POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Manager of Matchday Operations will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our matchday operations, including the seamless execution of matchday events, and enhancing the overall fan experience for the club. This role requires a strategic thinker with a keen understanding of sports and entertainment operations, coupled with strong operational management skills and the ability to create and implement innovative fan engagement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate all operational aspects of match day activities, ensuring smooth execution from pre-match preparations to post-match wrap-up.
• Collaborate with various departments, and external stakeholders, including facility operators, and league officials, to optimize match day logistics.
• Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing matrixed team of employees, vendors, contractors responsible for executing game day operations, ensuring all staff members are aligned with the company’s vision and values.
• Develop and manage plans and budgets for matchday operations, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Develop and implement emergency and contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and ensure the safety of all attendees.
• Work in partnership with supporter groups to create an incredible game day experience that complies with policies and provides a safe and welcoming environment for all fans, for both home and away.
• Ensure matchday operations are compliant with league and facility requirements. Lead all post-match and event debrief sessions, identify breakdowns, and collaboratively come up with ways to adjust in the future.
• Collaborate with Alliance Council and internal stakeholders to continue to elevate Democracy in Sports.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in game day operations and event management within the sports and entertainment industry. Strong knowledge of soccer culture.
• Ability to lead inclusively and create an environment where all team members feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Gritty in approach to problem-solving; sees possibilities where others see challenges. Adaptable and positive when faced with challenges or changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Innovative mindset with a focus on enhancing fan engagement.
• Ability to inspire and motivate teams and guide them toward achieving organizational goals.
• Emotionally intelligent and capable of building strong relationships based on trust and respect.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, including evidence of ability to set context, communicate proactively and transparently and listen actively.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer
• Excellent financial management and budgeting capabilities.
• Organized with experience juggling multiple projects simultaneously, with the ability to meet and perform under tight deadlines, and to think clearly under pressure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is a hybrid position, working from Sounders headquarters in Renton, WA and attending matches at the organization’s various facilities in market, as well as events and meetings as needed.
• Must be able to travel to events in the greater Seattle region and work non-traditional hours including holidays, nights and weekends depending on match and event schedule.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 20 pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. Base pay at the time of offer will be based on job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Healthcare plans with 100% employer sponsored premiums for employees and dependents
• Generous PTO plan that includes unlimited paid vacation, and offseason time off to support employee health and well-being
• 401k retirement plan matching
• Gender-neutral parental leave program offering 12-16 weeks of paid leave for new parents
• Discounts on Sounders FC products, merchandise and with Sounders FC Partners
• Complimentary tickets to Sounders FC and Defiance matches
• Volunteer opportunities in the Seattle community offered in support of social impact and RAVE Foundation initiatives
• Investments in your growth and development.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Our values define culture and separate those that are selected to join our club and distinguish those that thrive and excel. Our core values are: One Club, Trusted Teammates, Growth is Good, Gritty, Zig, Inclusive, Extraordinary Communicators, and Soccer is Fun.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing Sounders HR Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.