Chicago Fire Football Club is a Major League Soccer team that was founded in 1997. The Club returned to Soldier Field as well as opened a new 50,000 square foot business office in the heart of the city. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an ambitious vision that will transform the Club in the coming years.
Position Overview:
Chicago Fire Football Club is seeking a motivated and innovative leader dedicated to producing engaging and exciting matchday experiences. The Director will be responsible for leading the collaboration on the matchday creative vision and be responsible for executing production during live matches. The Director will oversee all presentation staff including in-game hosts, producers, scoreboard/presentation staff, and other entertainment assets. They will also be accountable for executing and abiding by Major League Soccer’s match presentation and broadcast rules and regulations. This position will report to the VP, Matchday Operations & Guest Experience.
Job Responsibilities:
- Produce all Chicago Fire FC home matches and tent pole events as required
- Leads the exploration, collaborative design, and implementation of technology/theatrical elements to enhance the Chicago Fire FC fan experience for all home matches
- Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive matchday production plan that includes all elements of in-stadium entertainment, fan engagement, music, and video content
- Design and develop matchday and event show content, coordinating run of show and script writing for all departments
- Serve as executive producer of all video board content production including in-match features and other video elements
- Collaborate closely with Corporate Partnership department to develop in-match promotions that maximize the fan experience and partnership satisfaction
- Oversee the pre-match timing, competition timeline, run-of-show, and collaborate on all halftime performances
- Effectively work with internal departments to promote internal initiatives in-stadium
- Collaborate with in stadium production professionals, including video producers, content creators, and live event staff, ensuring that everyone is working together seamlessly to create a cohesive and engaging fan experience
- Responsible for booking all pre-match and on pitch entertainment including National Anthem Performer
- Make recommendations to match-day experience elements based on fan feedback and survey results
- Lead music strategy for ancillary venues inside the stadium including live bands and DJs
- Collaborate on creative strategy, design, and shoot/content list for annual media day
- Drive cross-departmental collaboration on season strategy, design/look, and theme for all in-match content and elements
- Accountable for all MLS rules and regulations for match presentation
- Execute comprehensive production plans in collaboration with the matchday operations team, including but not limited to coordinating with third-party vendors, managing technical logistics, and ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained and functioning
- Manage vendor relationships as they relate to match-day presentation and entertainment including invoicing and budget control
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies that can enhance the fan experience, and develop new ideas and concepts that can be integrated into the team's matchday presentations
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in match-day production or event management, preferably in a professional sports environment. Experience in the MLS a plus
- Demonstrated experience in managing and leading a team, with a proven ability to motivate and inspire staff to achieve their goals
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments and stakeholders
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- A passion for sports and a deep understanding of live event production, including sound and lighting design, video production, and live entertainment
- Familiarity with industry standard software tools
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays
- Ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines
- Willingness to learn in a fast-paced, performance-driven work environment
- Ability to work autonomously and use excellent judgment
- Attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to meet firm deadlines
Please note:
- Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club.
- CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
- If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
MLS Privacy Policy:
