About MLS NEXT Pro

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 enters its second season in 2023 with 27 teams, all affiliated with MLS clubs.  Seven are 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.

Reports To

Matrixed Reporting to MLS NEXT Pro President as well as Senior Commercial Executives from SUM.

Position Summary

The Director, Commercial Operations – MLS NEXT Pro will be responsible for the management and delivery of all commercial elements of the league such as sponsorship (plus digital/social extensions), licensing and merchandising, and ticketing. Working closely with SUM department leaders as well as new clubs, this individual will collaborate with internal and external constituents to build and implement long term business plans, while directing a team of internal staff and external agencies to successfully deliver programming. The role requires strategic vision, creativity, the ability to advise multiple team members, excellent communications and collaboration skills, flexibility, as well as a strategic and innovative mentality.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day implementation of league Club Commercial Guidelines and commercial governance


• Aggregate, run and resolve Club commercial requests and address club inquiries


• Lead commercial efforts while liaising with internal Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing departments to:


• Implement PRO League’s commercial strategy, operations and requirements


• Support SUM sponsor sales/packaging, renewals, and fulfillment needs


• Lead annual commercial planning for the league, building consensus with commercial leadership and other SUM constituents.


• Share P&L accountability for the new professional league commercial activity and special projects


• Lead all aspects of the enterprise coordination and fulfillment of new sponsorship programs, while supporting value creation for Clubs.


• Partner with League’s Legal department on Club local sponsorship agreement process from review to approval


• Lead or support the management of partners, including the execution of deliverables.


• Collaborate on the development and implementation of social media marketing and communication plans, working with Major League Soccer’s existing in-house resources and social media agencies.


• Manage the execution of League initiatives and special projects as needed

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Experience building sports and entertainment properties and events, including the creation and delivery of new revenue opportunities.


• Excellent understanding of domestic soccer business and governing body structures.


• Understanding of the North American sponsorship landscape and how brands use sponsorships to meet business objectives.


• Experience developing marketing and communications plans considerate of the needs of a broad base of constituents.


• Experience working with and managing production, event and/or creative agencies.


• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to interact optimally and in a professional and diplomatic manner clients at all levels.


• Strong executive presence, experience working directly with C-Level Executives.


• Highly organized with excellent project coordination and project management skills.


• Resourceful, quick learner and able to balance multiple projects simultaneously.


• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills


• Collaborative and standout colleague, working together with partners to accomplish shared goals


• Detail-oriented and able to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal direction


• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment


• Must be flexible and adapt to changes, when vital.


• High-level of dedication to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance


• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point, with a strong command of visual design principles.


• Must be open to travel and working non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)


• Some degree of soccer knowledge