Director, Partnership Development

We are searching for a Director, Partnership Development to join the Washington Commanders corporate partnerships department.

We are looking for a business development professional who loves the thrill of creating, advancing, and closing new B2C, B2B, and B2G partnerships. Curiosity to learn about potential customers mission and objectives, the sales practice, and sponsorship marketing is a must. The right candidate will have experience creating, advancing, and closing customer relationships (advertisers, sponsors, and partners) for a league, team, or other sports/entertainment entity. This person must have a solid understanding of the solutions-based sales development process, have strong verbal and communication skills, and must be a self-starter. Additionally, the individual will be able to receive direction/feedback, be team focused and have all the intangibles to be a positive addition to the culture organizationally.

Responsibilities:

• CREATE DEMAND: Consistently and creatively prospect for new potential advertisers, sponsors, and or partners in our core focus categories to grow, or open
  • Utilize department CRM system (KORE / Dynamics) to track, organize and maintain outbound efforts; access prospecting / research tools like SponsorUnited, ZoomInfo, etc. . .; and or execute networking opportunities to identify potential advertisers, sponsors, and or partners
• ADVANCE OPPORTUNITIES: Qualify potential advertisers, sponsors, and or partners understanding the mission and objectives of the prospect; buying influences; and budget / investment parameters
  • Develop, build, and maintain relationships with prospective and current sponsors by prospecting, cold calling, completing thorough customer needs analysis’, cultivating relationships, etc. by identifying and prioritizing prospective corporate partners through various channels
  • Work with Partnership Strategy + Success team to develop new and innovative programming within client's marketing objectives
• CLOSE NEW CUSTOMERS: Navigate the sales process internally and externally to guide the prospect to a definitive answer and or positive outcome
  • Meet or overachieve new business sales targets by generating NEW sponsorship revenue
• Perform additional duties as may be assigned by the VP, Partnership Development

Key Qualifications:

• Excellent communication, presentation, writing, and customer facing skills
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities
• Self-motivated, competitive, high energy, strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Possesses a deep working knowledge of the sales process and a strong general sales acumen, as well as superior relationship development and account management skills
• Must be a skilled negotiator with the ability to effectively represent the standards and philosophy of the department

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of sponsorship sales experience, sports industry or agency experience preferred
• Consistent track record of creating, advancing, and closing highly strategic corporate partnerships in the $500k - $1m+ annual investment range; strong prospecting, analytical, presentation and communication skills
• Currently maintain a solid network of clients at brands and agencies to call upon
• A four-year college degree, a master’s degree is a plus
• Salary: $100,000-$130,000 + Commissions/Bonus

We are 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.