The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are growing! We are seeking a Vice President of Partnerships, who will be responsible for leading departmental strategy, including retaining and growing current partners, along with prospecting and developing new partnerships for the Los Angeles Sparks, of the Women's National Basketball Association. We are looking for a leader who is a self-starter and cross functional leader with a vision to develop a long-term, strategic approach to our partnership business. Must be able to use both internal and external data for strategic decision making. Ideally, this individual will bring a strong network of senior level contacts to top brands. This position will work under the direction of the Senior Vice President of Revenue.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
Partnership Business Activities

• Lead partnership sales, activation and renewal efforts by developing a multi-year strategy that achieves annual revenue targets.
• Build and deepen relationships with existing and prospective partners' senior-level decision makers
• Develop innovative and relevant partnership platforms across community engagement, digital and linear media, activation spaces, custom retail initiatives, premium giveaways, etc.
• Develop compelling storylines, case studies, and pitch materials driven by a clear understanding of the partner's brand marketing goals
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain sales, strategy, and activation professionals who are results driven
• Provide regular performance updates to senior leadership
• Collaborate closely with internal colleagues across business intelligence, community engagement, marketing, digital, and ticketing to deliver maximum value for us and our partners
• Coordinate with legal and finance departments to review and approve all partnership agreements and/or amendments
• Work closely with colleagues across the WNBA and other professional sports teams to understand best practices and emerging partnership trends

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Deep experience in securing multiyear six- and seven-figure per annum partnership deals with regional, national, brands
• Experience prospecting and closing major marquee entitlements (e.g. facility naming rights, jersey branding, etc)
• Deep experience creating impactful organic and paid branded content activations in digital environments (web, social, mobile app)
• Outstanding communication, analytic, and negotiation skills
• High energy with ability to work extended/flexible hours that include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• 8+ years of partnership sales; experience with an agency, team, league, or rights holder is desirable
• 5+ years of team management experience
• High proficiency with sponsor-related analytic tools and software (e.g. Nielsen, YouGov, Two Circles, Microsoft Office, and KORE Software)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays as required
• Available to work on-site for Sparks home games and events, including late evening hours and outside normal business hours
• Ability to perform physical tasks and essential requirements
• Must be willing to relocate to Los Angeles, CA

Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $165,000

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Job Questions:

1. Are you located in California? If no, can you relocate?
2. How many years of experience do you have in partnership sales?
3. How many years of team management experience do you have?