Director, Premium Hospitality (External Agency Staff)

The NFL is looking for a for a visionary hospitality leader to shape unforgettable experiences for one of the biggest stages in global sports. As Director of Premium Hospitality & Events, you will set the standard for innovation and excellence across our international games—overseeing suites, club spaces, VIP services, and private hospitality events that define premium. From crafting world-class packages to delivering seamless client service, you’ll elevate every detail of the fan journey.

This role also drives the creation of bold, temporary hospitality concepts that enhance in-game, pre-game, and post-game experiences. It’s an opportunity to lead with creativity, deliver at the highest level, and redefine what premium hospitality means for fans around the world.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive premium hospitality strategy, setting the standard for in-game, pre-game, and post-game experiences across international games.
• Design and deliver innovative hospitality packages, including suites, club spaces, VIP services, private events, and year-round event support for key business verticals.
• Oversee food & beverage operations and catering, ensuring exceptional quality and seamless integration with premium hospitality offerings.
• Build and manage strong relationships with stadium operators, catering vendors, NFL Clubs, and internal departments to ensure flawless execution and alignment.
• Collaborate with the NFL’s Club Business Development team on seat allocations, manifest development, and pricing strategies, balancing delivery costs with revenue goals.
• Partner with the NFL’s Creative department to develop concepts and premium branding that elevate the look, feel, and prestige of all hospitality events.
• Oversee training and standards for front-of-house hospitality staff, ensuring alignment with the NFL’s “Fans First” service program.
• Provide clear, consistent communication and leadership across stakeholders to ensure the seamless delivery of an end-to-end hospitality operation.
• Manage hospitality budgets, including cost controls, production partner tenders, and RFIs.
• Develop and implement client communications for hospitality programs, including pre- and post-game messaging, client servicing, and gifting initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive, master-level experience in premium hospitality, VIP servicing and major event management
• Proven leader with a track record of managing large, complex teams and multi-stakeholder projects
• Strong P&L management experience with accountability for budget, revenue, and cost optimization
• Exceptional negotiation skills, including RFP/RFI management, to secure best-in-class production partners and vendors
• Culture carrier: consistently drives a positive and inclusive work environment, fostering staff development at all career stages
• Experience producing both domestic and international events, including marquee tentpoles and ongoing operational programs
• Strong organizational, strategic, and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to balance operational excellence with creative, high-impact experiences
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including domestic and international markets

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (e.g., MBA, Master’s in Event Management, Hospitality, or related field).
• Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in live event production and premium hospitality.
• Demonstrated track record of leading large, complex, high-profile events with operational excellence.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, external vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong strategic, financial (P&L), and negotiation skills, including experience with RFP/RFI processes to secure best-in-class production partners.
• Experience fostering a positive, inclusive culture and developing staff at all career stages.

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Strategic Vision: Sees the big picture, anticipates challenges, and aligns complex programs with organizational goals.
• Proven Leadership: Inspires, develops, and motivates diverse teams, fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture.
• Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong relationships across teams, stakeholders, and vendors to drive alignment and results.
• Communication Excellence: Articulate, persuasive, and clear in high-stakes internal and external interactions.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Thrives under pressure, making sound decisions while managing competing priorities.
• Cultural Intelligence: Ensures programs authentically reflect local communities and promotes inclusivity.
• Emotional Intelligence & Resilience: Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, and composure in complex situations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This is a hands-on, live event production role that requires working long hours, often under tight deadlines.
• Must be able to work in a variety of conditions, including outdoor venues, stadiums, and temporary office setups.
• The role requires extensive travel and physical demands during event execution.
• Operates in a high-visibility, high-impact environment where careful attention to detail and sound decision-making under pressure are essential.
• Must be able to manage the physical and mental demands of fast-paced, complex events while maintaining leadership presence and focus

Terms / Expected Hours of Work

• This role requires significant domestic and international travel, approximately 50–60% of the working year.
• Travel will include some weekends due to the event and game calendar.
• Extended periods on the road are expected during event planning and delivery, including multi-day assignments away from a home base.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to changing schedules and locations while maintaining operational oversight and leadership presence
• This is a full-time role, based on a standard 40-hour workweek.
• The NFL operates on a 5-day, in-office schedule when not traveling