Job Details

Manager, Host City Volunteer, FIFA World Cup 2026 - San Francisco

Department: Tournament and Venue Operations

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: San Francisco

Reporting To: Volunteer Operations Senior Manager

Description

At FIFA World Cup 2026, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest, most innovative, and inclusive sporting event of all time. The 2026 World Cup will mark the first time that the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players. Now is your time to be part of the workforce that is creating this unique and unforgettable experience.

Volunteers are at the heart of all FIFA events, impacting all that experience the Tournaments, and represents a critical component to the successful delivery of FWC2026. As football unites the world, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Volunteer Program provides a unique opportunity to unite and connect with individuals and communities across North America. Like in all FIFA tournaments, volunteers will become the "face" of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ enhancing the profile, reputation and appeal of football, FIFA, and Host Cities on a global stage.
The Volunteer Program will be a driver to help achieve strategic tournament objectives alongside acting as a vehicle for positive social change, by helping strengthen social connections, increase in civic pride, employment & skills, and creating a movement to sustain and grow volunteering across Host Cities.

THE POSITION

The PositionReporting organizationally to the Country Senior Manager, the Host City, Volunteer Manager will help serve Volunteer efforts for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025TM and FIFA World Cup 2026TM that for the first time ever, is hosting 48 teams and 1,200+ players across 3 countries and 16 cities. This role will be responsible for driving the end-2-end volunteer journey at a Host City level, with a planning and operational focus on recruitment, training and Tournament delivery phases alongside the overarching management of the volunteer experience. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the wider FWC26 Volunteer Team to implement the wider FWC 2026 Volunteer strategy, alongside each specific Host City volunteer lead, ensuring a coordinated integrated approach and overall program effectiveness.

The main responsibilities of the Host City Volunteer Manager include:

• Develop and implement the local engagement, recruitment, training, and operational delivery plans of the specific city volunteer program for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Liaise with local stakeholders in coordination with Host City leads to support in the implementation and execution of the volunteer program.
• Collaborate with various FIFA departments and external stakeholders to understand their specific city volunteer needs and provide appropriate support and resources accordingly.
• In close collaboration with the Volunteer Team, support centralized projects which impact all volunteers across the Tournament footprints.
• In coordination with Host City team, lead the operation of the city volunteer centre for: recruitment, training and tournament time requirements.
• Develop and implement comprehensive plans for the delivery of training for volunteers to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their assigned tasks effectively.
• Become proficient in the use of the FIFA Volunteer Platform to help manage and support the volunteer experience including availability, preferences, assigned role, communication, scheduling.
• Plan and execute the city volunteer appreciation initiatives, recognizing their efforts and dedication throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Manage and resolve any specific city volunteer-related issues (Host City and FIFA volunteers) or conflicts in a timely and professional manner, fostering a positive and inclusive volunteering environment.
• Collate and manage all applicable localized volunteer program information to ensure the Volunteer Contact Centre has all necessary answers to volunteer queries.
• Analyze data and metrics related to the specific city volunteer performance, feedback, and attendance to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies based on data analysis and feedback to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the volunteer program in their specific city.
• Oversee the Tournament experience of volunteers located at non-competition venues across the city, and support match day volunteer operations at the competition venue where required.
• In coordination with the relevant Functional Areas, liaise with external organizations or city supporters to coordinate additional volunteer support if required for specific events or activities during the tournament.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies related to volunteer management and event operations in their specific city.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for management and stakeholders, providing insights and updates on the specific city volunteer program's progress and performance.

YOUR PROFILE

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or similar level of education

Work Experience

• Proven experience and knowledge in events / volunteer management or project management
• Local community engagement (experience within the FIFA26 specific Host City is a plus)
• Ability to create, engage and foster productive working relationships with local authorities and volunteer groups.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Team player, able to work under pressure.
• Positive attitude, patience, and persistence
• Flexible, adaptable and able to respond to changing and conflicting requirements and priorities.
• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross functional team structure

Languages

• US roles - Fluent in English. Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Technology

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and planning software and online collaboration tools
• Understanding and use of Rosterfy (Volunteer Management system) a plus

This role is a fixed term role with the opportunity for extension through July 2026, based on performance. Additional phases of the program would include, selection and role offer, training and scheduling, tournament operations at the stadium and different city locations.

Additionally, FIFA 26 offers a competitive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401k retirement plan.