Vice President, Inclusion

Overview

The Vice President of Inclusion will be responsible for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This role involves collaborating with senior leaders to develop strategies that build an inclusive work environment, improve cultural proficiency, and promote equitable practices. Working closely with the Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer, League and Club stakeholders, and MLS/SUM partners, you will help create and implement inclusive programs to enhance business performance outcomes.

The senior leader will develop a strategy that integrates Inclusion principles as a driver of performance into people, organizational, and business plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full life cycle for MLS Inclusion programs and initiatives, from strategy to implementation and execution. This includes crafting and curating program content and curriculum aligned with the vision of Inclusion and implementing those programs across the League and Clubs, facilitating training as needed.
• Partner with relevant stakeholders on the MLS Maturity Model, MLS Advance, and MLS Intercultural Training.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure alignment of inclusion strategies with business objectives, core values, and leadership proficiencies; work with stakeholders to support implementation and serve as a valuable resource for best practices.
• Recommend and lead change management efforts to integrate Inclusion principles into business operations. Collaborate with department leaders for a cohesive approach.
• Establish meaningful metrics and benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of Inclusion initiatives, and regularly report progress to leadership.
• Lead, support, and leverage the contributions of ERGs to build a sense of belonging and address the unique needs of various employee communities.
• Support Chief Engagement and Inclusion officer with the preparation of decks and other communication materials.
• Lead and support management of relationships with key Club stakeholders and external partners, vendors, and consultants, ensuring the completion of tasks and objectives.
• Collaborate with HR in the development of inclusive talent methodologies across the entire organization.
• Mentor and develop a team of 2 members who support the MLS initiatives and who are emerging into the DEI space.
• Other responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field
• 12 years’ experience in progressive leadership roles in addition to 5 years of leading diversity and inclusion and/or change management at an enterprise level.

Required Skills

• Proven experience in Inclusion and Change Management focused role with demonstrated success advancing Inclusion principles to drive enterprise-wide business outcomes.
• Extensive knowledge of Inclusion principles, as well as standard methodologies in the industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse collaborators.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills.
• Data-driven approach, with the ability to analyze metrics and translate them into actionable insights.
• Outstanding problem-solving and follow-up skills with a proven track record of translating business needs into actionable, practical initiatives.
• Excellent execution and project management skills, including the ability to plan, implement, and measure the impact of initiatives.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and influence.
• Experience operating in a high-growth, dynamic environment.
• Agile and able to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, driven culture.
• Strong interpersonal skills and judgement including the ability to engage, mentor, counsel, influence, and build trust and credibility.
• Strong dedication to delivering high-quality work and upholding organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance.
• Deep understanding of discretion and maintaining high levels of confidentiality.
• Dedication to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
• Ability to effectively manage and deliver results in a matrixed, multiple, diverse stakeholder model.
• Ability to travel to Clubs as needed in order to effectively launch and implement programs as needed.

Desired Skills

• Understanding of sports marketplace dynamics
• Flexibility to travel and work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends
• Multi-lingual (Spanish Speaking) is a plus

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary $200,000 - $230,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.

Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.

Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of the team and inspire you to elevate the Game!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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 will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Salary : $200,000 - $230,000