Overview

The Events Manager will support the Property & Events team with the planning, project management and execution of all MLS events, including MLS All-Star and MLS Cup, with a heavy concentration on managing the MLS NEXT national tournaments and events.

The role will support the team by planning and managing the execution of MLS NEXT Cup, MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate and Generation adidas Cup. In addition, supporting the Competition, Player Relations and Player Engagement group with talent ID and recruitment events, active and former player appearances, educational events / seminars and related events as assigned.

The Properties & Events department manages partnerships and events for Soccer United Marketing (SUM) properties (U.S. Soccer, Federación Mexicana de Futbol, CONCACAF, Liga MX and others), and oversees the strategic development, planning and execution of dozens of MLS and SUM events in North America each year, including marquee events like MLS All-Star Week, Concacaf Gold Cup, the Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, MLS Cup, MLS Next Tournaments, Campeones Cup, and Leagues Cup. The department also spearheads organization-wide initiatives including hospitality/B2B programming, press and media events, department and Executive and Board meetings, competition events and the development of new platforms and partnerships for the Enterprise.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities – General

• Plan, manage and execute MLS NEXT youth competition events including Team Events, Identification/Recruitment Events, and Education events.
• Plan and manage all aspects of competition events including but not limited to: venue procurement, budget management, programming, staffing, invite management & communication, schedules, and meetings management.
• Serve as the Event Lead for MLS NEXT National Events (i.e. Playoffs, Cup, Flex, Fest, Generation adidas Cup and All-Star Game) and Regional Events (i.e. Inter-League Events, Regional Showcases) – achieve event goals and objectives through managing multiple workstreams involving a cross-departmental team of stakeholders from Operations, Communications, Media, Brand & Integrated Marketing, Partnership Marketing, Creative Services, Competition and Consumer Products.
• Manage relationship with local tourism bureau and/or sports commission to enhance the value proposition of each tournament.
• Oversee partner integration and activation for all events. Provide execution support including identifying activation location(s), shipping and storage options, and staffing recommendations.
• Support Brand Alliances, Properties in identifying and developing additional commercial opportunities at all events.
• Work with Brand Marketing to develop national and in-market marketing and promotional campaigns, leveraging all available assets (MLS digital platforms, local sports commission, host venue, MLS Clubs and affiliate networks).
• Plan and manage active and former player appearances for Big Events (MLS Cup, MLS All-Star Game).
• Plan and manage regional and international recruitment, showcase and talent ID events in close coordination with Player Relations and Competition departments.

Primary Responsibilities – detailed

• Identify and develop Roles and Responsibilities for cross-departmental stakeholders execution team.
• Create master planning timeline for all events and appearances that includes all workstreams and corresponding deadlines for all event deliverables.
• Lead venue search, oversee RFP process, and provide final recommendation.
• Work with Director, Hotels to develop travel booking process for all attendees.
• Work with Brand Marketing to develop on-site signage plan.
• Work with Operations to deliver world-class match operations in an environment worthy of professional athletes.
• Work closely with NEXT group and Operations to develop an efficient tournament schedule.
• Develop tournament staffing plan.
• Work with PRO to secure match officials and negotiate fees.
• Negotiate venue costs, operational support and marketing support with host market, host venue(s) and host Club, where applicable.
• Develop tournament budget.
• Vet qualified agencies and contractors to support ancillary event and partner activations as needed, utilizing an RFP process.
• Work closely with Media Operations to plan and support broadcast production and content capture needs.
• Oversee site visits and coordinate event planning meetings
• Negotiate vendor contracts
• Manage event budget forecasts and reconciliation process for tournaments and events; work with internal contacts to compile all cost elements. Coordinate all invoices, billing and reconciliation associated with the event
• Manage on-site operational requests and provide activation support to third party agencies (Content Agency, Broadcast Production Company, third party retailer).
• Work with PRO to arrange for all match officials needed for each event and communicate pertinent travel details as needed / requested.
• Develop event overview documents and recap documents.

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 years of experience in event, agency and/or sponsorship activation

Required Skills & Expectations

• Detail oriented and excellent project management and organizational skills
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work within time sensitive deadlines and high pressure situations
• Ability to multi-task with minimal supervision and prioritize tasks
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Cross-functional project management experience
• Ability to create & manage budgets with limited supervision
• Knowledge of Youth Soccer in the United States and Canada