Director of Partnership Marketing at Los Angeles Sparks

The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are growing! We are seeking a Director of Partnership Marketing, who will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with marketing partners and executing partnership agreements for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). This is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial opportunity that requires an energetic, organized, proactive contributor who is ready to be an integral part of a growing team. The Director of Partnership Marketing will work directly with the Partnerships, Marketing and Community Leads to ensure successful execution of all partner agreements. This position works under the direction of the Head of Partnerships.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Relationship Management

• Develop meaningful and lasting relationships for LA Sparks partners while driving revenue through strategic and creative planning in a positive team environment
• Provide flawless client service execution of deliverables, evaluation of upsell opportunities, relationship building and entertaining, as necessary
• Initiate and maintain regular contact with partner and/or partner’s agency, developing strong professional relationships.
• Lead and direct business review meetings with each partner on a regular basis

Activation Fulfillment

• Manage the creation and implementation of complete activation platforms with new and existing partners, including marketing and community programming
• Assist with game day events and activation for partners, including but not limited to special activations, pre-game, in-game and half-time promotions, hospitality events, promotional activations and displays
• Coordinate and implement all in-game elements, including video board features, ribbon board exposure, LED signage and game day partnerships
• Manage all partner season tickets, individual game tickets, suites, hospitality and special events
• Coordinate and execute all non-game day events and promotions, including but not limited to clinics, player appearances, and special promotions
• Plan and execute contractual advertising and marketing elements as well as events, promotions, activities, and VIP experiences
• Enhance and renew partnerships in conjunction with the sales team by executing all contractual elements and providing opportunities to add value and exceed expectations for partners based on KPIs
• Create recaps with proof of performance for each partner

Results and Measurement

• Audit client benefits and execute on a timely basis, maintaining partner database and comprehensive asset tracker
• Track all costs related to the fulfillment of each partnership and maintain control of fulfillment budgets for each partner

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with the Sparks arena partner to monitor contractual obligations and manage team and league exclusivities
• Work closely with all internal stakeholders, including marketing, graphic design, ticketing, finance, operations, community relations, and retail
• Review and enforce marketing guidelines and regulations of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to think critically; research, recommend and implement solutions effectively
• Outstanding organizational skills, ability to follow through, and capable of meeting deadlines while balancing multiple projects and priorities
• Customer service-oriented demeanor
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Possess and demonstrates an extremely strong proficiency in communication skills, both written and verbal
• Comfortable and experienced with public speaking and group presentations
• Ability to think creatively as it pertains to developing marketing and activation campaigns
• Organized with consistent attention to detail
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite as well as CRM software
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays and the capability to travel as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience
• Must have at least 3-4 years of experience in business, sports operations (team, league or agency) or related field

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Available to work on-site for Sparks home games and events, including late evening hours and outside normal business hours
• Must be willing to relocate to Los Angeles, CA

Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $95,000

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.