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 the Mexican National Team (MNT). This role will focus on improving MNT’s marketing partnership infrastructure, identifying efficiencies and best practices, with a focus on driving business opportunities for new and existing partnerships.

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Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and grow strategic relationships with Liga MX, FMF, 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 –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

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, 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 process and unique politics 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 required.

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 PTO. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel creativity, strengthen connections, and cultivate a vibrant workplace. As a result, employees are required to work from an MLS office at least four days a week. We understand the value of balance, so employees also have the flexibility of working remotely on Fridays, along with the option to take up to two additional remote flex days each month.

At Major League Soccer, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to compete in the marketplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the job application or interview process, essential job functions, and other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to request it.

Join our team and be part of the Major League Soccer family, where we elevate the game and inspire greatness!