The Manager, Events will support the Events team with the planning, project management and production of all MLS events, including MLS All-Star, MLS Cup, Heineken Rivalry Week.

The role will also support the team by leading various media events (e.g., expansion market announcements, press conferences) and community / pro-social events hosted by MLS WORKS and MLS’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and produce MLS public facing events (concerts, interactive fan areas, festivals, media events, community events, panels etc.); coordinating all event details, being responsible for internal alignment and approval processes.


• Manage programming development across existing and new MLS events.


• Oversee creative concept integration into all event plans.


• Handle event contacts, timelines and key documents for public facing events.


• Develop event overview documents and recap documents for all MLS events.


• Build and maintain relationships with production agencies and creative/design agencies (RFP/bid process and general communication).


• Vet qualified agencies and contractors using a detailed RFP process and award projects accordingly.


• Oversee all site visits and coordinate event planning meetings.


• Negotiate vendor contracts.


• Coordinate with other departments to confirm deliverables.


• Oversee any agency deliverables.


• Lead event budget forecasts and reconciliation process and work with internal contacts to compile all cost elements. Coordinate all invoices, billing and reconciliation associated with the event.


• Provide additional department support during the planning and execution of big events.


• Administrative duties such as general correspondence, files, and archive maintenance.

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 And Expectations

• Understanding of best-in-class industry and event trends.


• Analytical thinker, self-motivated, organized, flexible and a proven problem solver and decision-maker.


• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision Superior written and oral communication skills.


• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment with strict deadlines.


• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance.


• Strong contract negotiation and event management skills.


• Experience working with and handling production and creative agencies.


• Some physical labor related to the set-up and breakdown of events.


• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.


• Ability to travel (up to 10 days at a time) and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the sport of soccer


• Experience working on a premier big event planning team (e.g. Super Bowl, Final Four, Grammy’s, etc.)


• Ability to create & handle budgets without supervision


• Cross-functional project management experience