Bilingual (EN/FR) Protocol Manager

Fédération Internationale de Football Association; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international sports organization is seeking a Protocol Manager for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto. The ideal candidate will manage guest operations and protocol services across multiple venues while collaborating with government relations teams. A bachelor's degree and 3+ years of protocol management experience are required. Fluency in English and French is necessary, and experience in major sporting events is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in Protocol Management.
• Fluent in English and French; Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of Protocol and experience engaging with influential individuals.

Responsibilities

• Implement the overall FIFA World Cup 2026 Protocol strategy.
• Work with Government Relations for support on Protocol matters.
• Manage all protocol services, including seating charts and welcoming guests.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Networking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Description

Application Deadline: 13 October 2025

Department: Tournament and Venue Operations

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Toronto

Description

At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest sporting event of all time. The FIFA World Cup 26 will mark the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams and be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the USA. This new format will redefine excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement among fans and players across North America and all over the world. Now is your time to become a game changer and join the workforce that will plan and deliver this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

The Position

Main activities and responsibilities

Sitting within the Operational Services Department, Guest Operations (along with Accommodation, Transport, Logistics, Travel, Volunteer Management, and Arrivals & Departures) aims to deliver the most engaging, innovative, and accessible World Cup experience for all athletes, fans, partners, and the community. Reporting organisationally to the Senior Manager Guest Operations – Canada, the Protocol Manager will help serve guest operations efforts for the FIFA World Cup 2026 that for the first time ever, is hosting 48 teams and 1,200+ players across 3 countries and 16 venues. This role will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining a strategic overview of guest operations across the 13 FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 matches played in Vancouver and Toronto. Further, this role will oversee the implementation strategy, tools, and operational plans for seamless provision of integrated event services (e.g., travel, transport, accommodation, hospitality) to FIFA guest groups within Canada. The Protocol Manager will work closely with Canada’s Government Relations Team on all protocol planning and operations with Government Officials.

Responsibilities

• Implementation of the overall FIFA World Cup 2026 Protocol strategy for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches held in Canada.
• Work in collaboration with the Government Relations team in Canada to support Working Groups on International Relations, Protocol and dignitary outreach.
• Implement high-level Protocol services such as invitations and events in addition to any other requirements for Guests attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada.
• Define the relevant guest groups and the related levels of Protocol services for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada.
• Conduct Canada- specific training on Protocol matters including special customs, behaviours and cultural considerations that are appropriate when hosting dignitaries and people in positions of influence and importance for event workforce, contractual partners, and service providers.
• Manage all protocol services, including preparing seating charts, advising on forms of address and ceremonial matters, welcoming guests, and arranging premium experiences.
• Work closely with Protocol Manager - US to ensure all protocol services and processes are approved and aligned with FIFA World Cup 2026 Protocol guidelines.
• Oversee the day-to-day Canadian operations of the Protocol sub-functions and report to management on activities and project outcomes as required.
• Hire and manage Protocol Staff.
• This role requires you to be onsite 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) at our Toronto Office located in Liberty Village.
• Travel within Canada, to the US and/or Mexico may be required to reflect the business needs of the department (meetings, workshops, site visits, other Events, etc).
• Other duties as assigned.

FIFA World Cup 26 Skills Framework

ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one’s behaviour, while assuming consequences of one’s own actions and/or decisions and learning from one’s mistakes.

DECISION MAKING: Ability to identify and swiftly make decisions in critical situations, take initiative and calculated risks, explore alternative solutions, and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances.

INCLUSIVITY: Achieve shared organizational objectives by sharing information with colleagues across all levels and divisions, tangibly influencing others, and maintaining a network of support contacts.

INITIATIVE: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

INNOVATION: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

LEADERSHIP: Ability to lead one’s contacts/colleagues/partners, encourage teamwork, and delegate authority / decision-making power, as needed, to produce the expected results and make efficient use of the team’s skills and talents.

VISION: Ability to perceive the organization's global environmental impact, anticipate decision consequences, grasp organizational missions, and formulate strategic plans.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (business administration, management, leadership, entrepreneurship, public relations, political science).
• Educational programs focusing on international organizations or sport management preferred, but not required.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years experience in Protocol Management.
• Strong knowledge of Protocol and/or experience engaging with people in particular positions of influence and importance such as politicians, academic representatives, and C-Level business leaders.
• Experience within a sport/event organization or in a mega project, preferably a world-class sporting event.
• Experience in working with Government dignitaries/representatives.
• Exceptional attention to detail and high level of diplomacy.
• Solution-oriented with the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Strong critical thinker.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong Project Management skills.
• A collaborator who will foster good working relationships.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Strong networking skills.
• Time management and the ability to prioritize a varied workload.

Languages

• Fluent in English and French. Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Technology

• Advanced skills in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools.

FIFA26 is a proud equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibits discrimination of any kind on the basis race, colour, 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.