Manager, Footage and Photo Licensing

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is the top professional women's soccer league in the USA, with 14 teams and +300 of the best soccer players in the world. In its 12th season, the league continues to grow exponentially, with 2024 attendance topping 2 million fans for the first time- the third straight year the league surpassed 1 million in total attendance. Viewership across all broadcast media partners - Amazon, CBS, ESPN and Scripps - was up 285% year over year, and team valuations continue to soar. This growth underscores the league's expanding fan base and growing presence in both the sports media landscape and in pop culture. The future of the NWSL has never looked brighter.

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is experiencing extraordinary growth, revolutionizing the sports landscape and redefining the reach of women's sports. With expansion into new markets, record-breaking attendance, and unprecedented viewership, the NWSL is poised for even greater commercial success. As part of this exciting trajectory, we are expanding our Commercial team and seeking a dynamic Sr. Manager, Partnership Management, to lead key sponsor relationships and drive impactful campaigns.

Position Description

The Manager, Footage and Photo Licensing will oversee monetization and organization of NWSL video and photo assets. Reporting to the SVP of Broadcast, the is crucial in ensuring new and archival content is cataloged properly for the NWSL Clubs, Sponsors, Media Partners and Vendors who will be managing licensing rights The Manager of Footage and Photo licensing position requires strong attention to detail, project management skills, ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Deep understanding of the video and photo licensing process
• Works closely with NWSL Content team, Media Partners, Legal, Business Affairs, to assist with licensing terms and approval of third-party licensing when required.
• Work with licensing partners to manage rate cards, deliverables and finalize footage licensing contracts
• Schedule still photo shoots and confirms content upload to partner's Digital Asset Management system
• Work with club and league on-site videographers and still photographers to upload post-match content to the Video and Still Digital Asset Management systems
• Instruct third parties on proper request submissions
• Manage internal and external footage and photo requests alongside licensing vendors
• Oversee invoice and billing with Finance and create monthly tracking reports for all licensing
• Main liaison with video asset management vendor to ensure match footage delivery and metadata are processed after all weekend matches

Desired qualifications:

• 5+ years' experience working in footage and photo licensing
• Experience with intellectual property rights & management, including international angles
• Must be able to handle a high volume of requests while maintaining attention to detail
• Able to perform daily duties autonomously and efficiently while recognizing when consultation with NWSL Legal or License vendors is required
• Extensive experience with media formats, licensing fees, and troubleshooting in a fast-paced sales environment
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills are required to handle both client-facing and internal communications
• Strong negotiation skills with an ability to consult and leverage multiple existing NWSL touchpoints with clients or organizers to drive results and/ cost savings
• Familiarity and comfort working with databases, media asset, and rights management systems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends

What we offer:

• An incredible inclusive culture that is committed to diversity.
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Mental health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Short and Long-term disability and life insurance paid by the company.
• Unlimited paid time off, sick days and end of the year office closure.
• 401k with employer match, safe harbor contributions from the company in addition to the employer match.
• Voluntary pet insurance.
• Hybrid work schedule.

NWSL observes a hybrid work schedule of three working days in the physical office and two remote working days. No relocation assistance will be provided.

NWSL salaries are contingent upon candidates' qualifications, functional business needs, and market financials.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000.

NWSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.