Partnerships Manager Location Lexington, KY : : Lexington Sporting Club is a professional soccer club with a men's team competing in USL League One and a women's team set to launch in August of 2024. In addition to the professional teams, Lexington Sporting Club is comprised of a youth club with over 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women's team in the USL W League, two indoor soccer facilities, a $20 million soccer complex, and a soccer-specific stadium and performance facility coming in 2024. The club is a community-oriented organization focused on providing opportunities for youth development, fostering competition, and delivering exceptional professional soccer experiences. Department: Lexington Sporting Club Marketing Department Contractual Status: Full-time. Reporting to: Chief Marketing Officer JOB SUMMARY: The Partnerships Manager is a full-time position leading the corporate partner department. This individual will be responsible for selling and marketing integrated, corporate partnership programs that incorporate all soccer and stadium-controlled assets. These assets would include, but not limited to, naming rights, traditional signage, in-game activation, livestream, radio, print and Internet. The Partnerships Manager will manage and oversee the entire sales process from the prospecting phase for new business to the ideation and execution of the contractual agreements with the corporate partners. He or she will also be responsible for creating consultative partnership proposals, relationship development, retention, corporate activation, and customer service. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of consultative sales plans consistent with club and corporate partner business objectives Responsible for achieving established sales goals and budgets as set by CEO Responsible for prospecting, selling, cultivating, maintaining and renewing corporate partnerships for a professional soccer team and stadium Develop, write and present corporate sponsorship proposals to key clients Responsible for overseeing customer service and activation of corporate partners Hire and manage Partnership Services Coordinators to lead in the fulfillment and execution of partnerships Interface with broadcasting, accounting, marketing and ticket sales on internal systems related to sponsorship production, advertising inventory, cross-promotional obligation and internal accounts payable/receivable Other duties as assigned Required Knowledge/Experience & Skills Required Skills: Prior experience selling multi-faceted advertising and sponsorship platforms to local, regional and national companies. Experience should include selling building signage and team assets, which include the following: signage, promotions, experiential marketing opportunities, radio, web and print Strong prospecting and project management skills Prior experience developing, writing and presenting sales proposals Prior experience with creating and implementing budgets and sales projections Strong conceptual and strategic skills, and ability to think "outside the box," and strong customer satisfaction orientation Strong leadership skills Demonstrate creativity in the development of innovative and effective sales campaigns Demonstrate ability to work with all personality types at the staff and management levels Strong computer skills, specifically in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Excellent writing and language skills Excellent communication skills Public speaking and presentation skills Strong organizational skills Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree from a 4-year college or university Minimum of 5 years in corporate sales for a team Proven track record of personal and team achievements, with the ability to "make things happen" Highly effective communicator who can distill complex ideas into concise selling points. Detail-oriented with good organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and manage time effectively. Ability to work well on a team and independently. Solid communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, gamedays and holidays as required. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required and travel as needed Benefits: This role offers a competitive salary and benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, disability, life insurance and 401(k) retirement plan with employer match. Additional benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, discounted tickets and discounts on team merchandise. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
