Vice President, Broadcast and Technical Operations Lead

Overview

MLS is seeking a Vice President to lead MLS’s efforts in production/broadcast operations, technological planning and development, and business process management.

This position is responsible for coordination and implementation of strategic technology and operations initiatives associated with studio and remote match productions in line with the League's standards and objectives.

This pivotal role will involve collaboration with various departments to drive the adoption of new technologies and workflow development to facilitate high-quality, fast-paced content creation. The incumbent will lead the technical aspects of MLS's productions, disaster recovery, and resiliency across all platforms.

Responsibilities

• Act as the League’s subject matter expert for remote/studio sports production technology, including but not limited to content supply chain lifecycle (e.g. PAM, MAM and Archive).
• Institute best business practices, driving work management, performance reporting and business administration.
• Oversee and implement day-to-day production operations and media workflows to ensure flawless delivery/publishing of content deliverables.
• Negotiate and serve as primary point of contact with production technology vendors.
• Lead and fully control execution of day-to-day operations and ensure flawless publishing of content deliverables.
• Establish sustainable processes to optimize execution and management of department’s work product. Institute performance tracking around defined key performance indicators and reporting to inform business decisions.
  • Develop and manage the fiscal operating budget for the technical department.
  • Plan and track the annual capital budget.
• Develop workflows and lead all aspects of the generation and maintenance of calendars/schedules for future and day-of-air matchday activities and deliverables, across all MLS properties.
  • Support for all aspects of MLS content production and distribution.
• Oversee and lead all aspects of Broadcast implementations, projects, and multi-platform content distribution. Lead the effort to best codify practices and workflow documentation.
  • Provide technical leadership and act as technical point of contact for MLS' s vendors.
• Lead Technical Operations and Broadcast Operations teams in architecting, implementing, and managing innovative broadcast technologies that support MLS operations.
  • Synthesizing the best industry practices, vendor, and manufacturer inputs to inform operational planning and long-term technology road mapping.
• Coordinate and deliver strategic technology and operations initiatives related to broadcast television and digital platforms in alignment with MLS goals and projects.
• Identify key performance indicators and overall objectives and define the departmental strategies needed to achieve the stated goals.
  • Ensure departmental goals are aligned with the company’s overall performance metrics.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science or a relevant field.
• MBA or business administration training or certifications is desirable.
• 12+ years’ experience in an engineering role focused on broadcast operations or TV production.
• 5+ years’ proven experience in a managerial or supervisory role at the departmental level in a media operations environment.
• Demonstrable experience with cloud processes and object-based storage, supporting certifications (from AWS, Google, Azure) are a big plus.

Required Skills

• Proven experience in team building and leadership, with a focus on structuring and managing a Technical Department.
• Significant experience in evaluating, selecting, architecting, and maintaining broadcasting systems and equipment.
• Expertise in establishing long-term objectives and defining strategies and actions to achieve them. Familiarity with automation and cloud solutions.
• Proficiency in control room automation systems (e.g., ELC, Grass Valley, Vizrt, or Ross).
• Knowledge of broadcast operations, and the systems and technologies used in live event production, studio operation, content publishing, and signal transport/transmission.
• Ability to work and be available nights, weekends and holidays.
• Travel 25% of to attend matches, visit vendors’ operations and attend industry events.
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Desired Skills

• Bilingual preferred (English / Spanish).
• Knowledge of MLS products, outlets and properties.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Collaborative nature. Seek out information, and opinions across business partners to align efforts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Stress and crisis management skills, capable of making informed decisions under pressure.

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary: $200,000 – $250,000. 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 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 are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. MLS/SUM aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.