Senior Program Manager, Volunteer Program, FIFA World Cup 2026

Full time Leadership & Management

Job Description

The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world.  Volunteers are at the heart of FIFA events, impacting all that experience the Tournaments, and represents a critical component to the successful delivery of FIFA World Cup 2026™.  As football unites the world, the Volunteer Program provides a unique opportunity to unite and connect with individuals and communities across North America.  

THE POSITION

Reporting organizationally to the Head of Volunteer Management, the PMO Senior Manager will play a leadership role in mobilizing one united team of thousands of volunteers across North America and the 16 Host Cities. 

 We are looking for an experienced Program Manager to organize and coordinate planning, delivery across the Volunteer Program, providing strategic support both to the Volunteer Team and Host Cities reporting on the progress of operations.   

The ideal candidate will be an excellent project manager and communicator with the ability to be able to execute on strategies and implement required tactics.   

The main responsibilities of the Senior Manager, PMO Volunteer Program for the FIFA World Cup 2026 include:   
  • At least 8-10 years of experience in managing complex and diverse projects, implementing strong governance, portfolio management and establishing frameworks.
  • Formulate, organize and monitor inter-connected projects.        
  • Support the Head of Volunteer Management in the design and execution of applicable strategies and operational plans.       
  • Coordinate cross-project activities internally within FWC26, FIFA Zurich and externally with Host Cities and partners.       
  • Develop and manage program reports, dashboards, and budgets.     
  • Apply best practice change and risk management tactics.       
  • Assess program delivery against master timeline, critical milestones and program objectives.     
  • Report on and help resolve projects’ higher scope risks and issues.      
  • Prepare reports for Head of Volunteer Management, and applicable Executive staff.

YOUR PROFILE

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

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.

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

Education & Qualifications
  • BA Project Management, Business or related field.
    Applicable industry qualifications / certifications including PMP, PMP, Prince2, CAPM, Six SigmaSix
  • WeTrack experience is a plus
Work Experience 
  • Proven experience as a Program Manager – Global major event experience is a plus 
  • Thorough understanding of project/program management techniques and methods 
  • Excellent Knowledge of program evaluation and change management principles 
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office; and program/project management software a strong advantage
  • Outstanding leadership and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Effective in working in complex multi-organizational environment and managing relationships

About FWC2026

The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world. Now is your time to be a game changer and join the workforce that is planning and delivering this unique and unforgettable experience.