What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Host City Volunteer - Kansas City, FIFA World Cup 2026 position at FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States?
Department: Strategy & Planning
Location: Kansas City
Volunteers are at the heart of all FIFA events, impacting all that experience the Tournaments, and represents a critical component to the successful delivery of FWC2026. As football unites the world, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Volunteer Program provides a unique opportunity to unite and connect with individuals and communities across North America. Like in all FIFA tournaments, volunteers will become the “face” of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ enhancing the profile, reputation and appeal of football, FIFA, and Host Cities on a global stage. The Volunteer Program will be a driver to help achieve strategic tournament objectives alongside acting as a vehicle for positive social change, by helping strengthen social connections, increase in civic pride, employment & skills, and creating a movement to sustain and grow volunteering across Host Cities.
Reporting organisationally to the Senior Manager, Volunteer Operations, the Host City Volunteer Manager for Kansas City will be a key member of the FIFA26 Volunteer Management team, and work in close collaboration with the FIFA Zurich Volunteer Management team and other key individuals responsible for delivering the larger national Volunteer program objectives and driving the end-2-end volunteer journey at a Host City level in Kansas City, with a planning and operational focus on engagement, recruitment, training, scheduling and Tournament delivery phases alongside the overarching management of the volunteer experience. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the wider FWC26 Volunteer Team, ensuring a coordinated integrated approach and overall program effectiveness.
THE POSITION
The main responsibilities and oversights of the Host City Volunteer Manager - Kansas City for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:
- Volunteer Program Development & Execution: Support on delivering the volunteer program, while working with the Host Cities to develop and implement the local engagement, recruitment, training, and operational delivery plans for Miami’s volunteer program consisting of Host City and FIFA volunteers that will be supporting FIFA World Cup 2026. Ensure alignment with the broader event strategy and goals.
- Support Execution of Marketing & Communications Plans: Assist in the execution of marketing and communications plans for the Host Country and liaising with Host Cities to align and enhance with their grassroots initiatives. Work closely with the Senior Manager to implement FIFA’s volunteer recruitment and community engagement strategy.
- Stakeholder Liaison & Coordination: Liaise with local stakeholders in coordination with Host City leads to support in the implementation and execution of the volunteer program.
- Internal Collaboration: Collaborate with various FIFA departments and external stakeholders to understand their specific city volunteer needs and provide appropriate support and resources accordingly.
- Centralized Volunteer Projects: In close collaboration with the Volunteer Team, support centralized projects which impact all volunteers across the Tournament footprints.
- Volunteer Center Operations: In coordination with Host City leads, lead the operation of the city volunteer centre for: recruitment, training, uniform and accreditation, and tournament time requirements.
- Volunteer Training Development & Delivery: Develop and implement comprehensive plans for the delivery of training for volunteers to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their assigned tasks effectively.
- Volunteer Management Platform Proficiency: Become proficient in the use of FIFA’s Volunteer Management Platform to help manage and support the volunteer experience including availability, preferences, assigned role, communication, scheduling.
- Volunteer Appreciation & Recognition: Plan and execute the city volunteer appreciation initiatives, recognizing their efforts and dedication throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Issue Resolution & Conflict Management: Manage and resolve any specific city volunteer-related issues (Host City and FIFA volunteers) or conflicts in a timely and professional manner, fostering a positive and inclusive volunteering environment.
- Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Analyse data and metrics related to the specific city volunteer performance, feedback, and attendance to identify trends and areas for improvement. Implement continuous improvement strategies based on data analysis and feedback to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the volunteer program in their specific city.
- Tournament Experience Oversight: Responsible for overseeing the workforce and volunteer experience across both competition and non-competition venues, including daily operations, issue resolution, support for functional areas, and overall volunteer wellbeing. Manages the FIFA Volunteer Platform and volunteer centers. Also supports volunteer involvement in rehearsals, test events, the tournament draw, and any additional events or qualifiers that may arise.
- Additional Volunteer Support Coordination: In coordination with the relevant Functional Areas, liaise with external organizations or city supporters to coordinate additional volunteer support if required for specific events or activities during the tournament.
- Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies related to volunteer management and event operations in their specific city. Prepare regular reports and presentations for management and stakeholders, providing insights and updates on the specific city volunteer program's progress and performance.
- Bachelor’s Degree or similar level of education
- Proven experience and knowledge in sports, events, volunteer management, marketing, communication, community engagement or project management
- Ability to create, engage and foster productive working relationships with local authorities, internal and external stakeholders and volunteer groups
- Ability to meet deadlines and is a problem solver
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written
- Team player, able to work under pressure
- Positive attitude, patience, and persistence
- Flexible, adaptable and able to respond to changing and conflicting requirements and priorities
- Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross functional team structure
- Fluent in English and Spanish. Additional languages are a plus
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools
