Manager, Game Operations

About the Opportunity

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the U.S., powered by 16 clubs and a deep roster of the world's best players, and built on record-shattering fan, media and commercial growth. Now in its 13th season, the league's momentum continues to accelerate, with viewership and attendance numbers growing rapidly, social media fandom on the rise, team valuations massively increasing and new top sponsors investing in the NWSL brand.

This unprecedented growth in audience, media reach, and franchise value reflects the NWSL's expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture. The future of the NWSL is now - and we're looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum.

The Role

The Operations Manager is a critical, high-impact role responsible for the successful, professional, and compliant execution of all NWSL matches and league events. You will serve as the primary conduit between the league office and all clubs, ensuring the highest standards are met for on-field competition, security, match operations, and integrity programs like VAR. This is a chance to leverage your sports administration experience to directly contribute to the professionalism and growth of the fastest-growing women's sports league in the world.

What You Will Own & Drive

The Operations Manager will own and execute the following critical functions:

• Gameday Operations & Safety: Lead and supervise the execution of match day operations, security initiatives, and accreditation processes to ensure a professional, secure, and world-class fan and player experience.
• Competition Integrity (VAR): Manage and coordinate the league's Video Review (VAR) program, including scheduling and leading weekly VAR recap calls, managing communications with the League Technical Review (LTR) entity, and compiling post-match reports.
• League Event Management: Assist with the planning and execution of major league events, including the NWSL Combine, League meetings, Challenge Cup, and the NWSL Championship.
• Club and Referee Liaison: Serve as the primary, day-to-day contact for all clubs and referees regarding competition rules, VAR, event logistics, and operations questions, ensuring rapid and clear communication.
• Policy and Compliance Enforcement: Facilitate the development, refinement, and strict enforcement of all league operations, competition, and referee policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Specifically, ensure teams' compliance with the NWSL Kit Policies and manage the uniform selection process in coordination with our apparel partner.
• Quality Control & Site Visits: Execute comprehensive pre-season and in-season site visits to all team facilities, meticulously monitoring the on-field environment to ensure full compliance and that all operational standards meet or exceed league expectations.
• League Programs: Manage the Professional Match Evaluator Program and Soccer Security Agent Program.
• Resource Management: Oversee the inventory and distribution of all League equipment and gear.

What You Will BringCore Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 3-5 years of progressive, high-level experience in sports administration, operations, or competition management.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with a proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives under pressure and strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously and execute complex tasks without close supervision.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service and timely follow-up with all internal and external partners (clubs, referees, vendors).
• Able and willing to travel up to 30% of the time
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during the competitive season.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Presence: Possesses a strong, positive, and professional image that effectively represents the NWSL brand internally and externally.
• Integrity: Guided by strong moral and ethical principles, demonstrating accountability for all actions and decisions.
• Team Communication: Communicates in a direct, open, and honest manner; actively seeks and implements feedback for continuous self-improvement.
• Soccer Knowledge: A strong knowledge and appreciation for the sport of soccer, its rules, and competition structure.

Our Investment in You

In addition to working in an incredible, inclusive, and committed-to-diversity culture, we offer:

• Competitive Compensation: $90,000 - $105,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Additional Perks: Commuter benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The NWSL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. All employment decisions-including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, and termination-are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@nwslsoccer.com.