Vice President, Events [Hospitality, Hotels & Meetings]

Overview The Vice President, Events is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, operational execution, and commercial optimization of MLS and SUM Hospitality and hotel & meeting strategy across the enterprise. This role leads hospitality program development, hotel and meetings oversight, and cross-functional resource management. The VP will build scalable frameworks, drive profitability, and ensure world-class execution across MLS properties (All-Star, MLS Cup, big moments) and SUM properties (FMF, Leagues Cup, etc.) as well as emerging initiatives. Responsibilities Hospitality Strategy Lead MLS/SUM Hospitality Strategic Planning, defining the long-term vision, operating model, and scalable framework that supports League growth and premium experience evolution Drive the development and implementation of new HSP initiatives, including Access+ strategy, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and enterprise priorities. Oversee the MLS/SUM Hospitality calendar and invite strategy, establishing governance, consistency, and strategic audience targeting across tentpole events. Hotels & Meetings Set the strategic direction for MLS/SUM Hotel & Meetings planning, establishing enterprise-wide standards, sourcing models, and reporting frameworks. Provide executive oversight of MLS NEXT Hotel & Meetings strategy, ensuring alignment with broader League hospitality and operational goals. Lead hotel sourcing strategy across the portfolio, optimizing commercial terms, scalability, and market positioning. MLS All-Star/MLS Cup Lead HSP program strategy for MLS All-Star and MLS Cup, establishing the vision, structure, and execution model for world-class hospitality delivery. Serve as primary strategic liaison to Host Clubs, overseeing communication, alignment, and contract negotiation. Oversee Tier 1 seating strategy and full ticketing integration to ensure premium positioning and stakeholder alignment. Direct hotel and meetings strategy, ensuring cohesive execution across League, Club, and partner stakeholders. Develop executive‑level briefings and materials to support senior leadership decision‑making. Provide oversight of agency partners and event staff to ensure operational excellence and accountability. Own budget development and financial management, driving fiscal discipline and profitability. Leagues Cup Lead HSP program strategy and framework development for Leagues Cup, aligning hospitality execution with cross‑league priorities Provide senior leadership oversight of Club relations, ensuring alignment, clarity, and execution excellence across markets. Oversee hotel sourcing strategy and high‑volume hospitality execution models. Maintain financial oversight, ensuring disciplined budget management and scalable resource allocation. Other Event Leadership Provide executive oversight and strategic support for SUM and MLS Tier 2/3 events. Support the strategic planning and execution of MLS Partner Summit and FMF/Leagues Cup Partner Summit(s), ensuring alignment with commercial and stakeholder objectives. Department Leadership Lead Event Intake, resource allocation, and financial review processes to ensure disciplined prioritization and enterprise transparency. Establish and institutionalize Department SOPs and scalable operational frameworks that drive consistency and long‑term sustainability Oversee hospitality asset development and packaging strategies across consumer and commercial programs. Drive Consumer HSP & Hotel strategy, identifying opportunities for revenue growth and enhanced premium positioning. Build and lead a high‑performing team, establishing long‑term talent strategy, succession planning, and resource alignment. Oversee enterprise‑wide hotel reporting and analytics to inform strategic decision‑making. Provide comprehensive budget development and portfolio‑level financial oversight. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree required 12+ years of relevant experience in sports, hospitality, event production, or business strategy. Proven experience leading large-scale tentpole events and hospitality programs. Experience managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets and enterprise vendor negotiations. Required Skills Executive leadership presence with ability to influence senior stakeholders. Strong strategic thinking and structured execution framework. Deep understanding of hospitality, ticketing, hotel sourcing, and premium experience strategy. Strong financial acumen and budget oversight capabilities. Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment. 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. Demonstrated decision making and problem‑solving skills. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Ability to travel 25–30% and work non‑traditional hours as required. Desired Skills Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency) Knowledge of Soccer or sports Total Rewards Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $200,000 - $235,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work‑life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on‑the‑job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities. Major League Soccer believes in the value of in‑person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in‑office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs. Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance. Join our team and help support the growth and success ofMajor League Soccer. #J-18808-Ljbffr