Chief Commercial Officer

at  Major League Rugby

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Commercial Officer will lead all activities related to the day-to-day commercial operations, growth and success of Major League Rugby. Responsible for driving sponsorship revenue, commercial opportunities, audience growth and implementing best in class commercial practices across the league and its teams, this role requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach. With the CEO and COO this individual will be a key member of the MLR executive team collectively responsible for executing against all aspects of the MLR business.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, sports management, operations or related field.
• Minimum twelve years full-time experience in managing the commercial operations of a sports organization, business or related field.
• If not a U.S. citizen, it is essential that individual is willing to relocate and eligible for a valid work visa
• Proven experience and success at senior management level, managing teams and reporting to a board preferred.
  We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class

• Primary responsibility for driving revenue through national sponsorship deals for MLR from pitching to conceptualizing to negotiating to closing.
• Manage both internal and external staff and agency resources to enhance MLR’s product offering to the sponsorship market to generate significant year over year revenue growth.
• Primary contact with existing MLR sponsors with a goal of building long term meaningful relationships.
• Working with broadcast personnel, league office staff and all MLR teams to execute all sponsorship deals to a high level of client satisfaction ensuring strong retention and renewal rates.
• Lead annual revenue goal setting as part of budgeting process
• Manage sponsorship fulfillment budget ensuring accuracy and efficiencies
• Maintain and evolve commercial protocols of the league and its teams to identify monetization opportunities while protecting the long-term integrity of the league.
• Liaising with MLR franchises to evolve and enhance in their commercial practices.
• Evaluate and seek our digital media revenue opportunities such as sports betting and content advertising.
• Direct oversight of marketing team to ensure that marketing plans and campaigns are executed to the highest standard to drive audience growth and commercial opportunities.
• With CEO and COO, report regularly to the MLR Executive Committee and Board of Governors
• Foster collaborative relationships with governing bodies including USA Rugby, and World Rugby to maintain alignment and drive strategic commercial initiatives.
• Support CEO/COO on strategic initiatives including but not limited to expansion, broadcast and media, the Rugby Network, staff management.