Director, WNBA Corporate Partnership Development

JOB SUMMARY:

The Cleveland WNBA team is seeking a ‘Director, Corporate Partnership Development’, to drive revenue through innovation and strategic execution. The organization is looking for a proven leader looking to take the next step in her or his career in the sports industry to manage new business pipelines and develop staff. The successful candidate will have experience selling corporate partnerships and a proven track record of achieving goals, setting strategic sales campaigns, and developing mutually beneficial partnerships. Additionally, this person must have excellent communication and presentation skills, experience negotiating six- and seven-figure per annum deals, and a proven track record of cultivating and maintaining strong relationships both internally and externally in the market with clients and as a civic leader. This position reports to the Senior Vice President Corporate Partnerships & Commercial Strategy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Prospects new business clients by researching prospective companies.
• Delivers effective presentations which satisfy prospects’ needs through various combinations of Cleveland WNBA marketing elements including digital content, digital and linear media, bold activation spaces, custom retail initiatives, branding, promotions, social impact efforts, and premium giveaways.
• Works closely within WNBA team counterparts to understand best practices, our position compared to league deals, category opportunities, and emerging categories.
• Utilizes CRM daily to record and track progress.
• Entertains and nurtures relationships with current and prospective clients.
• Responsible for a new personal business development sales goal for the Cleveland WNBA franchise.
• Reacts to and overcomes problems or objections; executes contract and coordinates billing process.
• Follows up on all deadlines, making sure all materials are on time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in communications or marketing.
• Must have a minimum of 5+ years of sales experience in the major league sports industry and an established book of business and relevant contacts to call upon.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Must have solid understanding of digital sales and cultivation of revenue through content.
• Must be available to work Arena events, including select Cavaliers, Monsters and Charge home games, and future Cleveland WNBA home games.
• Proficient in sales strategy, cultivation and negotiation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Salesforce and other related computer skills required.
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail required.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and support multiple high level executive positions.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Excellent ability to establish rapport with others and ability to build strong interpersonal relationships.
• Exhibit good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidential information.
• Must be a team player.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.