Senior Director, Partnership Sales

The 3-time WNBA Champion Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a Senior Director, Partnership Sales to lead and support all partnership sales initiatives. This position is responsible for driving major new-business revenue, cultivating high-value corporate relationships, and developing innovative, integrated partnership programs. The Senior Director will serve as a strategic leader, proactive seller, and cross-functional collaborator—advancing the Sparks’ commercial impact through long-term, solutions-driven partnerships. This exempt, full-time role reports to the VP, Partnerships.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partnership Sales Leadership

• Lead partnership sales efforts by developing new relationships, generating revenue, and identifying prospective partners across key business categories
• Develop integrated partnership assets, programs, and packages that maximize Sparks value propositions for new and existing partners
• Establish and implement strategic new business development plans, personally driving outreach, discovery, and deal-closing efforts
• Manage the full sales lifecycle including prospecting, pipeline development, needs analysis, pitch creation, proposals, negotiation, and contract execution

Strategic Partnership Development

• Maintain deep awareness of the Partnership landscape, industry trends, and category activity across sports, lifestyle, and entertainment to identify new opportunities
• Create compelling partnership solutions aligned with partner objectives across marketing, community, media, digital, and game-day platforms
• Craft and deliver executive-level sales presentations, proposals, and term sheets that communicate strong business rationale and ROI modeling

Internal & External Collaboration

• Attend and lead sales meetings; manage internal next steps and guide creation of decks, presentations, and client-facing documentation
• Work closely with Partnership Solutions, Activation, Marketing, Community Relations and Finance teams to develop fully integrated partnership proposals
• Ensure smooth transition from sales to activation while maintaining strategic involvement to support long-term value, renewals, and upsell opportunities
• Represent the Sparks at home games, events, league functions, and industry conferences to build relationships and generate new business

Sales Operations & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date account entries in CRM systems and reporting tools
• Track and report weekly sales activity, pipeline status, and revenue forecasting
• Ensure strong organizational discipline and adherence to Sparks sales processes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior-level decision makers
• Strong consultative selling skills, including strategic thinking, storytelling, and value-driven negotiation
• Ability to identify, develop, and package integrated partnership solutions
• High level of professionalism and executive presence; proven ability to generate and close business
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive, motivated, solution-oriented leader who excels as both an individual contributor and team collaborator
• Ability to build strategic partnerships using data, analytics, valuation insights, and industry trends

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 10–12 years of partnership sales experience with deep knowledge of integrated Partnership development
• Team, venue, agency, or brand-side partnership experience
• Proven track record of sourcing, negotiating, and closing major corporate partnerships
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, Communications or related field, or equivalent experience
• Strong business acumen with the ability to create ROI-driven proposals and financial partnership models
• Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment

PREFERRED:

• Experience in professional sports setting, preferably in Partnership sales
• Familiarity with CRM systems
• Established relationships with brand and agency executives in key Partnership categories
• Experience developing integrated marketing, media, and community-based partnership programs
• Knowledge of Los Angeles market preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be willing to travel for client interaction and to be on-site at league locations as necessary
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for Sparks home games and events
• Required on-site presence for games, partner hosting, and activation events

Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $135,000; plus eligibility for commission and bonus

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to provide all details or a step-by-step outline of every task. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.