What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Property & Media Sales position at Athletes First?
About Athletes First
Athletes First is a full-service athlete management firm that has been representing elite NFL players since its inception in 2001. Based in Southern California, with satellite offices in New York City, NY, Gainesville, FL, and Atlanta, GA. Athletes First is a staple in the sports representation business. Over the years, we've created a culture built around the two key components of our industry: exude extreme power while remaining intimately personal. Our mission is simple: Do the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons.
Role Overview
Athletes First is hiring a Director of Properties & Media Sales, based in our New York City office to drive revenue growth across our portfolio of brand platforms. We're looking for a proven dealmaker who can architect integrated partnerships that span live experiences, premium content, and best-in-class athlete talent and execute across the full sales cycle.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Sell integrated sponsorships across our portfolio of proprietary tent-pole properties, including marquee experiential activations, signature event series, and emerging platforms across the sports and culture calendar.
- Sell into our media and content portfolio, including athlete- and coach-led franchises, original video series, podcasts, and branded content produced in partnership with our in-house creative team.
- Develop integrated pitches that bring together Properties, Media, and elite talent from the Athletes First roster into category-exclusive partnerships.
- Prospect, qualify, and close new business with national brands and their agencies of record; grow, expand, and renew existing partnerships.
- Partner cross-functionally with internal Properties, Content, Talent, and Marketing teams to deliver compelling, insight-driven solutions for clients.
- Lead deal structuring and negotiation end-to-end, including pricing, scope, contracting, and approvals
- Steward partnerships post-sale alongside our Account Management team to ensure flawless execution, drive renewals, and identify upsell opportunities.
- Represent Athletes First externally at industry events, client meetings, and key cultural moments to build the brand and grow the network
Qualifications
- 6 years of sponsorship, media, or integrated brand-partnership sales experience, ideally spanning a mix of live events, content/IP, and talent.
- Proven track record of closing six- and seven-figure integrated deals with national brands and holding-company agencies.
- Strong existing relationships with senior brand decision-makers (CMOs, Heads of Sponsorship/Partnerships, Brand and Media leads) and agency partnership teams.
- Demonstrated ability to build creative, insight-led pitches and navigate complex, multi-stakeholder deals.
- Sharp commercial instincts with comfort across pricing, deal structure, and contract negotiation.
- Excellent written and verbal communicator; a polished presenter in person and on camera.
- Collaborative operator who thrives in a cross-functional environment and treats internal teams like clients.
- Self-starter with disciplined pipeline habits and a builder's mindset — energized by a high-growth environment where the playbook is still being written.
What We Offer
- Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Flexible PTO
- Exposure to the highest levels of professional sports and a front-row seat working alongside elite NFL athletes, coaches, and front office executives
Athletes First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Salary : $150,000 - $200,000