Rhode Island FC - President

Organization : Rhode Island FC & Centreville Bank Stadium Position Title: President Reports To: Ownership / Executive Board Location: Pawtucket, Rhode Island Search Contact: Prodigy Search

BACKGROUND

Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium represent one of the most significant sports and entertainment developments in Rhode Island's modern history. Anchored by a state-of-the-art stadium and an ambitious ownership vision, the organization is building a year-round destination for professional sports, concerts, and community events while helping drive economic growth across the region. Rhode Island FC was founded on the values that have long defined the Ocean State—independence, resilience, inclusivity, and pride. The club aims to reflect those values by building meaningful connections with supporters, partners, and communities throughout the state. Together, Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium are positioned to become a premier sports and entertainment platform in New England, serving as both a source of statewide pride and a catalyst for long-term growth and community impact.

SUMMARY

The President will serve as the senior business executive and chief operating officer, responsible for the organization's commercial success, financial performance, community presence, and day-to-day business operations. Reporting directly to Ownership and the Executive Board, the President will oversee all business functions across both the professional sports franchise and affiliated venue. This executive will serve as the public face of the organization, leading strategic growth initiatives, maximizing revenue streams, ensuring disciplined financial management, and building a best-in-class fan, partner, and community presence. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, forward-facing leader capable of inspiring internal teams, engaging external stakeholders, advancing ownership's long-term vision, and balancing strategic leadership with hands‑on execution in an entrepreneurial, high‑growth environment. This position does not oversee team operations, coaching, or player personnel, but will work closely with sporting leadership to ensure alignment between business objectives and competitive success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership & Organizational Management Provide leadership and oversight for all business operations, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, communications, community relations, stadium operations, finance, human resources, and premium hospitality. Build, develop, inspire, and lead a high‑performing leadership team focused on accountability, collaboration, and execution. Establish organizational goals, operating plans, and performance metrics aligned with ownership objectives. Foster a culture of innovation, urgency, service excellence, and fiscal responsibility throughout the organization. Revenue Generation & Business Development Lead all revenue‑generating functions across the club and stadium, including ticket sales, premium seating, sponsorships, naming rights, merchandise, and oversee Stadium General Manager on parking, food and beverage partnerships, facility rentals, and non‑soccer events. Oversee integrated ticket sales, service, and retention strategies designed to maximize attendance, customer lifetime value, fan engagement, and long‑term revenue growth. Sustain and nurture long‑term corporate partner relationships while expanding sponsorship, premium seating, and overall partnership revenue. Develop long‑range growth strategies to maximize enterprise value and year‑over‑year revenue growth. Personally cultivate and close significant partnership, founding partner, and oversee Stadium General Manager on venue agreements. Identify and execute new monetization opportunities tied to stadium assets, media, data, fan engagement initiatives, and emerging business opportunities. Financial Oversight & Budget Accountability Lead annual budget development for Rhode Island FC business and oversee Stadium General Manager on Centreville Bank Stadium operations. Maintain full P&L responsibility for all team front office and oversee Stadium General Manager venue business lines. Manage expense controls to ensure efficient deployment of capital and operating resources. Deliver regular financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis to the Executive Board. Establish measurable ROI standards for departmental expenditures, staffing, and vendor contracts. Stadium Operations & Venue Management Oversee and support the Stadium General Manager, who is wholly and directly responsible for the business operations, event operations, guest experience, public safety, security, event booking, event revenue, stadium‑related third‑party vendor relationships, municipal coordination, and stadium service agreements. Public Leadership & Community Engagement Serve as the primary public‑facing business representative of Rhode Island FC and support Stadium General Manager of Centreville Bank Stadium. Quickly establish meaningful relationships with civic, business, and community leaders throughout Rhode Island. Build and maintain strong relationships with supporters, corporate partners, community organizations, media representatives, league stakeholders, and local businesses. Represent the organization at public events, sponsorship functions, media appearances, and league meetings. Position Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium as major civic institutions and integral components of Rhode Island's social, cultural, and economic fabric. Strategic Planning & Ownership Partnership Advise ownership and the Executive Board on long‑term enterprise strategy, including revenue forecasting, capital investments, brand growth, and franchise valuation initiatives. Provide ownership with regular updates regarding business performance, market opportunities, organizational risks, and staffing priorities. Participate in league‑level business committees and maintain strong relationships with United Soccer League (USL) leadership, club executives, and key league stakeholders.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Demonstrated success building, leading, and motivating high‑performing revenue organizations. Forward‑thinking and entrepreneurial leader who thrives in dynamic, fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environments. Strong analytical, financial, and decision‑making skills with the ability to translate strategy into execution. Dynamic, forward‑facing executive capable of serving as the public face of the organization. Proven ability to inspire internal teams, engage external stakeholders, and advance ownership's long‑term vision. Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills. Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 10+ years of leadership experience in sports, entertainment, venue management, ticketing, sponsorship sales, or similar revenue‑driven business. Strong understanding of sales management, budgeting, and operational oversight. Demonstrated ability to lead staff while also functioning as a hands‑on operator. Comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment with limited resources and high expectations. Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills. Ability to serve as a visible and credible ambassador for the organization. Stadium opening or venue management experience strongly preferred. Preferred knowledge of USL business ecosystem, expansion economics, and soccer supporter culture. #J-18808-Ljbffr Frey Consulting Group