VP, Game Operations

About the Opportunity

This unprecedented growth in audience media reach and franchise value reflects the NWSLs expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture. The future of the NWSL is now - and were looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum.

The Role

The Vice President Game Operations is an executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer. This role is responsible for defining and executing the comprehensive strategic vision for match day operations security competition integrity and large-scale event management across the entire NWSL ecosystem. You will serve as the leagues most senior operational leader ensuring all on-field competition is executed with world-class professionalism and compliance.

What You Will Own & Drive

The VP Game Operations will define own and execute the following critical functions at an executive level:

• Strategic & Policy Leadership: Lead the Operations team into its next phase of growth during a critical juncture establishing new systems and processes to establish best-in-class game day experience and ensure competition integrity.
• Gameday Operations & Security: Establish and enforce world-class operational standards for all NWSL matches covering stadium operations safety protocols field conditions and the overall player and fan experience. Ensure consistency compliance and quality across all clubs. Oversee the development refinement and strict enforcement of all competition rules and policies.
• Executive Club Liaison: Serve as the primary executive contact for Club Presidents General Managers and Ownership on critical operational and compliance matters ensuring strong communication and partnership.
• Major Event Execution: Directly oversee the planning and execution of all major league events including the NWSL Championship NWSL Challenge Cup NWSL Combine and associated tournaments guaranteeing flawless execution.
• Officiating: Oversee operational and administrative support for league officiating functions. Primary liaison with Professional Referee Organization (PRO) to drive officiating improvements to meet demanding standards of the League.
• Scheduling: Lead the strategic planning and tactical scheduling of all game-day events ensuring optimal resource allocation venue efficiency and seamless coordination across all internal and external operations teams (e.g. security broadcast logistics).
• Operations Manual: Oversee the compliance to and updating of the Operations Manual including policies and decisions around player team and league disciplinary issues.
• Technology: Manage broadcast and in-game technology integration establishing the league as a premium and innovative partner ahead of upcoming media rights negotiations
• Departmental Leadership: Manage mentor and lead the Operations department staff fostering a culture of accountability urgency and operational excellence.
• Budget & Resource Management: Develop manage and execute the annual departmental budget strategically optimizing resources for staffing equipment and technology.

What You Will Bring

Core Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree in Sports Management Business or a related field is preferred.
• 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in professional sports administration competition management or large-scale event operations.
• Proven ability to lead mentor and manage a high-performing team while driving strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional executive presence strategic planning complex project management and verbal/written communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of US Soccer as they pertain to competition structure operations and field standards.
• Able and willing to travel frequently (up to 50%) and work non-traditional hours including evenings weekends and holidays particularly during the competitive season.

Preferred Qualifications

• Executive Presence: Possesses a strong credible and positive executive image that effectively represents the NWSL brand to internal stakeholders and external partners (including club owners).
• Integrity: Guided by the highest moral and ethical principles demonstrating executive accountability for all actions and decisions affecting competition.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Proven experience partnering with departments such as Broadcast Legal and Commercial to ensure operational decisions align with league business objectives.

Our Investment in You

In addition to working in an incredible inclusive and committed-to-diversity culture we offer:

• Competitive Compensation: $200000 - $250000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) sick days and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office in NYC and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical Dental Vision and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Additional Perks: Commuter benefits Short/Long-Term Disability Life Insurance and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The NWSL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. All employment decisions-including recruitment hiring placement promotion compensation and termination-are made without regard to race color creed religion sex pregnancy or childbirth personal appearance family responsibilities sexual orientation or preference gender identity political affiliation source of income place of residence national or ethnic origin ancestry age marital status military veteran status unfavorable discharge from military service physical or mental disability or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability you may contact us at .

Required Experience:

Exec