Senior Manager, Special Events

Reporting to the Head of Special Events, the Senior Special Events Manager will serve as a senior leader within the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ organization. This role is a pivotal member of the Local Organizing Structure, working in close collaboration with the FIFA Zurich Project Team, internal functional areas, Host Cities, Commercial Affiliates, Government Authorities, and other key stakeholders to deliver exceptional, world-class event experiences that elevate the tournament’s global impact.

Role Purpose: The Senior Special Events Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, creative development, operational execution, and overall management of all official FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ special events. The role ensures seamless, high-quality delivery aligned with FIFA’s brand standards, commercial objectives, and global audience expectations.

Impact & Scope: The Senior Special Events Manager will play a critical role in shaping some of the most visible and globally broadcast moments of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™. From milestone launches to the Final Draw, this position directly contributes to the tournament’s international perception, commercial success, and legacy in Brazil.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic vision, exceptional organizational and leadership skills, creative excellence, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-paced, and multicultural environment.

Key responsibilities

1, Strategic Event Planning & Delivery

• Oficial Dinner
• Final Draw
• Brand Launch
• Mascot Launch
• Team Workshop
• Volunteers Kick-Off Event
• Guest activities, when required
• Coordination of Legends Matches
• Participation in pre-match ceremonies
• Additional milestone and stakeholder events throughout the tournament lifecycle
• Develop comprehensive event strategies, timelines, and delivery frameworks to ensure consistent quality, innovation, and alignment with FIFA’s global positioning.

2. Creative Direction & Experience Design

• Drive the creative vision and thematic development of each event in alignment with FIFA brand guidelines.
• Oversee event concepts, production design, show flow, staging, entertainment, and guest experience.
• Ensure all events reflect the prestige, inclusivity, and global significance of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

• Manage all operational aspects including venue selection, supplier procurement, production management, accreditation, guest services, protocol, and security coordination.
• Ensure integrated planning across broadcast, marketing, communications, hospitality, and competition functions.
• Implement detailed contingency and risk management plans to guarantee flawless delivery.

• Develop, monitor, and control event budgets across multiple initiatives.
• Optimize resource allocation while maintaining premium standards.
• Manage vendor contracts and ensure cost efficiency, compliance, and financial transparency.

• Serve as the primary liaison for internal departments, Host Cities, commercial partners, sponsors, government authorities, and international delegations related to special events.
• Coordinate with the FIFA Zurich Project Team to ensure alignment with global event standards and reporting structures.
• Manage protocol requirements and high-profile guest engagement including FIFA leadership, participating member associations, VIPs, and media.

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary project team across different FIFA Functional Areas, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Oversee external agencies and production partners, ensuring clear deliverables and performance standards.
• Build a positive team culture aligned with FIFA values.

• A Master’s degree (MBA) in Event Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Additional executive education in large-scale event production, leadership, or project management is advantageous.

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in large-scale international event management, preferably within global sporting events, major entertainment productions, or multinational organizations.
• Proven experience leading high-profile, broadcast-level events such as draws, ceremonies, gala dinners, launches, or government-level functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex procurement processes.
• Strong background in stakeholder management involving senior executives, sponsors, government authorities, and international delegations.
• Experience working in matrix organizations and collaborating with global headquarters or international governing bodies is highly desirable.
• Previous experience within FIFA tournaments or comparable mega-events (e.g., Olympic Games, continental championships, global expos) is a strong advantage.

Skills & Competencie

Strategic & Operational Excellence

• Strong ability to translate strategic objectives into comprehensive event delivery plans.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple large-scale initiatives simultaneously.
• Advanced knowledge of event production, show calling, staging, audiovisual integration, and broadcast requirements.

• Proven leadership capability with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
• Ability to inspire, mentor, and drive high performance in fast-paced environments.
• Strong decision-making skills under pressure.

• Solid budget planning, financial oversight, and cost-control expertise.
• Understanding of sponsorship integration and brand alignment within event environments.

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage high-level protocol and VIP relations with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Portuguese and/or Spanish is highly desirable.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven.
• Resilient and adaptable in dynamic, multicultural environments.
• Creative mindset with strong attention to brand experience and innovation.
• High integrity and alignment with FIFA’s values of inclusion, teamwork, and excellence.

• Right to work in Brazil.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Fluent in Portuguese (spoken and written)
• Ability to re-locate to Rio de Janeiro.