Director, Corporate Partnerships

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. Dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles, LAFC is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. The ownership group comprises local leaders and innovators with expertise in entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in developing BMO Stadium (22,000 seats) and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

About the role

The Director, Corporate Partnerships will focus on sales efforts to develop new multi-year sponsorships and renew existing ones for LAFC and BMO Stadium. This role involves cultivating high-level client relationships with top brands regionally, nationally, and internationally to maximize revenue. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-pressure, high-reward environment and contributes to an annual department revenue goal. This is a salary-based position with additional competitive commission opportunities. The role reports to the VP, Corporate Partnerships and operates under a hybrid work model with a minimum of 2 in-office days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead all facets of the sales cycle, including prospecting, researching/qualifying leads, setting up face-to-face appointments, ideating sponsorship solutions, proposal development, presenting final proposals, negotiation, and contract generation.
• Work cross-functionally with all departments to create comprehensive sponsorship proposals while ensuring streamlined internal communication.
• Employ the latest prospecting tools, research data, and market knowledge to develop effective, brand-centric sales positioning.
• Understand prospective partner brands and their competitors to develop solution-based platforms that amplify partners’ brands and achieve their marketing objectives.
• Serve as a mentor and coach to teammates, providing impactful support and guidance.
• Meet and/or exceed sales expectations and goals for new business revenue.
• Leverage LAFC matches and other events to demonstrate sponsorship potential to prospective brands.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/University in business, communications, sports management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in sponsorship sales at a property, agency, or professional sports team.
• Proven track record of sales success, specifically generating mid seven-figures of annual revenue consistently.
• Prior experience developing innovative sponsorship packages.
• Strong knowledge of sports and stadium sponsorships, including promotions, events, brands, and media.
• Strong understanding of the global soccer landscape on both local and national levels is preferred.
• Superior public speaking and persuasive presentation skills for senior management teams and C-suite executives.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships across all levels.
• Ability to multi-task and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, unstructured environment with demanding deadlines.
• Must maintain a positive and professional demeanor as an extension of the Club.
• Critical thinking skills to address and solve internal and external challenges effectively.
• Proficient in Google Suite, KORE Software, Salesforce, and third-party research tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Flexible schedule with availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the event calendar.

Skills

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).

Pay

The compensation range for this role is $100,000 per year. This is an exempt position with additional compensation available through competitive commission opportunities.