General Manager, MLS NEXT

Overview

Developing world-class players is a core pillar for the long-term success and growth of Major League Soccer.  MLS NEXT is the best youth player development experience in North America providing youth players with the highest levels of competition and training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. The governance structure of MLS NEXT promotes collaboration, fosters innovation, and harnesses the expertise of all Member Clubs which now includes over 140 Clubs and 600 Teams. MLS NEXT accelerates the development of the best players in the US and Canada through comprehensive programming for players, coaches, referees, and parents.  Clubs participating in MLS NEXT play through an 11-month season that concludes with playoffs and a final, crowning a national champion each season.

Position Summary

Major League Soccer is looking for a dedicated, passionate, and experienced individual to grow and lead MLS NEXT. The General Manager, MLS NEXT will be responsible for managing and implementing MLS NEXT programs to continuously improve and elevate the quality of competition, talent identification, education, compliance, and club membership. The role requires vision, the ability to lead team members and external core collaborators, operating discipline, excellent communications skills, flexibility, as well as a strategic and innovative approach.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee governance and communication across all MLS NEXT member clubs, including all member calls and selected member committees.
• Manage and oversee execution of plans against the five pillars of the MLS NEXT platform: Competition, Talent ID, Education, Individual Development, and Environment.
• Lead relationships with cross functional teams who support MLS NEXT including Compliance, Legal, Events, Social, Content, Comms, Brand, Consumer Products, and Events.
• MLS NEXT Lead on legal related topics including compliance for governing policies, investigations and discipline, policy enforcement, and insurance coverage (in consultation with Technical Director, MLS NEXT on decisions requiring technical input).
• Lead relationship with Partnership Marketing/Business Development and liaise with partners on delivery and growth of commercial programs, with a key focus on generating revenue while maintaining MLS NEXT development principles and over indexing for the adidas enterprise partnership.
• Lead MLS NEXT commercial aspects including Marketing, Broadcast, Events, Social, etc.
• In collaboration with the Technical Director, MLS NEXT:
  • Lead implementation of future evolution of MLS NEXT events.
  • Drive the long-term strategy and planning process for MLS NEXT
  • Manage and oversee MLS NEXT budget, collaborating with Technical Director, MLS NEXT on prioritization.
  • Oversee MLS NEXT Club Evaluation process, including expansion and remediation.
  • Implement and deliver sporting development initiatives, including technical guidance and standards as set forth by both MLS and MLS NEXT Technical Directors (example includes ‘Quality of Play’ initiative).
  • Manage and implement technology and data tools for MLS NEXT with support and input from Technical Directors of both MLS and MLS NEXT.

Manager Responsibilities

• Oversee team within MLS NEXT including hiring and development of MLS NEXT administrative and operations staff.
• Manage hiring and onboarding process by interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees
• Accomplish team results by communicating job expectations and leading the Performance Management process:
  • Plan, monitor, and review performance
  • Coach and counsel employees
  • Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards and reinforce Company policies
• Develop personal growth opportunities for employees by providing a challenging, learning environment that incorporates external opportunities to meet with other organizations.
• Attract, develop, and empower a successful organization with a strong, values-based culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Sporting Licenses and Credentials preferred.
• 12 years of experience in a leadership role, with responsibilities in strategy, competition management, and technical development.
• Relevant working experience in the sports industry.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated leadership and management capability.
• Commitment to high quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance.
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to interact effectively and in a professional and diplomatic manner with internal and external team members at all levels.
• Experience building sports and entertainment properties and events.
• Highly organized with excellent project coordination and project management skills.
• Resourceful, quick learner and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency).
• Understanding of the North American youth soccer and sports landscape.
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer.

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary: $190,000 – $215,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

• Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance!
• Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
• Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you to elevate the Game!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. MLS/SUM complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.

Salary : $190,000 - $215,000