Manager, Sponsorship Insights

Overview

The Partner Solutions & Insights department is a centralized, foundational support team dedicated to enabling new business efforts, current partner retention, and identifying/development of property-specific commercial opportunities across Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM). The group is seeking a Manager who has experience understanding and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data coupled with strong presentation-building skills. The Manager will play a leading role in the planning and production of sponsorship measurement reports as well as the creation of insights-based materials utilizing syndicated research and/or custom studies under the guidance of and in collaboration with department leads.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and production of sponsorship measurement reports, showcasing value and performance metrics delivered through MLS and SUM properties for commercial partners.
• Continue development of research capabilities focused on understanding fans across MLS and SUM properties, both through the management of syndicated tools and collaborating cross-departmentally on new, relevant custom studies (e.g. Sponsor Impact, Amplification, Fan Segmentation, etc.)
• Support sponsorship sales and renewal processes through package valuations and pricing recommendations, the creation of insights-based support materials demonstrating property performance, and the development of fan insights documents utilizing syndicated research and/or custom studies
• Create and deliver insights presentations to League commercial stakeholders
• Keep a pulse on key trends, attitudes, and consumer behaviors across the sports industry and priority/emerging categories – delivering thoughtful and relevant insights to Commercial teams regularly
• Assist with maintenance and utilization of the sponsorship valuation tool – auditing functionality, optimizing based on evolving industry factors, supporting its use by commercial teams, and providing strategic recommendations based on outputs
• Track, measure, and analyze MLS and SUM sponsorship assets, costs, and values – understanding weight of value-driving KPIs (e.g. TV viewership, attendance) and updating relevant inputs within sponsorship valuation tool
• Own relationship management of third-party data vendors and measurement agencies contributing to the sponsorship measurement plan by managing day-to-day communication, planning for weekly meetings, and drafting briefs/support materials for project planning and high-quality, timely execution
• Support the development of processes and “work shares” to further a culture of learning, integration, and analytical thought
• Lead other ad-hoc custom commercial research projects or analysis as needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in any Partner Solutions & Insights department initiatives or special projects
• Additional responsibilities as assigned
• Foster industry relationships in the market research industry to bring fresh ideas and thinking to development initiatives, and position SUM as a thought leader

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters Preferred
• 5+ years of experience required
• Extensive experience in sponsorship measurement and sales solutions development
• Experience at media/entertainment, Rights Holder, or sports property
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Strong industry relationships with agencies and data and research providers (e.g., Endeavor, Wasserman, Nielsen Sports, Navigate Research, Blinkfire, etc.)
• Experience in both qualitative and quantitative consumer-based research 

Required Skills

• Superior project management skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to draw conclusions and extract meaningful insights
• High degree of intellectual curiosity and creative insight
• Strong presentation skills and comfortability with presenting to senior audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Detailed understanding of the sports and entertainment industry
• Creative ability to visualize data for Go-To-Market and externally facing sales collateral
• Strong experience with PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
• Understanding of the North American sponsorship landscape and how brands use sponsorships to meet business objectives
• Ability and willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $80,000 - $88,500, 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.