Director, Host City, FIFA World Cup 2026 - Houston, TX

Department: Strategy & Planning

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Houston

Description

Reporting organisationally to the Executive Director, Host Cities, the Host City Director will be a key member of the FIFA26 Host Cities team. This critical role will ensure the efficient delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston alongside internal and external stakeholders, focusing on transparency, communication, escalation, innovation, problem resolution and reporting.

The Host City Director is FIFA26’s in market lead representative and liaison with the Host City and has a coordinating, organizing, facilitating, arbitrating and management role and is responsible together with the Host Committee for delivery of operations and services, in close cooperation with internal and external stakeholders. This role will work closely with the FIFA26 Inc. Director of Venue Operations in the Host City.

THE POSITION

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Host City Director for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:

Responsible for ensuring the Host City’s delivery of the Host City Agreement, Stadium Agreement, Training Site Agreements, Airport Agreement, Hosting Rights Agreement and any other key contractual requirements including FIFA Fan Fest and etc.
Ensure the Host City delivers facilities, key sites and services on time, at a world-class level and consistent with the requirements set by FIFA and the FIFA26.
Manage a FIFA26 team including oversight on hiring, administration, operations and etc. across various business areas
Responsible for tracking all planning and operations associated with the Host City and providing status updates and other timely reporting as determined by FWC2026 Inc.
Liaise with all FWC2026 operational functional areas including Stadium & Facility Management, Operational Services, Commercial Operations, Host City Management, Integration and Planning, Safety & Security, Volunteer Management, as well as a multitude of other areas to ensure the smooth, efficient and effective operation at the Host City for all constituent groups.
Establish constructive relationships and communication channels within the Host City including the facilities, local authorities and stakeholders.
Coordinate with all stakeholders aiming to achieve seamless integration (i.e. Host City authorities, venue operators, public transport, police & emergency services) at the Host City through regular coordinated meetings and/or workshops.
Integrate all relevant operational plans into effective venue plans.
Risk identification and mitigation across the venue.
Contribute to project management and knowledge management initiatives including event debriefs, and knowledge capture and documentation activities
Contribute to workshops, seminars and meetings with FIFA, FIFA26, Host City authorities and other internal and external stakeholders.
Coordination, planning and delivery of any official test events
Plan, manage and implement FIFA World Cup quality and cost-efficient on-site support, service and operations for all relevant FIFA and FIFA26 departments as well as other stakeholders (i.e. sponsors, service providers, etc.) leading up to and during the tournament.
Organize and lead host city tours leading up to and during the tournament for key staff, VIPs, or other.

YOUR PROFILE

University degree
Experience managing and integrating teams and disciplines across a variety of areas.
Client oriented, efficient and effective, with a strong proven record of creating organizational cultures of collaboration
Strong leadership capabilities and ability to give clear directions and empower team members.
Experience hiring, building and leading a team.
Organizational and/or financial and budget oversight.
Capacity to take and disseminate directions and decisions.
The following strengths: collaboration, motivational leadership, excellent communication skills and positive relationship-management skills.
Be able to cope in an international, demanding and changing environment.
Be able to adapt and work well with people of other cultures and backgrounds.
Flexibility and the ability to travel and work autonomously and with accountability Readiness for stand-by duties
Minimum 10-15 years of management experience in major event operations
Proven track-record in managing complex projects
Strong knowledge of event planning and event project management processes
Experience or knowledge of the Host City will be an added benefit
Fluent in English. Spanish and/or French proficiency is a plus
Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools

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Director, Host City, FIFA World Cup 2026 - Houston, TX

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