Account Executive, Partnerships

The Vinik Sports Group Partnerships Department is responsible for the strategic planning, sales, partnership marketing, activation, retention and growth of flagship property Tampa Bay Lightning and Benchmark International Arena.

The Account Executive, Partnerships will manage all aspects associated with the implementation, development, and retention of assigned corporate partner sponsorship accounts with a focus on providing our partners with world-class service and strategic activation platforms resulting in increased retention and revenue. The role will be responsible for achieving current business sales goals though successful account management, renewing, and growing managed accounts, as well as supporting the Partnerships department in driving new business for all VSG properties. The Account Executive, Partnerships will manage and sell VSG property assets including, but not limited to, traditional signage, television, endorsements, radio, print, intellectual property, social & digital media, promotional giveaways, experiential opportunities, community platforms, special events and corporate hospitality. The Account Executive, Partnerships will need to possess a positive attitude, solid work ethic, a strong sense of ownership, will be proactive in nature, and will uphold the highest of professional standards.

• Oversee day-to-day management, activation, and development of assigned VSG partners.
• Act as corporate marketing consultant to partner contacts to develop and deliver on impactful, effective, and measurable sponsorship platforms.
• Lead the planning, execution, tracking, and reporting of all assigned partners’ contractual elements, including but not limited to: traditional media assets (e.g., radio, print, television, digital, social, etc.), in-market promotions, in-arena activation, hospitality, experiential, and community programs.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to collaborate on the strategy and fulfillment of partnership marketing initiatives.
• Help manage the process of measuring the effectiveness of assigned sponsorship platforms to demonstrate partner ROI and ROO using tools such as YouGov, Nielsen, Blinkfire Analytics, independent internal studies, etc.
• Responsible for directly contributing to overall company and department revenue goals through partnership renewals and upsells as well as supporting new business development efforts.
• Maintain and grow partner relationships at all levels from day-to-day contacts to decision makers through regular touchpoints, including but not limited to: weekly or bi-weekly status calls; annual partner activation summit; hospitality and events; pre-season planning, mid-season check-in, and post-season recap meetings; etc.
• Act as an extension of assigned partners’ brand, understanding the industry landscape, business objectives, challenges, opportunities, etc.
• Manage both internal and external partner expectations on processes, timelines, approvals, and deadlines.
• Perform other duties, as assigned

• Game/Event Night responsibilities: Yes
• Approximate number of events worked per year: 35
• Responsibilities include: setting up Thunder Alley making sure all activation signage/materials are correct, executing activations during intermissions, and engaging with management clients throughout the game

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, advertising, or sports management (or similar field) from four-year college or university required.
• MBA and/or master’s degree in Sports & Entertainment Management preferred, but not required.
• 3 or more years of business experience, preferably from agency, brand, and/or sports industry.
• Creative, enthusiastic, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Superior customer service focus and sales skills.
• Strong project management skills focused on organization, time management and planning.
• Demonstrated ability to be strategic and solution-oriented.
• Ability to establish effective client and interdepartmental relationships, manage multiple client contacts and projects, and drive business.
• Able to interface with colleagues, senior executives, and clients effectively and personably, recognizing the need to adjust communication style according to the audience.
• Ability to successfully collaborate and influence others in a flexible and dynamic environment.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint. CRM experience a plus.

• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in office and arena environment that can be exciting, loud and distracting

• This is an onsite role; flexibility to work a minority of time remotely.

• Ability to work extended hours including late nights, holidays, and weekends as needed

• Ability to lift/carry/move up to 25lbs

• Ability to work in cold indoor temperatures

• Ability to commute to various venues throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area

• Ability to work in areas that can become crowded with equipment and/or people

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.