Director, Corporate Partnerships

Buffy Filippell and Brad Stith are assisting the team in recruiting for this position. [email protected] 216.360.1790 WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN US! San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is on a mission to build a world class home for players and fans. We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking individual to join our mission to share our story, win championships, increase, and delight our fans. We’re making memories and engaging our community through this beautiful game. POSITION OVERVIEW: We seek a driven and experienced seller who excels in crafting partnerships that reflect our club’s values, match our ambitions, and resonate with our passionate fan base. Under the direction of the Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships, the Director Corporate Partnerships is responsible for generating revenue through the pursuit of innovative and high-value partnerships and leading up-sell opportunities for key accounts while enhancing the Wave FC brand. This role involves identifying, negotiating, and cultivating relationships with assigned partners to create mutually beneficial opportunities that drive business results and result in mutually beneficial and unique partnerships that enhance Wave FC’s mission. The ideal candidate will have proven experience and success in partnership sales, a strong understanding of the sports business landscape, and a passion for the growth of women’s sports. ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: • Efficiently and effectively maximize revenue through strategic marketing solutions and innovative sales and marketing concepts focused on multi-year, six figure and above opportunities. • Development of new strategic partnerships through proactive outreach, discovery, sales, meetings, presentations, negotiations and closing • Identify and proactively pursue prospective partners by thoroughly researching business trends, understanding category analysis, and familiarity with industry best practices • Maximize outward facing activities and time with prospects • Support high performing team by providing strong mentorship, coaching, and guidance • Cultivate and maintain a network of prospective partners • Provide strategic advice and support to assigned partners to maximize effectiveness of the relationship, identify opportunities for up-sell and maximize renewal potential. • Negotiate deal terms in collaboration with Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships and CBO • Drive the sales process from prospecting to closing, ensuring that agreed upon revenue targets are met or exceeded • Assist Senior Director, Corporate Parnterships with development of new revenue streams and assets • Collaborate with other functional areas to ensure clear communication and understanding with key stakeholders • Works closely with Partnership Marketing/Activation team to ensure fulfillment and delivery of contracted benefits • Monitor and assist Finance in accounts receivable for partner accounts • Utilize and maintain regular CRM touch-points and deal sheets for each prospect/account, as well as regular reporting of pipeline to Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships • Represent Wave FC at events and properties by regularly attending and hosting clients • Perform Game/Event requirements as assigned • Other Duties as assigned CORE COMPETENCIES • Bachelor’s degree, Graduate degree preferred • 7+ years of progressively increasing responsible experience in partnership sales, business development, or related roles • Strong negotiation skills, relationship builder, and ability to drive partnership revenue with a proven track record • Commitment to a vision of excellence and ambition, making us the preferred partner to prospects and accounts • Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data to drive decision-making and familiarity with standard value tracking and measurement tools • Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel • Excellent verbal and written communication skills (bi-lingual Spanish is plus), conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills with the ability to facilitate cross-team collaboration • Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability with changing priorities Work conditions (physical demands, travel, outdoors, etc.): ability to work gamedays, weekends and holidays as needed, support partner activation team as needed which may require physical demands and mobility around stadium, travel is minimal but may be required for partner away trips, industry research, prospect meetings, etc. This role is base + commission. Base comp ranges from $115K - $125K. If you meet the above qualifications and are ready to take on the challenge of leading our professional soccer club to success, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for the position. APPLY TODAY Our people are our club. We believe different backgrounds and experiences bring new ideas and perspectives. We encourage talented candidates from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to apply. We’re excited to welcome new members of our team who share our passion. 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. Lauren Leichtman with her husband Arthur Levin own the team. A recent article in Forbes tells you more about Lauren, Private Equity's First Woman billionaire.