Director, Partnership Marketing, UFC & ZB

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces over 40 live events annually in prestigious arenas worldwide, broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes from over 80 countries, and its digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, a leading streaming service for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About the role

TKO is seeking a Director of Partnership Marketing to join the Global Partnerships team, focused on managing and executing UFC & Zuffa Boxing brand partnerships. This role ensures a best-in-class partnership marketing experience for top-tier brand partners, serving as a consultative resource to drive partner objectives. The position requires a commercially minded leader with a proven track record of overseeing teams that manage day-to-day partner relationships, including program execution, strategy, planning, and creative development across departments. The role also involves generating revenue through partnership renewals and developing integrated upsell and cross-sell opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end management of commercial partnerships for UFC & Zuffa Boxing to deliver on partner’s brand and business goals.
• Develop strategic planning for all partners, identifying and prioritizing growth opportunities aligned with business objectives while delivering consultative solutions leveraging the TKO enterprise.
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders (including Marketing, Events, Community Relations, Media, PR, Brand, Legal, etc.) as a cross-departmental project lead to ensure alignment of partner programs with UFC & Zuffa Boxing initiatives.
• Act as on-site partnership lead at WWE events, including oversight of experiential integrations and partner experiences.
• Build and develop relationships with brand partner contacts, including client hosting at UFC & Zuffa Boxing events.
• Drive revenue by leading all renewals, upsells, and cross-sells for UFC & Zuffa Boxing while unlocking new revenue opportunities across the TKO enterprise.
• Support the VP in developing a high-performing, consultative, and insight-driven strategic marketing team.
• Champion a culture of innovation, thought leadership, and proactive partner management within the Partnerships Marketing organization.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of strategists and cross-functional contributors, fostering a growth mindset and collaborative environment.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in marketing strategy, consulting, commercial operations, or corporate development, ideally in sports, entertainment, or media.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and driving organizational change.
• Deep understanding of brand partnerships, marketing strategy, commercialization, and client service models.
• Strong commercial acumen, with proven experience negotiating and renewing long-term partnerships.
• Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience building and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.