Manager, Events at MLS League Office

Overview The Manager, Events leads the planning and execution of MLS NEXT’s national event portfolio, delivering best-in-class competition environments that support the league’s elite youth player pathway. This role serves as the Event Lead for marquee MLS NEXT competitions, overseeing operational strategy, budgeting, venue and host market management, and cross-functional execution. While grounded in competition delivery excellence, the Manager also brings a strategic lens to event growth—driving experiential enhancements, optimizing third-party partnerships, and identifying opportunities to amplify the impact and visibility of MLS NEXT events. Working across MLS departments, clubs, external vendors, and host markets, this role ensures seamless event delivery while advancing the long-term growth and positioning of the MLS NEXT platform. Responsibilities Event Portfolio Leadership • Serve as Event Lead for MLS NEXT Cup, MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, Generation adidas Cup, and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. • Own end-to-end planning and execution across the annual competition calendar. • Lead cross-functional planning teams across Operations, Competition, Communications, Media, Brand Alliances, Consumer Products, and other key stakeholders. • Establish clear timelines, roles, deliverables, and accountability structures to ensure aligned execution. • Drive post-event evaluations and implement process improvements to enhance future delivery. Budget & Financial Oversight • Manage multi-million-dollar event budgets within departmental structures. • Forecast expenses, monitor financial performance, and oversee reconciliation processes. • Negotiate venue agreements, vendor contracts, and operational services to maximize efficiency and value. • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining premium competition standards. Host Market & Venue Strategy • Lead venue sourcing and RFP processes for national MLS NEXT events. • Manage relationships with host venues, sports commissions, and tourism bureaus. • Secure host market support including funding, operational resources, and promotional amplification. • Partner with host markets to maximize community impact and event visibility. Event Operations & Execution • Oversee all operational planning for MLS NEXT competitions including scheduling, staffing, field operations, and tournament logistics. • Partner with MLS Competition and Operations to ensure match environments meet professional standards. • Lead site visits, operational readiness reviews, and on-site command during events. • Ensure alignment across third-party vendors and operational partners, holding them accountable for performance and deliverables. Partner & Commercial Integration • Collaborate with Brand Alliances and Partnership Marketing to support sponsor integration across MLS NEXT events. • Identify activation footprints and operational requirements to enhance partner visibility and impact. • Contribute to the development of new commercial and experiential opportunities within the MLS NEXT portfolio. • Ensure partner activations are executed seamlessly and aligned with competition integrity. Player Pathway Programming • Support planning and execution of player development initiatives including College Showcase, talent identification events, and Rookie Symposium. • Coordinate player engagement opportunities tied to MLS tentpole events including MLS All-Star and MLS Cup. • Support educational seminars and ancillary programming connected to MLS NEXT competitions. Qualifications • Bachelor’s Degree required • 5+ years of experience required • Experience working within complex, cross-functional sports organizations preferred. Required Skills • Proven ability to lead large-scale competition delivery from planning through execution. • Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills. • Experience managing external vendors and third-party partners with accountability for results. • Demonstrated financial management experience within structured budget environments. • Exceptional project management and organizational skills with strong attention to detail. • Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality content. • High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance. • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment. • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing • Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills. • High attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision • Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Desired Skills • Knowledge of youth soccer in the United States and Canada. • Experience integrating sponsorship or commercial activations into sporting events. • Experience supporting player-facing programming or pathway initiatives. ...