Leagues Cup - Executive Director

Overview

In September 2021, Liga MX and Major Leagues Soccer (“MLS”) announced the expansion of Leagues Cup in 2023 to an annual 4-week tournament featuring all Liga MX and MLS clubs.  Leagues Cup is an official Concacaf competition, and the top three finishers receive spots in the Concacaf Champions League with the winner advancing directly to the round of 16.  Leagues Cup is the first and only officially sanctioned multi-country club competition in the world which represents an extraordinary opportunity for Liga MX and MLS to build one of the most unique and exciting club tournaments in the world within the Concacaf ecosystem, while accelerating the growth of soccer in the United States.

Liga MX and MLS are looking for an Executive Director to lead the governance, management, delivery, and growth of the expanded Leagues Cup tournament. The candidate will work collaboratively with Liga MX, MLS, and SUM leadership and staff, as well as dedicated Leagues Cup staff, to achieve the vision for the tournament and annual targets.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop a multi-year growth plan for Leagues Cup to achieve growth in revenue, relevance, and impact in the community.
• Oversee and manage Tournament P&L, working with constituents to achieve revenue targets (match day, sponsorship, and other), while managing expense budgets.
• Oversee the development of marketing and communications plans, with a focus on growth and relevance with key fan segments.
• Develop meaningful and effective community impact strategy and plan, utilizing the visibility and reach of Leagues Cup and participants to positively improve the communities in which we live and play.
• Conduct the day-to-day operations of Leagues Cup, working closely with match business, competition, administrative, and commercial leaders to deliver positive results.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and Leagues Cup representative, participating in media opportunities, press conference, promotional endeavors, and commercial sales meetings and events as needed.
• Serve as the primary staff person for Leagues Cup Board of Directors, conducting Board Meetings at least three time / year, setting the agenda and preparing materials to provide meeting guidance, reporting and facilitate decision-making.
• Prepare annual tournament report for Board of Directors.
• Serve as the primary staff person for the Sporting Committee and governing subcommittees, setting meetings as needed.
• Identify opportunities and risks to Leagues Cup to maximize growth and protect downside risk.
• Build and manage a team of full-time and part-time Leagues Cup employees and external consultants, while working closely with MLS and Liga MX stakeholders to lead all constituents towards established objectives and targets.

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, MBA Preferred
• 15 years of relevant leadership experience in sports and entertainment industry.

Required Skills:

• English and Spanish fluency.
• Strong executive presence with experience working directly with C-Level Executives.
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of the international and domestic soccer landscape.
• Possess strategic and innovative mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to direct multiple team members.
• Experience in contract development, negotiation, and execution.
• Experience managing marketing and creative work streams.
• Knowledge and experience in commercial areas such as sponsorship, licensing, media, and ticket sales.
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to interact effectively in a professional and diplomatic manner with internal and external clients at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use upmost discretion when privy to sensitive information.
• Resourceful, quick learner with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, team environment.
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, compliance, promptness, and timeliness.
• Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to change when necessary.
• Knowledge of US Sports landscape and North American sporting venues.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point.
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.