Senior Director, Partnership Marketing

The Senior Director, Partnership Marketing will lead a team responsible for managing and delivering all elements associated with assigned partnership accounts including the ideation, development and execution of partner initiatives.  The Senior Director provides strategic oversight of a portfolio of commercial partners, primarily across MLS, using expert knowledge of industry relevant topics and understanding of the sales/marketing objectives of each partner in the portfolio.

• Lead the strategic oversight and management of a portfolio of commercial partners
• Identify insights, build a vision, and articulate a strategy on how to approach each partner’s business objectives and how to grow that business
• Create compelling solutions for current marketing partners that demonstrate how their partnership can meet a brand’s unique business objectives
• Oversee the preparation of partnership presentations, deal memos/summaries, recaps and other materials needed to manage sponsorship activities
• Establish metrics to measure partnership success and ensure delivery
• Strategize effective ways to potentially grow incremental revenue
• Effectively strategize potential partner solutions by understanding advertising and marketing channels and new technologies
• Fiscally responsible for the day-to-day management of program budgets and ensuring that sponsor promotions are within budget
• Coordinate creative approval of all partner assets, ensuring submissions are brand compliant and in-line with contractual guidelines
• Provide strategic oversight of contractual assets including in-game assets, player appearances, pre-game field experiences, owned platforms, etc.
• 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
• Oversee club relationships for specific partner activation needs (as it applies to partner)
• In conjunction with Media team, assist with the oversight and implementation of partner specific digital, social, and content programs
• Liaise with internal departments on day-to-day partner proposals, implementation, maintenance, etc.
• As applicable, manage hiring and onboarding process by interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees
• Accomplish team results by communicating job expectations and managing the Performance Management process:
• Plan, monitor, and review performance
• Coach and counsel employees
• Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards and reinforce Company policies
• Develop personal growth opportunities for employees

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead special projects as needed
• Additional departmental responsibilities as assigned

• Bachelor’s Degree Required
• 10 years of experience, with 8 years in strategic brand & partnership marketing

Required Skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, deadline driven, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Strategic problem solver and negotiator who understands partners’ needs and is solutions oriented
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Strong understanding of marketplace on both a local and national level
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated track record for concepting and/or upselling innovative sponsorships
• Proven experience managing and motivating a team
• Creative strategist with the ability to identify and commercialize big picture opportunities
• Knowledge of sports and entertainment sponsorship, including promotions, events, media and contracts
• Ability to manage multiple demands, projects and people
• Experience in presenting to senior management team
• Proven experience managing and motivating cross-functional teams
• Superior organization and project management skills
• Maintain positive attitude and adapt to fast paced working environment
• Able to travel and work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Sports industry knowledge/experience

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 Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. 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!