What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager Grassroots Operations position at National Lacrosse League?
Manager Grassroots Operations
Position Overview
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America's premier professional lacrosse league.
We are looking to hire a Grassroots Operations Manager to join its revamped Commercial Operations team. The NLL believes in the power of grassroots initiatives to engage with local communities, nurture young talents, and build a passionate fan base. This new position will play a vital role spreading our League’s message, driving participation, and increasing brand visibility across diverse regions throughout Canada and the U.S.
Reporting to the EVP Commercial Operations, this individual will be responsible for developing and executing innovative grassroots strategies to cultivate and expand our league’s presence in local communities across North America, working collaboratively with all internal departments and existing NLL Clubs. This role will also establish a network of potential partners (elementary and middle school focus) to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives that drive participation, build brand awareness, and create lasting connections beyond the current NLL franchise footprint.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the EVP Commercial Operations to evolve and amplify the League’s comprehensive and targeted grassroots operations plan that align with the NLL’s overall business objectives and growth strategies.
- Identify key opportunities for community engagement, local partnerships, and promotional events.
- Foster strong relationships with local schools, community centers, youth lacrosse organizations, and other relevant entities to drive participation and enthusiasm for the League’s activities by identifying potential collaboration opportunities and creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute grassroots events, clinics, and competitions to engage with youth and amateur athletes and leverage these activities to showcase the League’s values, talent, and opportunities for involvement.
- Measure the effectiveness of grassroots activation efforts, track relevant metrics, and provide regular reports to assess campaign success and identity areas for improvement.
- Oversee the budget allocated for grassroots activities and ensure optimal allocation to achieve the desired impact.
- Assist the EVP Commercial Operations and key business development and partnership activation executives with the development of all commercial collateral and presentations with an emphasis on the League’s grassroots storytelling opportunities.
- Serve as the League’s liaison to all NLL Clubs, USA Lacrosse, Lacrosse Canada, and various other civic and commercial partners dedicated to growing the game.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a broad range of audiences at the League and with Clubs, including senior executives.
Is this you?
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, journalism, sports management, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in grassroots operations, sports business, community engagement, or related field.
- Superior critical thinking, analytical, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills.
- Passion for sports and understanding of the local sports landscape and community dynamics.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and evaluate success grassroots campaigns
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of an organization, including cold outreach to prospective partners in all targeted communities.
- Creative mindset with the ability to think outside the box and propose innovative ideas.
- Excellent teamwork, leadership, organizational, and time management skills.
- Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Budget management experience.
Nights and weekends are required specifically when executing grassroots initiatives with some travel required.
The NLL offers company paid medical insurance and participation in 401k. This position can work remotely in the short term; however, the organization will return to an in-person office environment in the future with a location TBD.
Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas Desert Dogs, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors. For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you are interested or know someone who is, please send resume with cover letter and salary requirement to jobs@nll.com. Please reference Manager, Grassroots Operations.
The National Lacrosse League is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
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