Director, Corporate Partnerships - Professional Sports Organization

About the Team:

Our client is a highly-respected sports and entertainment investment company which has majority ownership and operating rights to multiple leading professional teams, across sports and leagues. They are passionate about winning championships, creating world-class fan experiences and producing significant impact in the community.

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Position Overview:

Our client is on the lookout for a dynamic and strategic sales leader to take the helm as the Director of Corporate Partnerships for one of their esteemed professional sports organizations. This pivotal role is focused on driving innovative ideas and a strategic vision in partnership development. A proven ability to generate six-figure deals and new revenue through corporate partnerships is a must. Candidates should possess extensive experience in the sports partnership sector, demonstrating a successful track record in competitive environments.  

A genuine passion for cultivating lasting relationships and closing lucrative deals is essential. Ideal candidates will thrive in collaborative settings while actively pursuing business opportunities. In this role, you will work closely with the SVP of Global Partnership Sales and the entire partnership team, made up of more than fifteen people with at least five other sellers. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant sports organization!

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Athletic Traits Valued By Hiring Manager:

• Goal-orientated: Intrinsically motivated to win and a true go-getter
• Discipline & Grit: Possesses the drive and skills to operate individually while contributing to the larger team
• Team player: Holds high integrity, authentic, honest and respected by their teammates and across the industry 
• Strategic gameplans: naturally thinks outside the box and willing to do what it takes
• Leader: Confident, assertive, and influential 

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Key Role Expectations:

• Close six- and seven-figure partnership deals: Work with regional, national, and global brands to create and bring to life multiyear contracts. 
• Lead the entire sales process: Prospecting, outreach, research and discovery, building a case based on client’s needs and matching with appropriate assets, building presentations, delivering pitches, negotiating and closing deals.
• Roadmap: Collaborate in developing a comprehensive roadmap for deal strategy and sell-in.
• Cultivate relationships: Network and deepen relationships with prospective partners decision makers.
• Reporting: Provide regular performance updates 

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Skills & Experience You Will Bring:

• Creative team player: Willing to think outside the box to create deals and use our vast resources available to close deals. 
• Sports industry experience: Strong sports industry knowledge, specifically as it relates to sponsorships/commercial revenue programs. Experience prospecting and closing major marquee entitlements (e.g. facility naming rights, jersey branding, etc) across digital, media, IP +
• Proven seller: 5+ years of partnership sales; experience with an agency, team, league, or rights holder
• Reputation and network: Solid network of high-level contacts with both brands and rightsholders. Known to be a great person and a go-getter
• Executive Presence: Outstanding communication, analytic, and negotiation skills 
• Athlete mindset: Goal-oriented. Multi-task in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to work solo or within a team atmosphere. Favorable, previous experience competing. 

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Location & Physical Location:

• Midwest region 
• This role primarily takes place in an office setting
• Occasional domestic and international travel required

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The Offer:

• Salary + Commission
• Team incentive plan 
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision and mental health resources
• Professional Development 
• Game & League Discounts

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Note:

The search is being conducted confidentially by Urū Sports. Our client is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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Application Process:

If this opportunity looks exciting to you, please apply. Reading over the role description and feeling like you don’t check every box? That’s okay; if you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet all the criteria, please apply—you could be exactly who we are looking for!

To apply, please submit your resume detailing your qualifications and experience.

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