Vice President, Events (Production & Development)

Overview

The Vice President, Events is a hands-on role that will oversee a team of event leaders and producers responsible for leading and managing successful event production. This role requires strong leadership and people management,  industry knowledge, and the ability to author clear strategies and plans. In partnership with the SVP & Chief Events Officer you will lead the efforts in creating a long-term, sustainable operating model for MLS Events that can be scaled to support League expansion and commercial growth opportunities.

 

Responsibilities

Production:

• Partner with Marketing team to develop comprehensive plans for key marketing moments.;
• Author clear plans for events, outlining insights, strategy and activation plans.
• Lead post-event recaps that yield insights and promote data-driven decision-making and recommendations.
• Lead and oversee an Events production group responsible for day-to-day business operations.
• Serve as partner to Commercial Teams, ensuring the delivery of sponsor deliverables, while identifying new and broader commercial opportunities.
• Document, implement, and train key processes, policies, and procedures that deliver high quality and consistent events.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring achievement of cost targets.  
• Evaluate, assess and negotiate contracts with key vendors and suppliers - implement deal structures that best serve business needs.
• Stay informed on current industry trends, new technologies, and standard methodologies to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.
• Attract, build, retain, and lead a high-performing team, lead performance management, identify training and development opportunities, and serve as a mentor.

Development:

• Collaborate with with cross-functional teams to identify and create new commercial assets.
• Implement and execute against a business plan to maximize profitability at events by creating ancillary revenue streams, effectively managing expenses, and improving productivity.
• Cultivate deep relationships with club and event markets, emerging technologies, and industry-leading operators, and formulate cost-effective partnerships.
• Lead negotiations that garner funding from local municipalities and government agencies by implementing processes and documenting economic impact and event investment.

 

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 12+ years of relevant experience (events, marketing, business strategy, etc.)

 

Required Skills

• Proven effective leadership and ability to manage large teams across functions and in partnership with external partners.
• Ability to set strategy and vision and a structured framework of execution.
• Strong influencing and people management skills.
• Strong business competence with the ability to implement strategy effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally.
• Understanding of visual design principles and applying them to presentation materials.
• Outstanding PowerPoint skills and the ability to craft different types of presentation narratives.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Superior organization, project management skills, and attention to detail.
• Understanding of sports, entertainment, event, and/or media industries.
• Commitment to building positive team environments and experience managing staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment, with demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous with excellent multitasking skills and the ability to meet deadlines autonomously.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Consumer Research Tools.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel 25- 30%
• In-office presence 4 days/week and as required by the business.

 

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the North American and global soccer landscapes.

 

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $200,00 - $220,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and pr