Commercial Lead

The Commercial Lead is a key business partner to the President and CEO and the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO). The Commercial Lead is responsible for all aspects of revenue generation and marketing activities, including brand management, corporate partnerships, communications (public relations and social media), merchandising, fan engagement and community events, to ensure a sustainable and profitable path for Wild FC and value for our shareholders. Additionally, given the unique business model in women’s professional sports, where a team’s off-field engagement with sponsors, fans, and the broader community can significantly influence value, the Commercial Lead will collaborate with Head Coach & General Manager (GM/HC) and the Football Ops team in cultivating and leveraging the players’ strategic brand potential.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a groundbreaking team and contribute to the growth of women’s soccer in Alberta. The Commercial Lead will report to the President and CEO. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Commercial Leadership : Develop a long-term commercial plan to drive revenue to support the strategic goals and sustainability of the team, including a multi year plan along with key performance indicators.

Under the direction of the President and CEO and in collaboration with the CFOO as well as the GM/HC, set a clear and compelling strategic direction for the Club. Revenue Generation : Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy to drive revenue growth and meet financial targets. In the short to medium term, this will involve overseeing, leveraging and working closely with third-party partners, agencies and advisors, and in the mid- longer term, building up Wild FC’s in-house marketing and commercial capacity.

Includes oversight of: o Partnership/sponsorship strategy: ensure a growing and sustainable revenue stream by cultivating and managing sponsorships, partnerships and other commercial ventures. o Ticketing strategy: design and implement pricing strategies, managing ticket sales and operations to optimize ticket sales revenue o Merchandise and retail operations, ensuring a diverse product range and effective distribution channels. Partnership Management : As part of the executive team, build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including Club owners, the community, corporate partners, community leaders, employees and fans, with a core responsibility and focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate partners and sponsors. Manage and oversee the execution of partnership agreements, ensuring all commitments are met, delivering exceptional value to partners.

Brand Building and Marketing : With support and input from the Brand Ambassador, lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to enhance the Club’s brand identity, increase fan engagement, and build loyalty. Utilize traditional and digital media to promote the Club and its purpose as well as its employees and players. Manage and oversee key creative relationships including our early supporters who were instrumental in building our brand.

Lead revenue-generating or brand building initiatives that leverage the team’s brand and player assets, working with and providing expertise to the GM/HC. Public and Media Relations : Oversee the Club’s communications strategy including formal and informal communications such as press releases, website(s), social media accounts, signage and so on. Represent the Club in public and professional settings, enhancing the Club’s image and reputation including acting as the key spokesperson, along with the President and CEO, for the Club and support the GM/HC in preparing for pre-, and post-game media engagements.

Represent the Club at networking events, industry conferences and community engagements to promote brand awareness and foster relationships. Ensure on-field staff have the support and tools to successfully and appropriately engage with media and the community at large. Community Engagement : In collaboration with the Community Ambassador, executive team, and board, develop a community and social impact strategy that grows access to soccer across the province from the grassroots to elite level.

This will include structuring and launching a foundation that supports access to soccer and amplifies the Wild Academy and pipeline to the Wild FC and involve designing unique revenue and sponsorship strategies for the program. Fan Experience : Develop and implement initiatives to deepen fan loyalty, enhance the fan experience, and grow the Club’s fanbase through community outreach, fan events, and digital engagement platforms. Manage ticketing operations and oversee hospitality programs to deliver exceptional matchday experiences for fans and guests.

Oversee all aspects of the creation of exceptional game day experiences for the fans, athletes and key stakeholders. Performance Monitoring : Develop dashboard of key business development and marketing measures to monitor the Club’s business development activities, including growth in revenue, brand value, campaign impact, and fan and community engagement; collaborate with CFOO and GM/HC to integrate KPIs from across functions to ensure alignment to Wild FC’s strategic objectives. Governance : Prepare regular reports and presentations on business development activities, financial performance, marketing impact and fans reached for the Board.

Stay updated on industry best practices, regulations, and innovations to ensure compliance and continually enhance strategies and initiatives. Support the President and CEO, in managing the Club’s board members and preparing for board meetings. Leadership and Mentorship : Support the President and CEO, working with the GM/HC and CFOO, to build out a strong culture that supports collaboration, innovation and the development of employees through guidance and mentorship.

Foster a high-performance environment that drives success across the entire Club. Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in marketing, sales and/or business development. Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to think strategically, identify opportunities and develop creative solutions to drive revenue growth. Strong understanding of sports partnership, marketing and branding principles. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

An understanding of the national and local business market preferred. Passion for soccer is preferred. Skills: Confident, personable and low ego.

Being a “get it done” leader who supports however is needed. Ability to be organized, multitask and prioritize. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate team events and activities.

Have an entrepreneurial mindset and leadership style. Wanting to make a mark in our community, country and internationally. Believing in leaving a legacy for future generations.

Strategic thinker with clear, critical and independent thinking abilities Highly collaborative, a strong and thoughtful manager who seeks input and embraces a diversity of perspectives to achieve the best possible outcomes. Ability to work and communicate constructively, transparently, and collaboratively. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Please send along a resume to peopleCalgaryWildFC.com by October 15, 2024. We are committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate. We thank all those who express interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

All successful candidates must successfully complete a background check.