Senior Manager, Partner Solutions & Insights

About this role

Overview The Partner Solutions & Insights department is a centralized, foundational support team dedicated to enabling new business efforts, current partner retention, and identifying/developing property-specific commercial opportunities across Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM). The group is seeking a Senior Manager who is an insightful storyteller: someone who combines rigorous quantitative and qualitative research with a compelling commercial narrative. This person will turn data into stories that articulate the unique value proposition of the League and SUM properties, equip commercial teams with go-to-market (GTM) narratives that win and retain partners, and serve as an integral contributor to corporate communications and thought leadership initiatives. The Senior Manager will lead custom and syndicated research, plan and produce sponsorship measurement reports, and create insights-based materials, under the guidance of and in collaboration with department leads.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, fielding, and analysis of custom quantitative and qualitative studies (e.g., Sponsor Impact, Amplification, Fan Segmentation) in collaboration with cross-departmental stakeholders, and translate findings into clear, actionable stories for commercial teams.

Lead planning and production of sponsorship measurement reports, showcasing value and performance metrics delivered through MLS and SUM properties for commercial partners, with a narrative that connects performance to partner business objectives.

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 high-quality, timely execution.

Manage and maximize syndicated research tools and subscriptions focused on understanding fans across MLS and SUM properties, and mine them for fresh, differentiated insights.

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.

Track, measure, and analyze MLS and SUM sponsorship assets, costs, and values, understanding the weight of value-driving KPIs (e.g., TV viewership, attendance) and updating relevant inputs within the sponsorship valuation tool.

Craft and continually sharpen the UVP of the League and SUM properties, using data-driven storytelling to differentiate in the market and shape the commercial narrative

Support sponsorship sales and renewal processes through package valuations and pricing recommendations, insights-based GTM materials and sales collateral, and fan insights documents that demonstrate property performance.

Create and deliver compelling insights presentations to League commercial stakeholders, partners, and prospects.

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.

Serve as an integral partner to thought leadership pieces, supplying research-backed proof points, data, and narratives that support the League’s and SUM’s corporate communications strategy

Foster industry relationships in the market research and sports business community to bring fresh ideas to development initiatives and position MLS and SUM as thought leaders

Support the development of processes and “work shares” to further a culture of learning, integration, and analytical though

Additional Responsibilities

Assist in any Partner Solutions & Insights department initiatives or special projects

Additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters Preferred

7+ years of experience required

Extensive experience in sponsorship measurement, sales solutions development, and commercial storytelling

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, including custom study design and syndicated research tools

Required Skills

Superior project management 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

Creative ability to visualize data and craft data-driven narratives for Go-To-Market, corporate communications, and externally facing sales collateral

Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate a clear value proposition and adapt a narrative for sponsors, prospects, media, and internal audiences

Ability to partner with Corporate Communications and commercial leadership on thought leadership content

Strong experience with PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

General Photoshop skills and knowledge preferred

Understanding of the North American sports sponsorship landscape

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 $100,000 - $115,000, 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.