SUMMARY:
San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Director of Fan Experience and Game Presentation with a background in producing engaging and exciting matchday experiences. The ideal candidate will be imaginative in thinking, collaborative in process, and innovative in approach, with the ambitious goal of creating the best matchday experience for the best fans in the world here in San Diego. The candidate will work within the larger Brand & Content group to engage both existing and prospective fans with the goal of driving fandom and delivering on business objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Lead production of all Wave FC home matches and tent pole events as assigned
- Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive matchday production plan that includes all elements of in-stadium entertainment, fan engagement, sponsorship collaboration, music, and video content
- Manage the run of show and script writing in collaboration with all stakeholders across the club
- Oversee proposal, strategy, and management of fan experience and game presentation budget and settlement costs
- Define roles and lead team of various internal and external matchday staff to execute game script and event planning
- Own hiring, training, and implementation of Wave’s “Swell Squad” – the club’s street team for use throughout various organizational needs including matchday, events, grassroots marketing, and community pop-ups
- Responsible for all game presentation collaboration with Snapdragon Stadium counterparts, inclusive of pre-matchday communication, load-in days, production meetings, problem-solving, and post-matchday reviews
- Execute comprehensive production plans in collaboration with the Operations and Facilities department, including but not limited to coordinating with third-party vendors, managing technical logistics, ensuring alignment among stadium security and guest relations staff, and certifying that all club owned materials (signage and equipment) are properly maintained, functioning, and in place each gameday and event day
- Collaborate closely with Corporate Partnership department to develop in-match promotions that maximize the fan experience and partnership satisfaction
- Oversee the pre-match timing, run-of-show, and collaborate on all pre-match and halftime performances
- Responsible for booking all pre-match and on field entertainment including National Anthem Performer and VIP “Wavemaker”
- Effectively work with internal departments to promote club initiatives in-stadium throughout LEDs, ribbon boards, IPTV, and videoboards in collaboration with graphic designers and animators
- Collaborate with in-stadium production professionals, including video producers, gameday host, DJ, and live event staff, ensuring that everyone is working together seamlessly to create a cohesive and engaging fan experience
- Lead planning and execution of matchday Theme Nights and Promotions that create can’t-miss moments for new and existing fans to attend Wave FC matches
- Manage vendor relationships as they relate to game presentation and entertainment including invoicing and budget control
- Serve as executive producer of all video board content production including in-match features and other video elements
- 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
- Lead strategy and buildout of Wave FC Fan Fests and Block Parties, including relationship with third-party provider as well as club-controlled executions
- Make recommendations to gameday experience elements based on fan feedback and survey results
- Help maintain brand integrity across all club touchpoints
- Contribute to the brand & content team’s overall strategy and success in both internal and cross-department meetings
- Provide creative thinking to help solve business problems for a variety of stakeholders
- Collaborate on creative strategy, design, and shoot/content list for annual media day
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in relevant field
- Minimum five (5) years relevant work experience, preferably for a professional/collegiate sports property
- Preferred experience with ShowFlo script writing platform
- Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
- Proven ability to interact and brainstorm concepts within a team setting
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends when needed
- A passion for sports and a deep understanding of live event production, including sound and lighting design, video production, and live entertainment.
- Well organized with ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Great communicator, professional in presentation and able to work with multiple stakeholders and personalities
- A good understanding of print production processes
- Good problem-solving and organizational skills
- Solid writing/proofing skills
- Strong typography skills
- Working knowledge of soccer and familiarity with the National Women’s Soccer League
If you meet the above qualifications and are ready to take on the challenge of leading our professional soccer club to success, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
