Senior Director, Partnership Marketing, Global Partnerships

About the Organization

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 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. Digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, a leading streaming service for combat sports.

UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), a premium sports and entertainment company that owns iconic properties including UFC, WWE, and PBR. TKO reaches 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories, organizing over 500 live events annually with more than three million fans in attendance.

About the Role

TKO is seeking a Senior Director of Partnership Marketing to join the Global Partnerships team, leading the strategy, growth, and execution of UFC brand partnerships. This role will deliver a best-in-class partnership marketing experience for key brand partners, serving as a consultative resource focused on driving measurable outcomes through strategic planning, innovation, and partnership growth.

The Senior Director will oversee a portfolio of strategic brand partnerships and lead a team responsible for day-to-day account management, integrated program execution, creative development, and long-term business planning. The ideal candidate is a commercially driven leader with a proven ability to build relationships, develop high-performing teams, and identify opportunities for partnership renewals, incremental investment, and cross-property growth across the TKO portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end management of commercial partnerships for UFC and other relevant TKO properties, delivering against partner brand and business objectives.
• Drive strategic planning for assigned partners by identifying growth opportunities aligned with TKO Global Partnerships business goals.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including Brand, Events, Digital, Comms, Ops, Legal, and Community Relations to ensure seamless partner activation.
• Act as the on-site project lead at TKO events, overseeing partner integrated marketing platforms and activations for flawless execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners, including client hosting and relationship development at events.
• Support revenue growth by contributing to renewals, upsells, and cross-sell opportunities across UFC, Zuffa Boxing, and the broader TKO enterprise.
• Develop executive-ready business reviews, strategic plans, and partnership reporting with clear insights and growth recommendations.
• Partner with the VP to develop a high-performing, consultative, and insight-driven partnership marketing team.
• Champion a culture of innovation, proactive partner management, and strategic thinking within the Partnerships Marketing organization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Partnership Marketing professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous professional growth.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in partnership marketing, marketing strategy, consulting, commercial operations, or related fields, preferably within sports, entertainment, or media.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage complex partnership programs.
• Strong understanding of brand partnerships, sponsorship marketing, and client service models.
• Commercial mindset with demonstrated success in supporting partnership renewals, negotiations, and revenue-generating strategies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing or mentoring team members in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field; MBA or equivalent experience is a plus.

Pay

Hiring rate range: $150,000 – $200,000 annually. The minimum will not fall below applicable state/local minimum salary thresholds. Compensation is based on job-related qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience. The company offers a locally competitive rewards package, including base pay, short- and long-term incentives, growth opportunities, and robust benefits such as healthcare, retirement, vacation, and other paid time off.