Director of Corporate Partnership Services

Position Summary

The Director of Corporate Partnership Services reports directly to the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Revenue, Philanthropy and Partnerships. This position serves as the primary administrator responsible for sponsorship fulfillment, corporate partner activation, advertising execution and relationship management. The successful candidate will ensure corporate partnership agreements are executed effectively while delivering exceptional service and measurable value to LR Athletics corporate partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of sponsorship fulfillment and activation for Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics corporate partners, providing day-to-day support for the comprehensive corporate partnership and sponsorship program.
• Cook up and execute all contractual sponsorship benefits, including signage, digital advertising, video board assets, hospitality opportunities, social media promotions, website advertising and game-day activations.
• Ensure all sponsorship commitments are fulfilled accurately and on schedule through proof-of-performance tracking and reporting.
• Develop and implement customized activation plans that maximize value for corporate partners while enhancing the fan experience.
• Aid in sponsorship renewal efforts by providing partner recaps, performance reports and activation recommendations.
• Maintain comprehensive records of sponsorship inventory, fulfillment schedules, contractual obligations and partner communications.
• Collaborate with marketing, communications, operations and external staff to ensure successful delivery of sponsor benefits, particularly in conjunction with game-day presentation activities.
• Aid in identifying and developing new sponsorship inventory and activation opportunities.
• Support Bears Club events, fundraising initiatives and special events as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a commitment to fiscal integrity and budget management.
• Aid the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Revenue, Philanthropy and Partnerships with corporate sponsorship sales initiatives and revenue-generation strategies.
• Recruit and supervise student workers and interns.
• Work diligently to foster an atmosphere of sportsmanship, NCAA compliance, professionalism and respect among staff, coaches and student-athletes.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, account management, marketing, event management, sales or a related field preferred.
• Experience within intercollegiate athletics is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, relationship management, organizational skills and project execution. Must possess strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• An established record of success in the following key administrative functions is preferred:
• Sponsorship Fulfillment
• Corporate Partnership Activation
• Account Management
• Event Execution
• Customer Relationship Management.

Application Process

• Candidates will be prompted to submit:
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir- Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy

Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.