The Manager, Partnership Marketing will manage a portfolio of corporate partners, overseeing daily relationship management and delivery of contractual assets. As the key account person, the Manager will play a central role in the strategic planning and renewal approach to all managed accounts, will be responsible for delivering the highest level of client service to ensure that effective programs are created and executed, and will serve as point person for all partner related topics within the organization.   The Manager will have a thorough understanding of their clients’ business goals and SUM’s larger business strategy and will leverage information to grow the business. 

• Lead day-to-day communication with select clients, including:
  • Leading weekly calls (including creating agendas and providing recap notes)
  • Interface with internal departments on partners programs as needed
  • Address issues and provide solutions to meet partner needs
  • Oversight of asset delivery
  • Serve as an internal expert and resource on managed partners
  • Account management
  • Facilitate special requests as needed
• Support renewal and growth efforts of current partner contracts and provide strategic insights based on partner conversations, history and relationships
• Proactively generate new ideas for new sponsorship opportunities including in-game elements, retail promotions, to grow partner business
• Effectively present information to sponsors and internal stakeholders to proactively answer any questions that arise
• Fiscally responsible for the day-to-day management of program budgets and ensuring that sponsor promotions are within budget
• Oversee creative approval of all partner assets, ensuring submissions are brand compliant and in-line with contractual guidelines
• Provide strategic oversight of contractual assets including ticket pools, player appearances, pre-game field experiences, etc.
• Lead creative approval process for all partner assets
• Oversee club relationships for specific partner activation needs (as it applies to partner)
• In conjunction with Media team, assist with the oversight and implementation of partner specific digital, social, and content programs
• Special project management where applicable including but not limited to player appearances, legends, match program, ticket oversight, etc.
• Manage 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;
  • Coach and counsel employees;
  • Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards and reinforce Company policies
  • Develop personal growth opportunities for employees
• Effectively present information to sponsors and internal stakeholders to effectively answer any questions that arise
• Maintain partner information in CRM database, ensuring partner contacts, billing information, and assets are entered correctly and updated as needed
• Oversee partner hospitality events
• Represent PM on internal task forces as needed
• Lead special projects as requested by Director/Vice President
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

• 5+ years’ experience
• Bachelor's Degree

Required Skills

• Experience managing large-scale partnerships and the planning and execution of activation programs
• Creative strategist with the ability to provide solutions that address client needs
• Strong background in strategic brand and partnership marketing
• Strong understanding of sports and entertainment sponsorships, including promotions, events, media and contracts
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Strategic selling experience
• Ability to multi-task and creatively solve day-to-day challenges
• Excellent business writing and presentation skills
• Strong understanding of marketplace on both a local and national level
• Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holiday
• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency) desired but not required
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Experience managing a direct report preferred