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 peopleandculture@chicagofirefc.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Spectator Sports
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