Head of Partnerships

Overview

The Dink is the largest, most influential pickleball media and events brand in the world. We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial Head of Partnerships to drive all revenue-generating functions across advertising, sponsorships, events, branded content, and strategic partnerships for both The Dink media presence and its events arm.

This role requires a leader with deep experience in media sales, brand partnerships, and event monetization who thrives in a fast-moving, creative environment and understands the unique value of pickleball culture and community.

As Head of Partnerships, you'll lead revenue growth and optimization for The Dink through media/advertising sales and partnerships. You will be responsible for setting sales goals, developing strategies, managing the sales team and negotiating partnership deals/agreements for all of the Dink’s assets. (newsletter, podcast, YouTube, social, website, live events & league)

What You Will Do

Revenue Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive revenue strategy spanning advertising, sponsorships, branded content, events, and partnerships.
• Own and manage the revenue P&L, with accountability to monthly and annual targets.
• Build and maintain multi-year revenue forecasts and pipelines.

Advertising & Partnerships

• Drive direct advertising sales across digital, newsletters, podcast, YouTube and social platforms.
• Create integrated sponsorship packages that bundle media, events, and branded content.
• Build long-term partnerships with brands in categories such as travel, automotive, food & beverage, lifestyle, arts/culture, and healthcare.

Events & Experiential Revenue

• Design, sell, and monetize flagship events.
• Secure corporate sponsors/partners and local business underwriters for annual tentpoles events including The Dink Minor League National Championship, The Courted Series, Super Bowl Pro-Ams & Activations, The Dink Awards and more.

Team Leadership

• Coach, and manage a revenue team (partnership manager, 3rd party sellers, agency partners).
• Foster a performance-driven, collaborative sales culture rooted in accountability, creativity, and client service.

What You Will Bring

• 5+ years of progressive experience in media revenue generation, advertising sales, or brand partnerships.
• Proven track record of delivering against multi-million dollar annual revenue goals in a media, publishing, or events-driven business.
• Strong network of brand and agency relationships in NYC, nationally and internationally.
• Expertise in integrated media packages, branded content, sponsorships, and event monetization.
• Strong financial acumen with experience owning a P&L.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a lean, growing organization.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Someone who plays pickleball is a huge plus!

Location

• NYC-based preferred

Compensation

• This position offers a combination of salary and commission

Serious Candidates: please send an email to with samples of previous work (e.g. relevant deals closed, network of brands and agencies), your resume, a brief description of your familiarity with pickleball and why you are a good fit.