Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships (Seattle Storm)

The Seattle Storm, a four-time WNBA Champion and one of the league’s most iconic franchises, is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Senior Director of Corporate Partnership Sales to help lead new business development efforts. This individual will be responsible for identifying, prospecting, pitching, and closing high-value partnerships that align with the Storm values, brand,  and fans. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic seller with a strong track record of closing six- and seven-figure multi-year deals, has a deep understanding of brand marketing and sponsorship strategy, and is passionate about women's sports and the power of purpose-driven partnerships. Experience selling for a league, team, or other sports/entertainment property is preferred.   

The successful candidate will be a strategic leader with strong commercial acumen, including experience in dynamic solutions-based sponsorship sales, exceptional relationship development, strong account management skills, and be a great collaborator and team player.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  

New Business Development (Primary Focus – 70%)

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive new business sales strategy, focused on securing long-term, high-impact corporate partnerships. 
• Proactively identify and build a pipeline of prospects across key open categories.  
• Craft custom, insight-driven partnership proposals that address brand objectives and leverage the Storm’s unique assets (In-arena, TV, IP, digital, community, hospitality, etc.). 
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (marketing, game operations, community and social impact, ticket sales, etc,) to develop and price integrated marketing platforms. 
• Maintain a relentless focus on closing business—owning the sales process from initial outreach to contract execution. 
• Using best practices and sports business trends, continually refine and implement sales management processes. 
• Strong understanding of corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising strategies to support community-focused initiatives.

Leadership & Collaboration (20%) 

• A collaborative and adaptive leader who thrives in a team-oriented environment, working effectively across departments and with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a senior leader within the Corporate Partnerships team. 
• Partner with the Partnership Services team, Marketing, and Community Impact teams to ensure smooth onboarding and execution of partnerships. 
• Represent the Storm externally with professionalism and passion, including at games, industry events, and community functions. 
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior members of the partnership team as needed. 

Sales Operations & Reporting (10%) 

• Own accurate forecasting, tracking, and reporting of new business pipeline and revenue. 
• Stay informed on sports industry trends, brand priorities, and the evolving sponsorship landscape—especially as it pertains to women’s sports and purpose-driven marketing. 
• Utilize CRM and other sales tools to manage workflow and reporting. 

Position requirements  

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential?functions.
 

Education 

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as Sports Marketing/Management, Business Administration, Sales and Marketing is recommended.  

A Master’s degree or relevant advanced training/education is a plus.  
 

Related experience 

• Recommend 8+ years of experience in professional or collegiate-level sports in a sales, marketing and or business administration role.  
• 5+ years of sports sponsorship and sales development preferred. 
• 5+ years of experience working with high-profile brands, agencies, agents, non-profits, and/or athletes, is strongly preferred.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Positive, high-energy personality with a proactive and forward-thinking mindset.
• Strong understanding of the women’s sports landscape and ability to leverage that in the sales process.
• Believes in the power of professional women’s sports, growing the game and is committed to Diversity Equity Inclusion work.  
• Proven track record of driving YOY sales growth and achieving and or exceeding goals.  
• Demonstrated success closing larger partnerships ($250K–$1M+ annually) with national and regional brands. 
• Excellent storyteller with the ability to sell the value alignment and vision of the organization to prospective partners. 
• Collaborative, outgoing, team-oriented & successful in working cross-departmentally. 
• High integrity and values are compatible with the organization. 
• Strong work ethic with a track record of delivering results in high-pressure situations. 
• Exceptional verbal, written communication and external presentation skills. 
• Must possess an entrepreneurial/go-getter and visionary mindset with the ability to implement solutions that realistically embrace aspirational goals. 
• Build relationships that are strategic and not transactional. 
• Desire to constantly improve, learn and willing to receive feedback.  
• Ability to perform and provide clear decision-making leadership while juggling multiple responsibilities/projects to stay within deadlines.  
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office software applications. 

Compensation

$95,000 - $110,000 Base + Commission and Bonus

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; balance; bend and reach with hands and arms; use feet to operate foot pedal operation; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to climb ladders, sit, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  
 

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to large crowds and unpredictable public circumstances. The office environment is open and quiet. The noise level in the public work environment can be loud.
 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

Force 10 Hoops, LLC DBA Seattle Storm is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.

This organization participates in E-Verify. 

ABOUT THE WNBA SEATTLE STORM ORGANIZATION

Force 10 Hoops, LLC DBA Seattle Storm is a storied franchise in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), proudly boasting four WNBA Championships to its name. Our rich history and commitment to excellence have made us a force to be reckoned with in women's professional basketball. The Seattle Storm stands as a symbol of dedication, determination, and empowerment, both on and off the court. In 2024 we opened our Center for Basketball Performance which houses our team, front office and basketball operations staff.  

Force 10 Hoops, LLC/“The Storm” offers a comprehensive benefits package to all eligible employees. Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, AD&D, Long Term Disability, Transportation Account, Employee Assistance Program, matching 401k plus vacation, sick and holidays. As a WNBA team we also offer League-related discounts, a great Seattle work location and a team-focused environment. 

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