Partnership Marketing Manager

Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota | Type: Full-time

About the role

The Ralph Engelstad Arena is seeking a Partnership Marketing Manager within Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships. This role serves as the liaison between corporate partners, Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships (FHSP) staff, University of North Dakota (UND) Athletic Department staff, and Ralph Engelstad Arena staff. The position ensures partner elements are executed properly, manages a portfolio of current partner relationships, and drives new business growth with a focus on local, small businesses.

The ideal candidate will bring strong marketing skills, customer service expertise, proven sales experience, and a commitment to building and maintaining relationships with corporate partners and the surrounding community.

Responsibilities

• Assist in tracking sponsorship inventory for FHSP.
• Create marketing contracts and agreements.
• Develop partnership proposals and assist with sponsorship ideation.
• Create custom mock-ups for proposals.
• Assist in sponsorship contract fulfillment, including signage, radio, print, digital, and events.
• Photograph sponsored elements for proof of performance purposes.
• Assist with expense reporting, invoicing, and other budgetary needs.
• Support corporate hospitality, tickets, in-game promotions, and other activities.
• Provide Proof of Performance (POP) for in-venue sponsorship elements.
• Meet and/or exceed assigned sales goals by developing and selling creative, custom sponsorship packages for prospective partners.
• Oversee and enhance assigned corporate partner relationships.
• Follow industry trends for new sponsorship inventory and creative sponsorship packages.
• Execute the entire sales process: prospecting, sales presentations, contract negotiations, recaps, upselling, and renewing current partners.
• Understand the strategic goals and objectives of the UND Athletics Department and Ralph Engelstad Arena.
• Develop strong relationships within FHSP, UND Athletics, Ralph Engelstad Arena, and the local community.
• Entertain partners at various game day and special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• At least two years of experience directly related to the responsibilities specified, including fulfillment and execution of the sales process.

Skills

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of digital marketing, including social media and content marketing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Audition.
• Ability to draft accurate and detailed contracts and proposals.

Work Environment

• Full-time onsite position based at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Periods of standing and/or walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Fast-paced event venue environment with varying schedules based on the event calendar.
• Must be able to work during events, including nights and weekends.

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance, including FSA/HSA contributions.
• Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Unlimited employee referral bonuses.
• 403b retirement matching.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability offered at no cost to the employee.
• Discount classes at the University of North Dakota for employee, spouse, and dependents.
• Choice Fitness/YMCA membership and Sioux Shop discount.

Pay

$45,000–$50,000 base salary depending on qualifications, plus commissions.

About the Organization

The Ralph Engelstad Arena is an event venue that hosts University of North Dakota Men’s Hockey, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Volleyball games, along with other events.

Grand Forks is 9.3% more affordable than the average U.S. community. Learn more about living in Grand Forks: https://grandforksiscooler.com/.