Partnership Marketing Manager

The Partnership Marketing Manager plays a critical role on the Partnership Marketing and broader Corporate Partnerships team. The role is responsible for executing contractual obligations, leads the service and day-to-day management of strategic partnerships through a solutions-based approach. With the support of the Partnership Marketing team and department leadership, the Manager, Partnership Marketing will be tasked with achieving the goals and objectives identified by the Corporate Partner while providing exceptional relationship service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including, but not limited to):
The Partnership Marketing Manager position will have daily responsibilities including, without limitation, the following:

• Act as a key contact with assigned partners (clients), autonomously overseeing day-to-day relationships between partners and internal departments
• Work with partners to identify clear and measurable business objectives specific to their goals and “why” a relationship with the Detroit Lions matters for the partner(s) in the marketplace
• Develop and execute partnership activation plans that most effectively leverage our assets and capabilities, build our partners’ business and deliver on goals
• Manage clients CRM entries to ensure information is accurate, deliverables are tracked and fulfilled, and account information is always updated
• Track all account inventory across all mediums, including in-stadium, print, radio, television, digital and game-day activation, while providing continual status-update communications to the Partnership Marketing and Sales team(s)
• Attend client meetings and present corporate sponsorship upselling and renewals opportunities (in concert with Sales counterpart)
• Work with Solutions and Sales team(s) to identify, based on partner objectives and internal opportunities, new sellable marketing assets, community programs, NFL initiatives and digital platforms that can be used to monetize business
• Create and present partner recaps following key initiatives, mid-season and post-season to tell the story of our partnership and share value delivered and key insights, all while incorporating relevant and appropriate data and market research
• Assist in the renewal of assigned corporate partner agreements as they expire, including assessing the level at which renewal should be achieved and identifying at-risk partners early in sales process in collaboration with the sales team
• Natural ability to develop a strong rapport and establish long-term relationships with partners, partnership sales team and with other departments
• Game day and event responsibilities include activation setup, entertaining clients and fulfilling sponsorship contract obligations
• Primary responsibility for at least one (1) tentpole event throughout the year.  Includes but is not limited to NFL Draft, Partner Summit, Corporate Partner Away Trip, etc.
• Work with NFL sponsorship colleagues to share best practices, concepts and industry news

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Utilizing and providing excellent interpersonal and service skills to build and develop mutually beneficial relationships with partners
• Maintain professionalism when communicating with internal and external contacts
• Champion corporate sponsor objectives
• Keep an appropriate level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and web tools and software being used
• Must be motivated, reliable, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have a strong desire to always “make things better”
• Must be accurate and efficient with the ability to meet deadlines
• Must be detail oriented with strong organizational skills
• Will keep appropriate information confidential
• Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the position description if they are ongoing
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferred areas of study include Marketing, Communications, Sports Management or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful Partnership Marketing experience with a major league professional sports team, agency or high-profile entertainment entity, while working in a competitive sales environment required
• Experience formulating marketing plans and promotions from development to execution
• Minimum computer aptitude required: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• High desire for continual improvement and possession of a growth mindset
• Able to work extended hours including games and events in the evening and on weekends
• Demonstrates an ability to work independently and to be self-motivated
• Exceptional problem solving and multi-tasking skills
• Comfortable working in a sales environment and having basic negotiation discussions
• Attention to detail and ability to thrive in a deadline driven environment
• You may use AI as a tool in creating your application, but this role is powered by human talent—your judgment, experience, and character are integral. Please let your personal talent shine.