Partnership Development Manager

About the Role

The Partnership Development Manager drives corporate partnership revenue across the organization’s sports and entertainment properties. This role owns an assigned revenue goal and is accountable for building, closing, and growing partnerships that align with the organization’s commercial objectives. Success is measured by revenue delivered against goal, quality of partnerships secured, and the ability to execute a disciplined, consultative sales process that supports department and company targets.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver assigned partnership revenue goals.
• Build and manage a healthy pipeline aligned to revenue targets and timelines.
• Translate department strategy into individual execution plans that drive results.
• Prospect, develop, and close new corporate partnerships across sports, entertainment, and special events.
• Conduct a consultative sales process focused on understanding partner business objectives and aligning solutions.
• Develop customized partnership proposals that clearly articulate value, ROI, and impact.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing partnerships through renewals, upsells, and expanded assets.
• Contribute to innovation in partnership offerings by identifying new assets, platforms, and activation concepts.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in CRM and sales tracking tools.
• Manage deal stages, forecasts, and projected revenue with discipline and transparency.
• Provide regular pipeline updates and revenue projections to leadership.
• Take proactive action to address gaps between pipeline and revenue goals.
• Work closely with Partnership Activation to ensure sold assets are clearly defined and executable.
• Collaborate with Marketing to align partnership positioning, proposals, and campaigns.
• Coordinate with Ticket Sales and Merchandise teams on integrated partnership opportunities.
• Partner with Operations and Event Experience teams to support execution and client experience.
• Ensure internal alignment prior to finalizing partnership agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers and key stakeholders.
• Support smooth handoff from sales to activation, remaining engaged through execution.
• Participate in partner meetings, events, and hospitality experiences to strengthen relationships.
• Contribute to renewal and recap materials that support retention and growth.
• Stay informed on industry trends, sponsorship innovation, and competitive activity.
• Research prospective partners to tailor outreach and proposals.
• Bring new ideas and insights that enhance the organization’s partnership strategy.
• Continuously refine approach based on performance data and market feedback.
• Prepare and contribute to revenue reports, forecasts, and performance updates.
• Support departmental planning efforts and campaign development.
• Use data and insights to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, sales, sports management, or related field preferred.
• 3–6+ years of experience in partnerships, sponsorships, or B2B sales.
• Proven ability to deliver revenue against assigned goals.
• Strong consultative selling and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfort working in a goal-driven, performance-based environment.
• Experience in sports, entertainment, or live events preferred.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and events.

What Success Looks Like

• Assigned partnership revenue goals are met or exceeded.
• Pipeline coverage supports consistent, predictable performance.
• Partnerships sold align with organizational strategy and execution capability.
• Cross-functional teams experience clear communication and alignment.
• Partners receive strong value, supporting renewals and long-term relationships.

What We’re Looking For

• A revenue-minded seller who takes ownership of outcomes.
• Someone who understands that activity supports results—but results are the goal.
• A disciplined, consultative seller who builds trust and long-term value.
• A collaborative teammate who works effectively across departments.
• A curious, improvement-oriented professional who brings new ideas forward.

Compensation

This role includes a competitive base salary, commission earned on corporate partnership sales, and incentive compensation tied to additional individual and company performance goals. Total earnings are performance-based, with upside for high achievers.

Benefits

Full benefits package provided.