch live and on-demand on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visitmlsnextpro.com.
Reports To
Matrixed Reporting to MLS NEXT Pro President as well as Senior Commercial Executives from SUM.
Position Summary
The Director, Commercial Operations – MLS NEXT Pro will be responsible for the management and delivery of all commercial elements of the league such as sponsorship (plus digital/social extensions), licensing and merchandising, and ticketing. Working closely with SUM department leaders as well as new clubs, this individual will collaborate with internal and external constituents to build and implement long term business plans, while directing a team of internal staff and external agencies to successfully deliver programming. The role requires strategic vision, creativity, the ability to advise multiple team members, excellent communications and collaboration skills, flexibility, as well as a strategic and innovative mentality.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day implementation of league Club Commercial Guidelines and commercial governance
Aggregate, run and resolve Club commercial requests and address club inquiries
Lead commercial efforts while liaising with internal Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing departments to:
Implement PRO League’s commercial strategy, operations and requirements
Support SUM sponsor sales/packaging, renewals, and fulfillment needs
Lead annual commercial planning for the league, building consensus with commercial leadership and other SUM constituents.
Share P&L accountability for the new professional league commercial activity and special projects
Lead all aspects of the enterprise coordination and fulfillment of new sponsorship programs, while supporting value creation for Clubs.
Partner with League’s Legal department on Club local sponsorship agreement process from review to approval
Lead or support the management of partners, including the execution of deliverables.
Collaborate on the development and implementation of social media marketing and communication plans, working with Major League Soccer’s existing in-house resources and social media agencies.
Manage the execution of League initiatives and special projects as needed
Qualifications
Required Skills
Experience building sports and entertainment properties and events, including the creation and delivery of new revenue opportunities.
Excellent understanding of domestic soccer business and governing body structures.
Understanding of the North American sponsorship landscape and how brands use sponsorships to meet business objectives.
Experience developing marketing and communications plans considerate of the needs of a broad base of constituents.
Experience working with and managing production, event and/or creative agencies.
Excellent communication skills, with an ability to interact optimally and in a professional and diplomatic manner clients at all levels.
Strong executive presence, experience working directly with C-Level Executives.
Highly organized with excellent project coordination and project management skills.
Resourceful, quick learner and able to balance multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
Collaborative and standout colleague, working together with partners to accomplish shared goals
Detail-oriented and able to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal direction
Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
Must be flexible and adapt to changes, when vital.
High-level of dedication to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point, with a strong command of visual design principles.
Must be open to travel and working non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Desired Skills
Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
Some degree of soccer knowledge
Total Rewards
Starting Base Salary: $115,000 – $150,000. 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 is also offered to promote Work-Life balance.
Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you 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 will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
