Sports Experience Manager

Unrivaled Flag; Middleton (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Unrivaled Flag is seeking a Sports Experience Manager to oversee the planning and execution of its 2026 programming calendar. This role demands a self-motivated professional with a background in event management, responsible for leading all elements from budgeting to on-site operations.

Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of experience in live event production, with a proven ability to manage significant budgets. This onsite position requires collaboration across teams to deliver exceptional brand experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing live event production, preferably in sports or entertainment.
• Proven ability to build and manage budgets of six figures.
• Strong vendor management skills and experience developing production timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of the 2026 programming calendar.
• Manage and build the fiscal event budget, tracking spend and maximizing ROI.
• Coordinate with teams to ensure cohesive brand storytelling across events.

Skills

Event production management

Budget management

Vendor management

Project management

Communication skills

Job description

Work Location: This position is based in the greater Boston metro area with an expectation to come to our office in Middlton, MA approximately 3 days/week on average.

About Us: At Unrivaled Sports, we’re building the most dynamic network of youth sports experiences in the country. Backed by Josh Harris, David Blitzer, DICK's Sporting Goods and more experts in the Sports & Entertainment industry, our portfolio includes venues and programming across football, baseball, and action sports.

Our Unrivaled Flag team delivers premier flag football experiences for athletes nationwide, from the Youth Flag Football World Championships at Disney to the High School Girls Nationals and Gold Jacket Classic at our owned venue in Canton, OH. Our portfolio also includes Under The Lights leagues and the All‑American Flag individual player tournament series. As a fast‑scaling company, we combine the energy of a startup with the reach of a national platform – and we’re looking for an experienced sports experience manager to help us plan, manage and execute our 2026 programming schedule.

Position Overview

Unrivaled Flag is seeking a smart, dynamic and self‑motivated individual to join and grow with our team. The Sports Experience Manager will be responsible for leading the planning, management and execution of our 2026 programming calendar. This individual will own the tournament event production process end‑to‑end – from building budgets and workback schedules to managing vendors, logistics and onsite operations – to ensure Unrivaled Flag is delivering premium, brand experiences at scale and on budget. This is an onsite position based in one of Unrivaled Sports’ hubs – Boston, New York or Los Angeles – with 30% travel.

Event Planning & Execution

• Plan and execute tentpole events – lead from concept through on‑site delivery to ensure a premium, cohesive brand experience.
• Develop detailed production timelines and workback schedules for all major events and activations.
• Coordinate with brand, marketing, sales, creative, and communications teams to integrate brand storytelling into every activation.
• Ensure brand guidelines are upheld across all production elements, signage, and experiences.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Manage and build the overall fiscal 2026 event budget – track spend, forecast costs, and maximize return on investment.
• Track and reconcile post‑event expenses to stay within budget and provide accurate reporting.
• Develop financial models to assess cost‑benefit for event elements and vendor proposals.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• Provide regular budget status updates to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Oversee vendor sourcing, negotiations, and contracts for equipment, staging, AV, fabrication, and other event needs.
• Maintain strong relationships with partners, sponsors, and venue contacts to ensure seamless collaboration.
• Evaluate vendor performance post‑event to optimize future partnerships.
• Secure and manage all required permits, insurance, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure vendors meet all safety and operational standards on‑site.

On‑Site Operations & Logistics

• Lead pre‑event production meetings with internal teams, partners, and vendors to ensure alignment.
• Manage all on‑site production operations – including setup, run‑of‑show, and teardown – with a focus on efficiency and safety.
• Develop and manage production staffing plans, including crew scheduling, training, and travel coordination.
• Maintain and manage production assets inventory (e.g., branded tents, banners, field equipment).
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly during events to protect brand reputation and fan experience.
• Provide post‑event recaps and learnings to inform improvements for future activations.
• Partner with operations, sales and brand teams to integrate feedback from attendees, partners, and staff to refine future production strategies.
• Maintain a library of production documentation, photos, and run‑of‑show notes for future reference.
• Identify new technologies and trends to elevate event production.
• Support cross‑departmental initiatives that enhance the Unrivaled Flag brand experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing live event production, preferably in sports, entertainment or youth programming.
• Proven ability to build and manage budgets of six figures (or more) with strong financial discipline.
• Experience developing and executing detailed production timelines and workback schedules.
• Strong vendor management skills, including sourcing, negotiating, and contract oversight.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and collaborate effectively across brand, sales, marketing, creative, and operations.
• Knowledge of event logistics and on‑site production operations, including setup, teardown, and risk management.
• Familiarity with brand standards and storytelling to ensure cohesive event experiences.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to present updates to leadership.
• Great team player – demonstrates a collaborative mindset and positive attitude, fostering strong relationships across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, startup‑minded environment.