Vice President, Enterprise Partnership

Overview

The Vice President, Enterprise Partnership leads the strategy and management of the MLS enterprise’s longest standing and largest non-media partner - adidas. As the exclusive provider of on-field and sideline apparel for MLS Clubs, adidas has several partnership, marketing and brand initiatives integrated across multiple divisions, at the League office, our Clubs and all levels of the player development pathway.

In your role, you’ll serve to maximize the impact of the partnership across the enterprise, partnering with multiple functions to deliver against brand and revenue goals and create a culture of high performance, collaboration, and strong relationship management. You are a strategist, general manager, brand evangelist, and problem-solver, and your efforts will result in the successful execution of both MLS’ and adidas’ top strategic priorities and joint growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a strong relationship with adidas, while ensuring the satisfaction and success of the MLS partnership
• Define structure and evolve operating best practices to support adidas and MLS strategies on an ongoing basis
• Engage enterprise-level support (both League and Club Executive Leadership as well as League Dept. Heads) to deliver on partnership goals
• Provide oversight for the management and execution of all components of the adidas agreement which include:
  • Consumer product development for on-field and consumer audiences, including but not limited to liaising with Consumer Products, Brand Marketing, Club Performance Group, Communications, and other teams on jersey and product development timelines, processes, forecasting, merchandising, retailing, and ensuring on-field authentication
  • Delivery of League-level contractual assets, rights, and benefits, coordinating with MLS Partnership Marketing and ensuring key initiatives are executed on time and within budget
  • Fulfilment of all Club-level contractual assets, rights, and benefits, coordinating with Club leadership, MLS Club Performance Group, and other teams as needed; Ensure accurate measurement and timely delivery of financial allocations to Clubs
  • Promotion, distribution, and amplification of brand affiliation and marketing programs, through collaboration with Brand Marketing, Digital Content, Events, and other relevant departments
  • Execution of activations at League events, e.g., All-Star, MLS Cup, and adidas dedicated events such as Generation adidas Cup, working with Events, NEXT, Partnership Marketing, Brand Marketing and other teams
  • Deepening affiliation with youth programs and pro player pathway, working with MLS NEXT, MLS NEXT Pro, Player Relations, Events and other teams
• Continually look for opportunities to strengthen our relationship by presenting solutions around League initiatives and programs that increase fan engagement and grow retail sales
• Effectively engage key internal stakeholders to ensure appropriate actions are taken for risk mitigation and timely resolution of issues, while proactively communicating updates and highlighting challenges that need executive oversight and resolution
• Serve as a trusted advisor and centralized point of contact across the full enterprise on all topics related to partnership program and relationship management
• Author presentations, recaps and other materials needed to manage and communicate program planning and status updates with key executives and stakeholders
• In partnership with the Business Intelligence team and other key stakeholders, establish goals and metrics to measure annual partnership success

Additional Responsibilities

• Support EVP, Chief Revenue Officer with special projects as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA preferred
• 12+ years of experience in strategy and general management, partnership marketing, consumer products and/or project management

Required Skills

• Creative strategist with the ability to identify and commercialize big picture opportunities
• Proven experience managing and motivating cross-functional teams
• Superior organization and project management skills
• Experience in presenting to senior management teams
• Commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented 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

Strongly Desired Skills

• Experience in the sports marketing, licensing, and/or retail industries
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $200,000 – 250,000, 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 of Major League Soccer.