Senior Manager, Event

Vancouver Whitecaps FC are seeking a strategic and creative Senior Manager, Event & Match Presentation to lead the vision, strategy, and execution of all in-stadium and live event experiences. This role is responsible for shaping a best-in-class matchday atmosphere that drives fan engagement, supports commercial objectives, and reflects the Whitecaps' brand, values, and competitive ambition.

This position blends high-level strategy with hands-on leadership. You will own the creative direction of match presentation, lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, manage budgets and vendors, and use data and insights to continuously elevate the fan experience at BC Place and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Vision & Fan Experience

• Own and lead the overall event and match presentation strategy for all Vancouver Whitecaps FC home matches and select club events, including pre-match, in-match, halftime, and post-match programming.
• Develop a cohesive, season-long creative vision that delivers a compelling, authentic, and emotionally resonant fan journey from the streets to the seats.
• Serve as a creative thought leader for new in-stadium features, storytelling concepts, and experiential innovations that enhance atmosphere, attendance, and engagement.
• Utilize fan feedback, performance metrics, and industry trends to inform decision-making and continuously improve the matchday experience.

Match Presentation Leadership & Execution

• Serve as the lead producer and show caller on matchdays, owning run-of-show development, timing, cueing, and live production flow.
• Oversee all in-stadium presentation elements including video board content, LED and ribbon boards, music programming, ceremonies, talent performances, mascot integration, fan activations, and special events.
• Ensure all match presentation elements align with MLS regulations, league initiatives, and club standards while maintaining creative excellence.
• Partner with broadcast, league, and internal stakeholders to support national broadcast moments and special league initiatives.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the match presentation team, including full-time staff, part-time crew, contractors, emcees, and performers.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and creative team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee hiring, training, performance management, and scheduling of match presentation staff and talent.

Business, Budget & Partnerships

• Own the event and match presentation budget, including forecasting, expense management, and ROI evaluation.
• Manage vendor relationships, production partners, and external contractors to ensure quality, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.
• Collaborate closely with Partnerships, Marketing, and Sales teams to deliver sponsor and revenue generating integrations that enhance, not interrupt, the fan experience.
• Create and support the development of new sellable assets and experiential sponsorship opportunities within match presentation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing, Partnerships, Communications, Stadium Operations, Broadcast, and Creative teams to ensure alignment across all matchday touchpoints.
• Serve as a key liaison with Major League Soccer and BC Place on presentation standards, best practices, and league-wide initiatives.
• Lead and support non-matchday events and special stadium activations as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Communications, Marketing, Broadcast Production, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in live event production, entertainment, or stadium presentation within professional sports or large-scale live events.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading teams, vendors, and production budgets.
• Proven experience as a show caller, live producer, or stage manager in a professional sports or entertainment environment.
• Strong understanding of production elements including audio, lighting, video boards, LED systems, scripting, and run-of-show management.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business acumen with experience working cross-functionally with marketing, partnerships, and operations teams.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret fan data, performance metrics, and insights to drive improvements.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Valid BC Driver's License.

The Club

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is the longest-running professional soccer club in Canada and the United States. Since its inaugural season in 1974, the club has united generations of loyal fans in British Columbia and beyond. With academies in eight out of ten provinces, a network of partner clubs, and hundreds of camps and clinics every year, Whitecaps FC provide a foundation for Canada's soccer future.

We are also strongly committed to providing opportunities to Canadian athletes, both male and female, with the largest soccer development structure in Canada. This includes academy programs in eight of ten provinces across the country.

In addition to building a winning team on and off the pitch, the Club places great importance in giving back to our community, harnessing the power of sport to create a stronger, more equitable & inclusive society through three key community goals: helping meet critical needs, using soccer to build life skills and creating soccer participation opportunities in Indigenous communities.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC believes that diversity and inclusion is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This includes but is not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People & Culture department.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

"Within these walls, you are welcomed, accepted, and respected.

Here, no matter who you are or where you come from, you are home. And you're part of the team regardless of your age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, marital or family status, disability, or religious belief or non-belief. All we ask is that you be ethical and inclusive in all that you do. Be respectful of all players, fans, and staff, and remember to cheer loudest for the ones wearing the blue and white. Go 'Caps"

Location

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Hybrid)

Department

Events

Employment Type

Full-Time, Permanent

Minimum Experience

Manager/Supervisor

Compensation

$85,000/annual