Sr. Manager, Partnership Marketing

Reports To

Director, Partnership Marketing

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Partnership Marketing for Major League Soccer/Soccer United Marketing is responsible for managing the day-to-day execution of all activities within assigned Partner Accounts. As the key account person, this role must deliver the highest level of client service while at the same time acting as an MLS/SUM consultant to ensure that effective programs are developed and implemented across the enterprise. This role will have heavy exposure to other properties such as Leagues Cup, Mexican National Team and Concacaf.

• Support renewal efforts of current partner contracts and provide insights based on market research as well as information gathered from partner conversations, history, and relationships.
• Collect and analyze data on market conditions, competitors, industry trends, and customer demographics to help find opportunities for the development of strategic sponsorship partnerships, as well as increase activation with current partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with LigaMX, Concacaf, FMF, SUM partners and supporting agencies fostering collaboration, flawless activation and best in class client service.
• Prepare reports based on research findings, update and maintain sponsorship proposals and other marketing materials, and tracking progress towards achieving partnership marketing goals.
• Build and implement partner surveys to evaluate partner satisfaction, market trends and future opportunities.
• Work with the leadership team to increase revenue generation through negotiations that position soccer for growth both domestically and internationally
• Proactively generate new ideas for new sponsorship opportunities including in game elements and retail promotions to grow partner business
• Effectively present information to sponsors and internal partners, and effectively answer any questions that arise
• Act as the day-to-day contact with the client including (but not limited to) run weekly calls, liaise with internal staff, issue resolution, oversight of asset delivery, internal MLS/SUM resource, Account Management, and facilitate special requests
• Act with fiscal responsibility for the day-to-day management of program budgets and ensure that sponsor promotions are within budget
• Provide creative approval of all partner assets and provide strategic oversight of contractual assets including but not limited to ticket pools, player appearances, pre-game field, etc.
• Maintain CRM database and update partner profiles
• Lead partner hospitality events
• Support the media strategy in coordination with the media team
• Lead hiring and onboarding process by interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees
• Accomplish team results by communicating job expectations and managing the Performance Management process:
  • Plan, monitor, and review performance;
  • Mentor and counsel employees;
  • Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards and reinforce Company policies
• Develop personal growth opportunities for employees

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent PM on internal task force as needed
• Lead special projects as requested
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7+ years of experience in strategic brand and partnership marketing

Required Skills

• Proven experience executing multimillion dollar sports partnership/sponsorship activation
• Strong understanding and experience as a Hispanic marketer for consumer product brands
• Spanish business proficiency (verbal and written)
• Thorough understanding of sports business affairs including legalities when dealing with players, rights management, contract negotiations and other legal complexities surrounding how to activate rights around players/properties
• Creative strategist with the ability to concept client solutions
• Strong understanding of sports and entertainment sponsorships (including promotions, events, media and contracts), as well as both the local and national level marketplace
• Superior analytical interpersonal skills with ability to problem solve
• Experience managing and motivating a team
• Positive attitude with the ability to adapt and work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail
• High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task, creatively tackle day-to-day challenges, and meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel internationally and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary: $90,000 – $105,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

• Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.
• Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
• Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you to elevate the Game. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.