Reporting to: Senior Vice President, Team Business & League Operations, UFL

About the United Football League 

The United Football League (UFL) is the premier spring football platform, formed by the merging of the XFL and USFL in 2024 under the combined ownership of RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson. The UFL has eight teams in Arlington (TX), Birmingham (AL), Detroit (MI), Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Memphis (TN), St. Louis (MO), and Washington D.C.

About the Position

The Vice President (VP), Team Business Operations for the Michigan Panthers will oversee the team’s business performance, drive revenue, build and execute activations to elevate awareness, drive fan and community engagement and execute gameday experiences. The VP will lead and manage a team developing forward thinking strategies, campaigns, promotions, community outreach and live events that drive ticket and local/team sponsorship sales and ensure alignment with the league’s business plan. This position is responsible for executing the game day event operations and presentation for the team’s home games. The VP will be a well-respected leader and contribute to the fabric of the community. Must have a proven track record as a self starter in marketing and management and have the ability to build, lead and mentor a results-oriented, high performing professionals working collaboratively across the team and league to deliver exceptional results for the organization.

What you will do

• Responsible for the team’s fan engagement and business operations including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing (digital & social), communications and the game day experience.
• Partner and work collaboratively with league department heads to define, implement and realize team’s business performance and successful outcomes.
• Activate multi-platform, 360 programs across multiple channels and departments.
• Lead and co-manage a team of individuals across all business functions.
• Manage, implement, and oversee game day event operations, ensuring the stadium is prepared for the fan experience to promote the UFL brand.
• Oversee run of show and game scripts for in-game use – working with sponsorship, marketing, and ticket sales departments to fulfill all contractual obligations.
• Engage prospective and current UFL fans in a professional and positive manner through various promotions, events, and marketing efforts.
• Target, position and steward the team for commercial success on behalf of the league and key stakeholders.
• Implement creative marketing programs and campaigns to engage the local and regional markets.
• Work with league PR to drive team communications and strategies that will build and promote UFL’s awareness, brand, and reputation that aligns with league strategic goals.
• Ensure successful execution of all event and promotional activities.
• Develop key relationships with community leaders, business leaders and city officials.
• Assist in identifying sponsorship and partnership opportunities and deliver results.
• Oversee budgets and deliver against key performance metrics.

What you will bring

• 5+ years leadership and management experience. Must have experience leading a unique team structure.
• 10+ years of marketing and/or sales & sponsorship/revenue generating experience with an emphasis on consumer-facing media, sports, or entertainment industries.
• Strong sales acumen and brand marketer.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Budget planning and management; business planning and implementation.
• Event planning and/or game management experience required as well as stadium management experience.
• Understanding of the drivers of consumer engagement, and the ability to employ these through successful campaigns and promotions.
• Ability to lead while managing complexity and ambiguity, understanding business challenges, and creating forward-thinking solutions.
• Overall knowledge of the sports-entertainment and media landscape.
• Specific success increasing revenue and generating brand energy.
• Ability to work well with multiple stakeholders across the company, agency, and client organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including stakeholder/relationship management and a strong executive presence.
• BA/BS required. MA/MBA preferred.
• Experience in the sports and entertainment industries preferred.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Details  

• This role will be located in the Detroit Metro area. 
• The role is hybrid, works in a remote office and/or an office environment and will be expected to attend all games and events.
• Position may require periods of sitting at a desk, frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 30+ pounds.
• Ability and willingness to work proactively at events sponsored by the UFL, partner organizations and other grassroot opportunities to promote the UFL team in the selected market and develop new business and fan relationships.
• Minimal out of market travel (<10% travel). Local travel to events and appointments is necessary
• Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The UFL maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment.  It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.  Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations.