Director, Apple Partnership

Overview

Major League Soccer's partnership with Apple allows fans in over 100 countries to stream every single MLS and Leagues Cup match, select MLS Next Pro and MLS Next games, and a rich library of VOD content with a single MLS Season Pass subscription. The historic broadcast relationship has also provided MLS, Clubs, Players and constituents with unprecedented marketing reach and opportunities through the Apple ecosystem of products and services. We are looking for a Director, Apple Partnership to enhance the potential of the partnership. This person will lead a matrixed team of internal and external constituents to achieve short-term goals, build towards long-term objectives and explore new possibilities.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside MLS marketing leadership to dream, ideate and build integration opportunities within Apple's ecosystem (Apple apps & services, Apple product, retail and TV+ to drive value back to the League, Clubs and MLS Season Pass).
• Guide and track marketing efforts through a structured process, and clear communication between internal and Apple constituents.
• Advocate for the most efficient path for MLS and our clubs.
• Partner with internal business intelligence team:
• To deliver, monitor, and regularly evolve reporting to internal and club constituents.
• Plan and review MLS Season Pass Awareness & perception studies, distributing insights to internal constituents.
• Oversee MLS match designation process for all regular season games; working closely with Apple (and their paywall/tiering decisions) and internal constituents.
• Build executive presentations and external presentations.
• Champion creativity and possibilities to allow big thinking and new ideas.
• Liaise with Consumer Products team on bringing forth opportunities to Apple.
• Connect Apple partnership to company priority programs (ex. World Cup 2026).
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on implementing commercial model and adjustments across MLS Season Pass.
• Develop productive relationships with key internal partners and Apple constituents that champion the needs of MLS fans, the values of our brand and the uniqueness of our Clubs to identify and build opportunities that enhance, and enrich MLS fandom.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required, MBA Preferred
• 8+ years in marketing, creative and project and process-management roles, and experience with subscription-based streaming products and/or sports media.

Required Skills:

• Understanding of sports fandom and culture and how creativity and technology can change the way we experience the beautiful game.
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail.
• Possess strategic,innovative and “can do” mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage and inspire matrixed organizations.
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to interact effectively in a professional and diplomatic manner with internal and external clients at all levels.
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, compliance, promptness, and timeliness.
• Strong data and analytical capabilities, with the ability to identify insights and supported recommendations.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Must have outstanding Power Point skills, with the ability to create both concise executive presentations and visual sales presentations.
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• English fluency required. Fluency or proficiency in Spanish and/or French preferred.

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary $115,000 - $130,000. 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 the 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 will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.