Vice President, Match Day Operations and Administration

Overview

The Vice President, Match Day Operations & Administration will be a key leader responsible for leading all aspects of the day-to-day operations and administration For Major League Soccer and primarily supporting our member Clubs. The VP will liaise with and partner with our Clubs to supervise stadium renovations and large-scale building upgrades, providing strategies to evolve the stadium environment, and ensuring a best-in-class approach for game surfaces.

Responsibilities

Stadium Management and Initiatives

• Lead stadium renovations projects with added support for new stadium planning, ensuring our venues are world-class and exceptional.
• Act as a liaison to provide support for neutral match venue locations, fostering collaboration and inclusivity across the league.
• Lead the venue design team to enhance the venue design guidelines documentation, ensuring flawless execution.
• Serve as the relationship manager for internal stadium consultant(s), fostering strong partnerships and effective communication.
• Collaborate with external facing consulting firms as the project management liaison, ensuring successful implementation of stadium projects.
• Formulate original strategies to enhance the Match Day Experience for fans by conducting surveys, exchanging data, and refining practices.

Match Day Operations Manual & Communications

• Collaborate with key departments and individuals across the organization to create a comprehensive match day operations manual that promotes consistency and efficiency in operations.
• Develop a strategy for managing match day operations in the future and efficiently handle department administration, always aiming for the highest standards.
• Create communication guidelines, streamline memorandum distribution processes, and develop internal tools to improve club and league operational guidelines.
• Provide valuable guidance on internal league-wide compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to regulations and policies.
• Deliver a compliance dashboard and reporting mechanisms for internal match day operations leadership, enabling effective decision-making.
• Develop a strategy for the Soccer Operations Center, focusing on efficiency, longevity, and operational excellence.

Field Administration

• Support the advancement of essential field projects through active involvement with field specialists, applying proven methods for field conditions, and establishing uniform maintenance procedures.
• Support the documentation and presentation materials for the field testing group, ensuring clear and concise communication.

MLS Administration Support

• Serve as a liaison with the Club Performance Group for monitoring and ensuring compliance with minimum standards, fostering collaboration and high-performance standards.
• Partner with the Emerging Ventures group to identify stadium innovation opportunities and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
• Collaborate with the Sporting Technology team on Match Day Technology integration, ensuring seamless operations and enhancing the overall fan experience.
• Develop a set of tools for match day operations that will enhance key objectives set by leadership, using technology to improve efficiency.
• Foster continuous improvement and innovation by developing effective strategies for all unit functions.
• Lead and manage the development and implementation of metrics to measure the efficacy and performance of Match Day operations across the League, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
• Identify League and organizational needs to develop comprehensive, strategic business plans and operating budgets, driving forward-thinking strategies.

Qualifications

• Show outstanding leadership and communication abilities, including managing relationships and effectively interacting with executives.
• Exhibit expert crisis management, decision-making, and critical thinking skills to navigate complex situations.
• Effectively manage and motivate cross-functional teams, driving collaboration and high-performance.
• Display a commitment to quality work, organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, team environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances.
• Possess strong people skills with the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Pay high attention to detail, effectively multitask, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in business solutions and software is necessary to be effective in the role, in addition to traditional office packages.
• Ability to accomplish team results by communicating job expectations, leading the Performance Management process, and coaching and guiding team members.
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer, with a passion for its growth and development.
• Willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of experience working within progressive operations and leadership roles in the events, venues, and/or sports industries, including overseeing renovation projects. Experience with outdoor venues is a must.
• 12+ years of experience with oversight and responsibility for operations in complex, demanding, multi-location, multi-stakeholder, high-stakes event environments.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge and interest in the sport of soccer, contributing to a deep understanding of the industry.

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 ongoing 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 the 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.