Senior Director, International Properties

Overview

With the biggest soccer event coming to North America in 2026 and the continued growth and success of soccer in the U.S., we are passionate about representing a diverse culture on and off the field. Soccer United Marketing (SUM) is seeking a results-driven Sr. Director to be responsible for managing the day-to-day partnership with the Federacin Mexicana de Futbol (FMF) / Mexican National Teams. Based in New York, this position will work hand in hand with the Vice President, International Properties to build and execute the strategy to capitalize the most important commercial/sporting cycle in North America for the FMF property. This team member will specifically help lead the day-to-day relationship with FMF.

Responsibilities

• Manage and build strong relationships with the Federacin Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), ensuring effective communication and successful collaborations.
• Oversee the fulfillment of contractual obligations outlined in our Master Agreement with FMF.
• Lead internal and external meetings with FMF and SUM departments on a weekly basis.
• Develop comprehensive long-term plans for each property, providing strategic direction for the upcoming 9-12 months.
• Collaborate with internal experts to drive growth and monetization of commercial business areas such as Match business, sponsorships, content, digital/social media, and consumer products.
• Encourage collaboration and harmony among different teams within the organization to achieve common goals.
• Assist in the creation of commercial packages and identify new integrated sponsorship opportunities.
• Develop and implement yearly business plans that align with our commercial strategy for 2026.
• Cultivate relationships with regional and international soccer partners, identifying new value and opportunities.
• Act as the internal Mexican National Teams and regional soccer business expert, providing valuable solutions and insights to various departments.
• Collect, analyze, and share up-to-date market information with senior executives and important team members.
• Share P&L responsibility to net positive growth.
• Manage the relationship and contract with Talent Agencies to enhance player integration in commercial packages.
• Develop and negotiate a comprehensive plan for the Mexican Men's National Team games played outside the U.S. from 2023-2026, including reverse production and media exposure opportunities.
• Identify new areas of opportunity and gather internal information to support the renewal of our current deal with FMF.

Qualifications

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, with experience working in both Mexico and the U.S.
• Energetic and driven with a focus on finding solutions.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve financial goals.
• A creative approach with excellent storytelling and presentation abilities.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• In-depth knowledge of sports entities, entertainment, and sponsorship, including marketing, promotion, events, media, and contracts.
• Strong understanding of business operations and ability to effectively negotiate.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, building strong relationships with colleagues, federations, agencies, and other sports and entertainment organizations.
• Familiarity with demographic research and analytics tools, deriving actionable insights from data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Experience in managing and motivating a team.

Desired Skills:

• Experience or familiarity working with Confederations, Federations, agencies involved in sports, especially soccer in Mexico and the North American region.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree Required. MBA or Master's degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of professional sponsorship, marketing and international business experience. In Sports, Entertainment, and/or Arena Industry experience preferred.

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $145,000 – 185,000, 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, generous PTO, and a hybrid office/remote work schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

At Major League Soccer, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to compete in the marketplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of 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 are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the job application or interview process, essential job functions, and other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to request it.

Join our team and be part of the Major League Soccer family, where we elevate the game and inspire greatness!