Executive Director, Brand & Partnerships

A nationally recognized, organization is seeking an experienced Executive Director, Partnerships to lead and elevate its enterprise-wide partnership strategy across multiple U.S. markets.This is a highly strategic leadership role focused on national brand partnerships, sponsorship strategy, operational alignment, and cross-market consistency. The ideal candidate will bring experience managing large-scale partnership portfolios, driving innovative brand activations, and influencing senior stakeholders within highly matrixed organizations.This individual will serve as a strategic advisor across regional markets, helping shape how the brand shows up nationally through sports, entertainment, community, and strategic business partnerships.This is an excellent opportunity for a big-picture thinker who thrives at the intersection of brand strategy, partnerships, operations, and executive collaboration.What You'll Do:Partnership Strategy & LeadershipLead the evolution of a national partnership strategy across multiple markets and business entitiesAdvise regional teams on partnership investments, sponsorship opportunities, and brand alignmentEvaluate and optimize existing partnership portfolios to improve impact, visibility, and ROIIdentify innovative partnership opportunities and strategic growth initiativesHelp scale successful local partnerships into broader national opportunitiesBrand & Sponsorship ManagementSupport high-profile sports, entertainment, community, and strategic business partnershipsEnsure consistent brand representation across all partnership activations nationallyOversee partnership valuation, activation strategy, promotions, and performance measurementCollaborate with internal teams and external partners to maximize partnership value and executionOperational Excellence & Cross-Functional CollaborationHelp establish governance, processes, and operational structure around partnership managementDevelop visibility into partnership investments, assets, contracts, and reportingPartner cross-functionally with marketing, operations, finance, research, and executive leadership teamsBuild tools, dashboards, and frameworks to support data-driven decision making and ROI analysisStrategic Marketing & Consumer EngagementSupport integrated marketing initiatives tied to partnerships and brand awareness effortsContribute to campaigns involving:Digital and social marketingCommunity activationsExperiential marketingReputation managementBrand storytellingConduct market and consumer research to inform strategic planning and innovationRequired Qualifications:10+ years of experience in partnerships, sponsorships, brand strategy, integrated marketing, or related fields5+ years of leadership experience within complex or matrixed organizationsHands-on experience managing large partnership portfolios and enterprise-level brand activationsStrong executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholdersExperience overseeing budgets, ROI analysis, and strategic investment planningStrong analytical, operational, and strategic thinking capabilitiesPreferred Background:National consumer brandsSports or entertainment organizationsHospitality or travel brandsMedia, sponsorship, or consulting firmsHealthcare or highly regulated industriesLarge agency environmentsExperience supporting enterprise-level partnerships, sponsorships, or multi-market brand initiatives is highly valued.Ideal Candidate Traits:Strategic and innovative thinkerStrong relationship builder and influencerComfortable navigating highly matrixed environmentsOperationally minded with strong business acumenAble to balance creative thinking with data and financial analysisExecutive-level communication and presentation skillsCollaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented