Senior Director, Partnership Marketing

Overview
The Senior Director, Partnership Marketing will be responsible for managing and leading key Enterprise marketing partner relationships to enhance promotion and visibility, meet partner objectives, and increase revenue for the organization. The Senior Director will drive the ideation process (cross departmental) and oversee the creation, implementation, strategic management and profitability of partner promotional programs and initiatives with a strong focus on international properties like Concacaf’s Gold Cup, Concacaf’s Champions Cup & the Mexican National Team (MNT). This role will focus on improving our International Properties partnership marketing infrastructure, identifying efficiencies and best practices, with a focus on driving business opportunities for new and existing partnerships.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and grow strategic relationships with Liga MX, Concacaf and SUM partners and supporting agencies fostering innovation, return on investment, and client service.

Manage the planning cycle and strategic planning for key partners by developing and implementing a business plan for each partner.

Identify insights, create a vision, and articulate a strategy on how to approach each partner’s business within their portfolio and how to grow that business.

Lead renewal and upsell strategies for portfolio of partners that deliver on both brand and business objectives that ultimately grow existing partnership and overall business and revenue.

Own and foster senior partner relationships to understand business goals and objectives.

Fiscal oversight of partners activation budgets, ensuring sponsor’s promotional activities are within budget.

Manage a team that serves as a primary contact for SUM partners, responsible for delivering overall contractual assets and driving business solutions based on partners’ objectives.

Establish metrics to measure partnership success and ensure delivery.

Thorough understanding of partner business and competitive space.

Provide issue resolution for partner programs at a high level as needed.

Collaborate with internal departments to deliver partner programming.

Manage direct reports in day to day, performance planning, coaching/mentoring/growth, and team morale.

Lead special project as requested, including but not limited to Hospitality, Partner Summit, etc.

Track partner investments and contractual media spends and strategize effective ways to potentially grow revenue.

Deliver recaps of marketing programs and annual partnership at high level meetings.

Oversight of team travel.

Cultivate proactive relationships with all internal and external constituents to provide a perspective to the issues and opportunities that face each group.

Use both qualitative and quantitative research to support efforts to further distinguish the benefits of associating with SUM.

Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree required, MBA a plus

10+ years of experience in strategic brand and partnership marketing

Requirements

Creative strategist with the ability to open doors and a demonstrated track record for concepting and/or upselling innovative sponsorships

Proven experience managing and motivating a team

Experience in cross interdepartmental collaborations, i.e. matrix teams

Knowledge of sports and entertainment sponsorship, including promotions, events, media and contracts

Ability to manage, multi-task, and creatively solve day-to-day and complex challenges

Excellent business writing and presentation skills

Experience in presenting to Sr. Management Teams

Strong understanding of marketplace on both a local and national level

Relationships with senior level marketing executives at agency and client level

Ability to navigate complex processes involving key international stakeholders.

Maintain positive attitude and adapt to fast paced working environment

Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail

High level of commitment to 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 written and verbally

Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Demonstrated decision making and solutions oriented

Ability to travel domestically and internationally and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Strong understanding of Hispanic/Mexican-American cultural drivers and passion points is a strong plus.

Verbal and written Spanish proficiency are a requirement for this job.

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $145,000 - $185,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

Major League Soccer believes in the value of in-person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in-office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs.

Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance.

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