Sr. Manager, Broadcast Operations - MLS NEXT Pro & MLS NEXT

Overview

Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating global opportunities both on and off the field.  MLS NEXT Pro recently concluded its second season in 2023 with 27 teams, all affiliated with MLS clubs.  Seven were new to MLS NEXT Pro in 2023: Atlanta United 2, Austin FC II, Crown Legacy FC (Charlotte FC), Huntsville City FC (Nashville SC), LA Galaxy II, Los Angeles Football Club 2 and New York Red Bulls II. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Carolina Core FC in 2024 and Cleveland in 2025.  The majority of MLS NEXT Pro matches are available to watch live and on-demand on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com

This individual will oversee the Broadcast Operations for MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. The Senior Manager of Broadcast Operations will liaise between all stakeholders to ensure high-quality match streams are delivered, and all match-related media is distributed as required.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT media package productions and distribution
  • Manage all scheduling and production-related communications with third-party vendors
  • Ensure League initiatives are accounted for across the MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT broadcast landscape
  • Management and oversight of production partners for single and multi-camera productions
    • Ensure production standards are met
    • Oversee production and delivery of in-match content (sponsorship elements, features, etc)
    • Liaise day-to-day between production partners, clubs and stadiums
  • Work with League leadership to establish long-term vision for MLS NEXT Pro’s and MLS NEXT’s production models.
    • Monitor live match coverage, providing real-time feedback including notes on camera operator, announcer and production staff.
    • Represent broadcast department on crisis management calls as needed. Communicate potential delays and disruption to matches caused by weather, etc. with broadcast partners.
    • Work with MLS NEXT Pro Competition to build the match schedule ensuring ideal distribution plan for high profile matches.
    • Communicate changes to the schedule to third party partners ensuring partners are properly staffed and prepared to cover every match.
    • Working with expansion Clubs and Clubs designing from the start or redesigning their stadiums on design and infrastructure related to broadcast operations including camera positions, announcer booths, broadcast compound and cabling infrastructure.
    • Communicate technical issues related to AI cameras to AI camera partner and venue/Club staff ensuring AI cameras are in good working order on match day.
    • Work with MLS NEXT and partners on all aspects of broadcast operations related to MLS NEXT soccer tournaments, MLS NEXT All-Star game and Special Olympics Unified Game.

Manager Responsibilities

• Accomplish team results by communicating job expectations and managing the Performance Management process:
• Plan, monitor, and review performance.
• Coach and counsel employees during weekly one-on-one meetings;
• Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards and reinforce Company policies
• Develop personal growth opportunities for employees

Additional Responsibilities

• Work with MLS and MLS NEXT Pro Finance personnel on budgeting, invoicing, contribution to annual business plan
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7 years of production management experience

Required Skills

• Experience managing different aspects of League or Network Broadcast Operations
• Understanding of various linear and digital broadcast workflows
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics and integrity
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Demonstrates decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong managerial and organizational skills
• Must be open to travel and to work non-traditional hours, especially evenings, weekends, and holidays

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer

Starting $90,000 - $100,000. 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 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.

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000