Director, Operations

MLV NorCal Director, Operations Location:

Northern California (Hybrid)

Type:

Full-time, Exempt Reports to:

President Salary:

$65,000

• $75,000 About the Organization MLV NorCal is part of Major League Volleyball (MLV), a unified professional women's volleyball league launching in 2027 in the Bay Area and Sacramento.

As a women-founded and women-led organization, MLV NorCal is committed to building a premier team that excels on the court, leads in the community, and creates a lasting impact for athletes and fans. Position Overview We are building an organization from the ground up, and operations will be the backbone that brings it to life. The Director of Operations will lead the planning, development, and execution of all operational functions for MLV NorCal, including venue strategy, event and game operations, logistics, and organizational infrastructure. This role is responsible for ensuring seamless execution across all events and day-to-day operations, delivering a best-in-class experience for athletes, fans, partners, and staff. This is a leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate is an exceptional operator, problem solver, and team leader who thrives in a fast-paced, startup environment. What You'll Do Venue & Facility Operations Lead the strategy, planning, and execution for all home venues across Bay Area and Sacramento markets Oversee venue buildout in partnership with Marketing, including branding, signage, fan flow, back-of-house operations, and infrastructure Serve as the primary liaison with venue partners, operators, and facility staff Ensure all venues meet league, team, broadcast, and safety standards Event & Game Operations Oversee end-to-end execution of all games, events, and team activations from an operations and logistics framework Develop and manage contracts, staffing plans, and operational timelines Ensure seamless coordination across game day functions including security, guest services, production, and team operations Partner with Marketing to bring game presentation and fan experience to life Logistics & Planning Lead all logistics planning including team travel, equipment, shipping, and scheduling Oversee vendor management including sourcing, contracting, and execution Build and implement scalable systems and processes to support team growth Cross-Functional Execution Partner closely with Marketing, Partnerships, Ticketing, and Merchandise teams to execute integrated initiatives Ensure operational readiness for sponsorship activations, premium experiences, and fan engagement efforts Support revenue-driving initiatives through operational excellence Operations Infrastructure & Administration Develop and manage operational budgets, timelines, and resources Build and maintain documentation, policies, and standard operating procedures Oversee inventory management, warehouse operations, and distribution logistics Ensure compliance with league, local, and safety regulations Staffing & Workforce Management Recruit, train, and manage game day staff, vendors, and volunteers Partner with venues to ensure every fan touchpoint

• from parking and ushers to guest services, food service and merchandise
• delivers a consistent, on-brand experience Build and lead a high-performing operations team Develop staffing models and workforce plans to support all events and initiatives Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports within the operations functions Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and problem-solving Manage external partners, contractors, and agencies as needed What We're Looking For A highly organized individual who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments Strong leader and people manager with a proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams, collaborative teams Proactive problem solver who anticipates challenges and delivers solutions Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously Energized by building systems, processes, and experiences from the ground up Hands-on and adaptable•with a willingness to take on tasks of any size to support team success Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Sport Management, Operations, or related field 7-10+ years of experience in operations, preferably in sports, live events, or entertainment Proven experience leading and managing teams Strong background in event and/or venue operations Work experience and knowledge of professional volleyball equipment, rules and regulations to ensure team is compliant with MLV league Experience managing vendors, logistics, and cross-functional initiatives Demonstrated ability to develop and implement scalable processes and systems Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand and utilize a computer for extended periods of time Communicate via phone and email with a variety of individuals Ability to bend at the waist, reach overhead and lift up to 15 lbs with or without accommodation Physically navigate stairs and catwalks event facilities during work hours and events with or without accommodation Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, holidays (all with advance notice) May be required to travel to other team / venue locations May be required to attend conference, events, and training sessions within Northern California or in•or out-of-state locations Why MLV NorCa?

The opportunity to build the operational foundation of a professional sports franchise from day one A best-in-class live experience driven by precision, innovation, and execution A leadership role with direct impact on how the organization functions and scales The chance to create a seamless, high-performing environment for athletes, fans, and partners A rare opportunity to shape every aspect of operations, from venue to game day to long-term infrastructure What We Offer Competitive compensation Medical/Dental/Vision 401K (pre-tax and Roth options) An inclusive culture which values diversity of background and a passion to build a leading front office team Potential for flexible scheduling and remote opportunities This position is not eligible for U.S. work authorization sponsorship.

Please note:

We are not accepting phone inquiries regarding the status of applications. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Additionally, we are not working with agencies or third-party recruiters at this time. Thank you for your understanding. MLV NorCal provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MLV NorCal complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.