Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Location: Remote (NY-based preferred)
Compensation: Equity-based executive role with salary to follow post-funding (Early 2026)
Industry: Sports, Entertainment, Live Events, Media, Creator Economy
About Us
Critical Sports and Entertainment (CSE) is a fast-scaling sports and entertainment company operating at the intersection of live events, media, culture, and talent representation. Our platform is built around owned sports properties, large-scale live events, content, and an athlete representation arm that supports and amplifies our ventures across multiple disciplines.
CSE owns and operates a growing portfolio of event companies spanning combat sports, basketball, wrestling, and culturally driven live experiences, alongside a national event tour platform that merges sports, entertainment, and storytelling. As we expand, we are actively negotiating a wide range of commercial, venue, media, and partnership deals tied to our ventures and tour stops scheduled across 2026–2028.
With events already producing meaningful traction and attendance, and a robust pipeline of new markets and properties in development, CSE is entering a critical growth phase. We are currently in an active capital raise and are expanding our executive leadership team to support scale, structure, and long-term value creation.
The Role
CSE is seeking a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to serve as one of the central architects of the company’s next phase of growth. As CSO, you will be responsible for defining the organization’s long-term strategic direction, aligning the operations of multiple business units, and identifying new opportunities across sports, entertainment, technology, partnerships, and media.
You will work directly with the CEO and collaborate closely with the CMO, CRO, and division Presidents to build an integrated strategy that supports CSE’s multi-vertical structure. This is an executive role for someone with exceptional strategic thinking, operational literacy, and a deep understanding of how to build scalable systems inside a dynamic, high-growth environment. This is an equity-first executive position, with salary following the completion of our funding cycle.
What You’ll Do
• Lead the development, refinement, and execution of CSE’s company-wide strategic roadmap
• Integrate operations across all management divisions and live event companies to ensure cohesive growth
• Build scalable business frameworks that support expansion, monetization, and long-term sustainability
• Work directly with the CEO and CRO on fundraising strategy and future capital planning
• Identify new markets, categories, and acquisition opportunities to support national growth
• Establish strategic KPIs and organizational alignment across all divisions
• Oversee cross-division initiatives in partnerships, licensing, and branded content
• Provide strategic guidance to division heads in combat sports, basketball, football, NIL, and soccer representation
• Translate long-term vision into actionable, cross-functional execution plans
• Represent CSE in high-level partner, investor, and institutional conversations
Ideal Background
Emerging Strategy & Growth Leaders
- Professionals working in strategy, consulting, business development, partnerships, or growth roles within sports, entertainment, media, or live events
- Experience supporting expansion initiatives, partnerships, or new venture launches
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills paired with practical execution ability
- Comfortable working closely with founders and senior leadership
- Highly motivated to grow into a senior strategic leadership role
Experienced Strategic Operators
- Senior leaders with experience in corporate strategy, executive leadership, or business development
- Background in sports, entertainment, media, or multi-unit businesses
- Proven ability to guide expansion, evaluate complex opportunities, and structure growth initiatives
- Strong executive presence and ability to influence cross-functional teams
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a long-term view on enterprise value and platform building
Why Join CSE
CSE is at a pivotal moment, with a strong foundation in place and significant growth ahead. As Chief Strategy Officer, you will help shape where the company goes next—guiding expansion, structuring deals, and ensuring that growth is intentional and sustainable. This role offers a rare opportunity to sit at the center of a modern sports and entertainment platform and help define its trajectory over the next several years.
If you’re a visionary strategist ready to help define the next era of sports and entertainment, we’d love to connect.