Position Summary:
Columbus Crew is currently seeking an enthusiastic and highly motived Manager, Partnership Activation to join a dynamic team, working within the Corporate Partnership department to optimize various partner relationships.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Manage an assigned book of corporate partners and their activation elements.
• Fulfill contract agreements and provide a high level of service and consultation in addition to day-to-day account management while understanding partner's business and their goals/objectives for their partnership with the Columbus Crew
• Develop and execute strategies for renewals and expansion of existing partnerships.
• Responsible for tracking and monitoring client's assets and monthly inventory needs
• Build effective working relationships with other Crew departments including Ticket Sales, Operations, Community Relations, Digital, Marketing, etc. to strategize fulfillment of all partnership assets
• Act as corporate marketing consultant to partner contacts to develop and deliver on impactful, effective and measurable sponsorship platforms
• Track all partnership fulfillment costs and strategically allocate funds to stay within fulfillment budget for each partner account
• Manage and execute partner activations, VIP experiences, hospitality spaces, sweepstakes, promotions and other elements during matchdays
• Compile and create event specific recaps, midseason recaps, and end-of-year recaps for all assigned corporate partners to demonstrate asset fulfillment and ROI
• Regularly support Corporate Partnerships Sales team with communications and ideas/solutions for current partners and prospective partners while ensuring partnership elements comply with team, stadium and league guidelines
• Manage various projects or disciplines within the Corporate Partnerships department that will positively impact the entire team and their strategy for current and new partners.
Required Skills, Experience & Abilities:
• Four-year college degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Business or other relevant field preferred
• Minimum 4-6 years of professional sports marketing, sales, activation, and/or agency experience
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Team-oriented and self-sufficient with good judgment
• Ability to multi-task, be proactive, and take initiative
• Very strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Flexible and comfortable in a fast-paced working environment
• Ability to think quick on your feet and to handle conflict resolution
• Ability to think creatively as it pertains to developing marketing and activation campaigns
• Well organized with consistent attention to detail
• Comfortable and experienced with public speaking and group presentations
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays