The Senior Manager Paid Media will lead strategy and buying around key areas of the MLS business. Operating as an in-house media strategist and buyer, this position will oversee the spending to support League Marketing efforts and offer strategic counsel for Clubs as needed.

The position will suit an out of the box problem solver who is fascinated by the changing nature of the space and how brands connect with audiences and will be a highly motivated and entrepreneurial individual who is comfortable working across various initiatives to deliver against fan growth goals.

• Lead paid media strategy across multiple channels, with primary focus on digital and social media channels.
• Develop paid plans, help with execution, and manage buys against always-on initiatives and key League Marketing pillars. This includes but is not limited to creative, message, audience targeting and segmentation, flights and budgets.
• Manage media buys applying an understanding of League goals and objectives, varying from awareness to engagement to acquisition. Provide real-time management to optimize during flighting periods.
• Understand and elevate how our channels work together and how the dynamic paid ecosystem (search, social, native, display, etc.) interacts with our owned & operated marketing channels.
• Produce detailed analysis of spending campaigns, using performance data to extract key findings to improve and inform future strategies.
• Remain up-to-date and continue to understand evolving best practices and strategies in the industry: broader digital/social media and paid (partner ad solutions, Betas, new opportunities, AI integration etc.)
• Be a key point of contact for the League with paid media partners (including but not limited to Meta, X, TikTok and Google) and existing third-party media partners growing relationships and providing an exceptional level of service.
• Manage external agency partner to aid buying strategies, better analyze spend and support broader strategic goals.
• Work cross functionally with Brand, Social and Content teams to leverage key stories, and work with creative group to build appropriate creative and messaging.
• Support and assist Club Marketing teams, providing subject matter expertise as needed on local initiatives. Collaborate with Clubs to understand areas of overlapping opportunity between local and League efforts, producing economies of scale when possible.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7+ years of experience
• Experience at a media buying agency/in-house media buying group

Required Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the paid media landscape, evolving technologies and consumer trends
• Experience developing clear and concise media plans
• Comfort in buying on TV, radio and outdoor media at local and national levels
• Strong and demonstrated analytical skills
• Experience budget planning and setting
• General knowledge of evolving platforms and vendors in MarTech space
• Prior experience managing external vendors and partners
• Excellent presenter and storyteller
• Exceptional cross-departmental operator with the ability to work with and engage with others
• Highly motivated and entrepreneurial; ability to navigate multiple tasks and asks in a fast-paced environment with a can-do attitude
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Diligent with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of soccer a plus
• Knowledge of Spanish a plus

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary: $90,000 – 110,000. 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.