Director, Licensing

The MLS Consumer Products team is seeking a Director of Licensing. MLS Consumer Products is responsible for the licensing business, e-commerce, and retailer relationships, supporting on-field equipment needs for MLS clubs and the relationship with Electronic Arts. Video gaming and emerging digital products related to AR, VR, Blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent key growth opportunities for the league. 

The candidate will work closely with the VP of Consumer Products in a highly collaborative role including business development and execution of the League's licensees of consumer products strategy. As part of these responsibilities, the Director will drive the identification, execution, and license management to meet the strategic, commercial, and fan engagement objectives. The Director will play a key role in shaping MLS's next phase of growth—driving strategic partnerships, implementing best-in-class practices, and ensuring the organization is ready to seize the opportunities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond. The ideal candidate will have significant experience evaluating category opportunities, identifying soft and hard goods licensees, deep understanding of deal terms, ability to drive the deal execution including acquiring internal buy in and managing partners post execution. This is an exciting opportunity to support one of MLS's key business units and work with stakeholders, partners, and clubs across the league.

The Director is responsible for managing aspects of licensing relationships including communicating consumer product strategy, directing product development process, and supporting retail placement and promotions in conjunction with SUM CP's Retail Development Team. The Director will manage our Fanatics Brands relationship, while closely partnering with the Fanatics Business Development team.

• Manage and deliver financial targets to the agreed budget.
• Manage and mentor licensing team developing brand and business skill sets, partnership relations and growth opportunities.
• Support development of consumer products aligned with league strategy. Focused deliverables on soft and hard goods across multiple product categories.
• Proactively identify and execute business development opportunities across existing partners.
• Partner with licensees to develop and grow partnership with the goal of driving revenue increasing engagement across key fan segments (e.g., avid, casual, youth) and working across the organization to activate the league wide partnership deliverables.
• Work closely with licensees to develop and achieve financial plans and KPIs while driving growth strategies for the partnership.
• Support Club opportunities including product innovation and strategy in conjunction with licensees and retail development.
• Build and maintain a deep professional network with companies, investors, industry experts and other stakeholders in the soft goods, sports, fashion space.
• Manage the relationship between key licensees and team management as applicable by property. Facilitating and monitoring all club requirements.
• Build strategic and tactical changes that drive business strategy and promote licensee efficiency.
• Demonstrated experience with direct licensee product development process.
• Be a partner to the Finance team to guarantee royalty reporting and financial payments are received in a timely manner.
• Sound understanding of retail systems and practices.
• Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics and needs of licensing.

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

• 8+ years of prior work experience, with at least 4-6 years of experience in licensing or a related sector.

• Strong professional network within the licensing, manufacturing, consumer products and retail.

Required Skills

• Strategic mindset to building business cases for taking calculated risks to grow consumer products, understanding of business dynamics, and analysis of competitive marketplace.
• Understanding of product trends and business drivers in licensing and sports culture, including key players, aspirational and accessible products, and retail landscape.
• Analytical skillset and data-driven approach to decision making.
• Sound understanding of retail systems and practices.
• Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics and needs of licensing.
• High-energy and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operate and communicate effectively in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver aggressive KPIs in defined timeframes.
• Strong analytical, research and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to lead contract terms and experience working with legal professionals.
• Strong written and slide development presentation skills for clear communication.
• Attention to detail when multi-tasking across various projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects, prioritizing, and working under tight deadlines.
• High-quality interpersonal and influencing skills to work cross-functionally in a complex organization.
• Comfortable in both large, matrixed organizations, and in lean, "start-up like" environments
• High-level of commitment to a quality work and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication; written and verbal, and presentation skills.
• Commitment to building positive team environments, and to working effectively within such teams.
• Travel (~20%) and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency).
• NAM or International Sports League experience.
• Deep knowledge and interest in Major League Soccer, our Clubs, and Players.

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $115, ,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel creativity, strengthen connections, and cultivate a vibrant workplace. As a result, employees are required to work from an MLS office at least four days a week. We understand the value of balance, so employees also have the flexibility of working remotely on Fridays, along with the option to take up to two additional remote flex days each month.

At Major League Soccer, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to compete in the marketplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the job application or interview process, essential job functions, and other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to request it.

Join our team and be part of the Major League Soccer family, where we elevate the game and inspire greatness