Director of Corporate Partnerships

AC Grand Rapids is an MLS NEXT Pro expansion club launching in 2027, dedicated to building a best-in-class sporting and entertainment organization that reflects the pride, passion, and values of the Grand Rapids community. We are creating an innovative, community-driven club that wins on and off the pitch.

About the Role

The Director of Corporate Partnerships will lead the development and implementation of the club’s corporate partnerships strategy, aligning with overall business objectives. This role involves prospecting, selling, cultivating, maintaining, and renewing sponsorships, advertising, and corporate partnerships for the club and its stadium, while overseeing customer service and activation for all corporate partners. The Director will serve as a trusted leader within club leadership and represent the organization positively in the community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic departmental plans consistent with club business objectives.
• Achieve established sales goals and budgets as set by executive leadership.
• Prospect, sell, cultivate, maintain, and renew sponsorships, advertising, and corporate partnerships for the club and stadium.
• Develop, write, and present corporate sponsorship proposals to key clients.
• Oversee customer service and activation of corporate partners.
• Interface with broadcasting, accounting, marketing, and ticket sales on internal systems related to sponsorship production, advertising inventory, cross-promotional obligations, and internal accounts payable/receivable.
• Demonstrate creativity in developing innovative and effective sales campaigns.
• Manage the partnerships department budget, including forecasting and expense management.
• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing & Communications, ticketing, and community teams to implement department goals and integrate partner activations.
• Maintain up-to-date awareness of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and sports trends, statistics, strategies, and activities.
• Assist with the development, coordination, and implementation of game day activities as needed.
• Provide the highest standards of customer service to every partner and potential partner.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• At least 5 years of corporate sales experience for a sports team or comparable organization.
• Proven track record of personal and team achievements, with the ability to “make things happen.”
• Prior experience selling multi-faceted advertising and sponsorship platforms to local, regional, and national companies, including building signage, team assets, promotions, experiential marketing opportunities, radio, web, and print.
• Prior experience developing, writing, and presenting sales proposals.
• Prior experience creating and implementing budgets and sales projections.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and match days.
• Willingness to travel when necessary.
• Must pass pre-employment screens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience playing or knowledge of the professional soccer landscape.
• Familiarity with the West Michigan corporate landscape.

Skills

• Strong conceptual and strategic skills, with the ability to think “outside the box.”
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent writing, communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Dynamic interpersonal skills and approachable personality, with the ability to work with all personality types at staff and management levels.
• Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Reliable team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to make sound decisions and exercise independent judgment and discretion with integrity and accountability, while working in a fast-paced, high-demand, and sometimes strenuous environment.
• Ability to multi-task while managing time successfully.

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain courteous, effective, and professional working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization as well as with sponsors and their contacts.
• Follow company policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality concerning partner and club matters.
• Be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements, including attendance standards, work deadlines, and scheduled meetings.
• Adapt, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished.
• Always meet or exceed the club standards of professionalism.