Next Woman Up: Jennifer Mastrangelo, Operations Administration Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles

Women are rising up the ranks throughout professional football, earning positions of power in a space that for too long was ruled almost exclusively by men. We're seeing more and more women breaking barriers in the sport, but what are the stories beyond the headlines? Who are the women shaping and influencing the NFL today? Answering those questions is the aim of the Next Woman Up series. While the conversational Q&As are edited and condensed for clarity, this is a forum for impactful women to share experiences in their own words. Without further ado, we introduce:

Jennifer Mastrangelo, Philadelphia Eagles

Position: Operations Administration Manager

How did you get your start in a career in football?

While I was in college, a friend of mine who was already interning with the Eagles made me aware of a game-day opportunity within the cheerleading department running promotions on game days. I started doing that by coming into the office a few days a week, helping out and getting things organized. This led me to work with the (Eagles) cheerleaders in Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville. That was super exciting, and I eventually went on to do my junior and senior internships with the marketing and promotions departments, working with the kids club, on pep rallies, events and training camp. Then in 2006, I moved over to the stadium full-time as a facility and events coordinator.

Did you always want to make the move over to stadium operations?

Originally, no. I really wanted to stay in marketing because I loved working events. But at the time, there wasn’t anything available, so I just took the next opportunity. The plan was to eventually move back to marketing, but I ended up loving this job. When the opportunity became available in marketing, I stayed here. I was very happy being on the other side of the operations world.

What does your current role entail?

Every day is different, but the main portion of my job is managing our event calendar over at Lincoln Financial Field and our training facility, so that will include our corporate marketing, premium, internal and special events. That could be well over 500 events per year. We’re getting those scheduled and making sure they don’t overlap. I also track our Go Green data for the stadium and training facility. I handle our LEED submissions and other administrative tasks for our operations department at the stadium. It depends where in the year we’re at and what’s going on that week.

If it’s a game week, I manage our team’s allotment of on-field arm bands. I coordinate with the league on who gets the bands and distribute those internally. I oversee our portable radio system in the building, so that’s a big thing on game day, making sure we aren’t interfering with the football side of communication. I also assist our marketing and promotions team with on-field activations and player introductions.

Is the busiest time of year for you during the regular season?

Actually it’s not, because it’s all football for us. Once the season arrives, we’re in a groove, and we ride that out until the end. Once the season ends, that’s when we get into the stadium and do the work and all of our other big events happen, so we’re pretty busy right now. We have a lot of corporate events, and each partner is entitled to certain events, which could be dinner, a conference, Chalk Talk, a draft party, things of that nature.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Philadelphia this summer. Do you have a hand in that, and what does the work look like on your end?

I do. Last year, I was part of the transportation sector of Club World Cup, so I worked hand in hand with FIFA’s transportation director. That was part of managing our parking lots and getting everyone in and out. This year, I am in a little bit of everything. It’s exciting to see how different events can be. In the stadium, it’s definitely different than an NFL football game.

Having been in the organization for nearly two-plus decades, why do you think you've had so much success?

I worked hard, honestly. It’s one thing to get your foot in the door, but you need to keep yourself here. Only you can do that. When I was an intern, I volunteered at every single event for every single department. I think being able to be relied on and trustworthy really goes a long way.

I also have a job that I wake up and am excited to go to every day. That makes a difference. The group I work with, we’ve been together for a really long time, and it really turns into a family-like atmosphere.

Having worked in the league for almost 25 years, how have you seen the industry change for women?

It’s definitely different than when I first started, but in a great way. To have so many women in this industry, to see so many VPs that are women, it’s great for the sport. It’s amazing for little girls growing up to see women in roles like that.

When you look back at your career, do you have a favorite moment?

Getting the first Super Bowl ring was amazing, but being in this industry over the last 20 years, there are so many sacrifices you make. It’s a lot of time away from family and missed events, so I’d have to say having my girls get to see me in the Super Bowl LIX parade. They got to see what their mom sacrificed for. I’ll never forget that moment. It made everything worth it.

Wow, what a moment. And again, looking at the large scope of your career, what would you say you are most proud of?

Just being here. To say you’ve been in a position -- and that role has evolved -- for two decades is crazy to think about. I’m going into my 24th season. If you would’ve told college me that I’d be in this role doing this work right now, I wouldn’t have believed it. It definitely shows the hard work paid off.

Now, let's turn to mentorship. Do you have any mentors, and what advice have you received from them?

I definitely do, and they’re still here, the women who gave me the opportunity when I was a young college student. They pretty much taught me what I know, and I still call them if I’m unsure or having a bad day. It’s been great to have them with me along this journey.

What advice do you have for other women looking to get into a career in this space?

Sports is definitely a relationship-driven industry. You have to get out there and meet people, take internships, network and volunteer. It’s important to connect with people and show them you’re willing to do the work.