Manager, Matchday Operations (Match Presentation)

Overview

The Manager, Matchday Operations (Match Presentation) serves as a key contact for match presentation, leading ongoing and collaborative communication with Clubs and league stakeholders while supporting matchday oversight, policy application, issue resolution, and the continued refinement of League match presentation guidelines. Additionally, this role plays a key part in bringing MLS/SUM’s biggest moments to life, delivering world-class execution for events such as MLS Cup, MLS All-Star, Leagues Cup Final, and other tentpole events. The position requires a strong understanding of major event presentation across sports and entertainment, paired with a creative vision to advance and elevate match presentation across MLS. This role also includes oversight of consultants and temporary staff supporting match presentation and live event operations.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Matchday Operations point of contact for Match Presentation communications with Clubs and League stakeholders, supporting policy inquiries, matchday promotion approvals, and broadcast coordination.
• Analyze matchday execution, Club input, and approaches used by other leagues and sports to identify leading strategies and drive best practices across the League and Clubs.
• Support policy review and enforcement, including matchday video review, assist in review process and develop recommendations
• Provide matchday oversight and troubleshooting, including fulfillment of special requests and disseminating information on major ceremonies.
• Conduct post-mortems following significant matchday presentation issues to identify corrective actions.
• Review and enhance the Match Presentation elements of the MLS Matchday Manual, playoffs, and MLS Cup guidelines, proactively identifying policy areas for review and evolution throughout the season.
• Develop and apply a working knowledge of Matchday Operations policies, procedures, and workflows. Collaborate and support ongoing weekly operational responsibilities that contribute to matchday preparation and executionContribute to Matchday Control responsibilities, including but not limited to:
  • Learning and applying the matchday manual policies to issues and general responsibilities on matchday
  • Prepare and distribute information internally to ensure matchday readiness across all stakeholders.
  • Develop working knowledge of weather tools and other platforms to support discussions around inclement weather impacts and assist with resolution of related matchday issues, as needed.
  • Lead the development of documentation and resources that train department staff on match presentation policies and serve as reference material for matchday support

Event Production and Planning

• Support match presentation planning, logistics and creative ideation for every MLS and SUM match including MLS All-Star, Mextour, Leagues Cup and MLS Cup.
• Provide creative input on videos, music, field layouts, graphics, and pre-match ceremony sequencing.
• Support vendor management, budget tracking, RFP processes, and post-event reporting and documentation across all MLS and SUM events.
• Present and contribute to pre-matchday information-sharing meetings, supporting coordination across internal teams and partners
• Support the onboarding, coordination, and supervision of consultants and temporary staff involved in match presentation and event execution.
• Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and talent (e.g., pyrotechnics, DJs, hosts, PA announcers, staging), including oversight of associated agreements.
• Act as the on-field field producer for all matchday entertainment and ceremonies, leading real-time execution of pre-match, halftime, and post-match elements while directing stage managers and vendors in close coordination with the Executive Producer in the control room.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management, marketing, media, video production or a related field
• 5+ years of live event production experience or related work

Required Skills

• Extensive knowledge of live event run-of-show documents and timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clearly and confidently to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization
• Strong understanding of the sports, music and entertainment industries, including current fan engagement and live event strategies
• Experience creating engaging presentations and decks for executive audiences and large-scale planning meetings
• Superior organizational and project management skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects under tight deadlines, adapting quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• High standard of professionalism and accountability, with a commitment to quality, integrity and organizational compliance.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team environment.
• Sound decision making and problem-solving skills, particularly in time-sensitive situations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work remotely and maintain productivity and accountability with minimal supervision.

Desired Skills

• Prior experience in game presentation
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $80,000 - $88,500, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

Major League Soccer believes in the value of in-person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in-office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs.

Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance.

Join our team and help support the growth and success of Major League Soccer.