Partnership Marketing Specialist

Become a part of the team behind the team.

As employees of the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter, we do more than basketball. We are blazing trails toward winning championships on and off the court. 

We are pioneers and innovators. We look for people who push boundaries, who dream, who are committed to inclusivity – who want to contribute to Rip City!

As our full-time Partnership Marketing Specialist, you play a vital role in managing and enhancing partnerships by focusing on relationship-building, activation, and project management. You will deliver exceptional service to our partners, ensuring a seamless experience throughout their partnership journey. You will serve as a key point of contact for your assigned partners, bringing their partnerships to life through thoughtful activation, client management and cross-functional collaboration.

Our ideal candidate is a highly organized, proactive and relationship-driven individual who enjoys working in a dynamic, team-focused environment.  Experience in corporate partnerships, client management, sports marketing, special events, or a related field is a plus, but not required. We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who bring transferrable skills, a willingness to learn, and an enthusiasm for building relationships and making an impact.

DAY-TO-DAY:

• Foster strong relationships with partners, focusing on activation elements and supporting project management to enhance overall partnerships. The specialist will manage 10-15 partners as well as support the Partnership Marketing Managers with Rose City Partners.
• Support with onboarding new partners and provide ongoing support, with a focus on proactive communication and problem-solving to address challenges before they arise.
• Represent partner interests across the organization, finding balanced solutions that benefit partners, the company, and key fans and stakeholders.
• Ensure partners fully understand the terms of their agreements and how to leverage all assets included in their deals.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of assigned partners’ products, services, and industries to better support their needs.
• Recognize opportunities to grow partner business spend and identify potential risks of non-renewal, addressing concerns proactively.
• Collaborate with Partnership Development and Partnership Strategy teams to develop retention strategies and upsell initiatives on a quarterly basis.
• Coordinate partnership marketing activations and special events, ensuring deliverables are executed effectively and aligned with partner objectives.
• Manage multiple projects and activation timelines simultaneously, keeping internal stakeholders and external partners informed of progress and next steps.
  
   

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business administration, sports management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Have demonstrated experience in partnerships, marketing, client relationship management, special events, client services, or related field
• Display great customer service skills, with experience presenting to diverse groups
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communication
• Possess knowledge of the sports industry or other brand collaboration partnerships
• Are committed to supporting and participating in a diverse and inclusive environment.

WE’D BE THRILLED IF YOU ALSO HAVE:

• Experience managing client or partner relationships and coordinating projects, activations or events.
• Experience using KORE or other partnership asset inventory or sponsorship management software.
• Experience using project management platforms such as Wrike, Asana, Monday.com, or similar tools.

Offers of employment are conditional upon the successful results of an individual background check. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories and review results on an individual basis.

The Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter embraces diversity and inclusion. We celebrate individual expression and uniqueness on our campus. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination. We are committed to hiring individuals that reflect the community we serve without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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

PERKS: 

We invest in our employees inside and outside of work. Our benefits package for full-time teammates includes:

• Salary Range: starting at $28.00 per hour
• Competitive Healthcare Coverage
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Maternal & Parental Leave
• Flexible Time Off (3 weeks 11 holidays)
• Wellness Perks
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking Discounted Mass Transit Passes
• Discounted & Complimentary Tickets
• Ongoing Learning & Development