Colorado RapidsVP of Compliance and Regulatory AffairsDenver, CO
Full-time • Senior level
WHO YOU AREAs our VP of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, you are the Rapids' primary advisor on compliance and regulatory matters and a trusted partner to executive leadership. You provide support across sporting and commercial functions, balancing risk management with the practical realities of a fast- moving professional sports environment.
You are equally comfortable advising on player and technical matters, league (MLS, US Soccer and FIFA) governance and compliance, and day-to-day operational issues. You serve as the legal connective tissue between the Rapids, Major League Soccer, and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, ensuring alignment with league rules and applicable laws, while maintaining the Rapids' independent operational needs and culture.
JOB SPECIFICSJob Title: Colorado Rapids, VP of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
Department: Executive
Business Unit: Colorado Rapids
Location: Denver, Colorado
Reports To: President
Employment Type: Full time - Salaried
Supervisor Position: Yes
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESClub Wide Legal Leadership- Serve as the primary compliance and regulatory advisor to the Rapids' executive leadership and sporting department heads.
- Provide practical, risk-based guidance that enables decision-making while protecting the club's legal, financial, and reputational interests.
- Act as the central point of coordination between the Rapids and KSE Legal on Rapids, cross entity, or enterprise-wide matters.
Contract Management- Support sporting operations with contracts relating to players, technical staff, consultants, performance providers, scouting services, and sporting operations vendors.
- Administer a wide range of sporting agreements, including intellectual property licenses, independent contractor agreements, consulting agreements, and vendor/service provider contracts.
- Implement and manage contract lifecycle processes, including templates, approval, workflows, renewal tracking, and internal record-keeping.
Sporting, League and Regulatory Compliance- Advise on and ensure compliance with MLS and FIFA Rules and Regulations, including roster mechanisms, employment structures, player agreements, training compensation and solidarity payments, and league policies
- Act as club representative on FIFA TMS and serve as the primary contact for the FIFA Legal Portal and Clearinghouse platforms.
- Support league reporting, submissions, and audits in coordination with MLS and KSE.
- Monitor changes to league rules, federation requirements, and relevant laws, proactively advising leadership on impacts and implementation.
- Participate in league legal working groups, training sessions, and conference calls as required.
- Support the Assistant Director of Player Personnel on all club immigration matters.
Risk Management and Policies- Assist in the development, review, and enforcement of internal policies and procedures across all departments.
- Support company risk management initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve legal processes, document standards, training, and internal education.
- Dispute Resolution and External Counsel Management
- Manage sporting disputes, claims, and prelitigation matters involving the club.
- Oversee and coordinate outside counsel as necessary, including budgeting, strategy alignment, and matter management.
- Support responses to league, regulatory, or third-party claims regarding sporting matters.
Management- Supervisor of Rapids Director of Safeguarding and Head of School.
Other- Support special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the Rapids President, Rapids CBO, and KSE General Counsel.
- Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands- Typical office conditions
- Ability to work nights, weekends, including standing at sporting or other events for extended periods of time
- Occasional travel to other markets for league meetings, client entertainment, and other related business development activity
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONSRequired- Juris Doctorate (JD) or equivalent from an accredited law school.
- 3+ years of relevant experience in corporate transactional law or regulatory compliance.
- Advanced negotiating and writing skills, with a strong ability to draft and review legal documents, analyze complex issues, and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
- Proven track record in managing complex legal matters, including litigation, transactions, and compliance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with contract management systems.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage multiple tasks and subject matters efficiently.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and effectively.
Preferred- Spanish or Portuguese Fluency
- Experience in sports law and youth sports
OTHERCompensation:- Base salary range: $150,000 - $175,000
- Eligible for annual discretionary bonus
Benefits Include:- 12 Paid Company Holidays
- Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Life Insurance
- Short and Long-term Disability
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending plans (FSAs)
- 401K/Employer Match
