The Director of Sales, Corporate Partnerships will be responsible for the generation and development of revenue for the Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns properties. The successful candidate will need to have experience selling dynamic and innovative partnerships and the capability to lead and mentor others within the department. The Director will need to foster a consultative sales culture that fully maximizes opportunities to develop customized partnerships and marketing solutions across all owned properties for current and potential partners. Dedication to creativity, innovation and the use of analytics/research are imperative qualities for a successful Director of Sales.

Essential Functions/ Major Responsibilities (in order of importance):

Identify and close long term corporate partners for the Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns
Collaborate with the Sr. Vice President, Corporate Partnerships in the overall strategic direction for the team including: developing sales collateral, implementation of successful prospecting and pitching, setting departmental goals and expectations
Provide accurate, reliable information for sales forecasts and inventory management reports
Inspire staff by reaching sales targets while maintaining great client and prospect relationships
Develop new potential inventory through ideation and researching industry trends

Revenue-driving responsibilities include:

Generate revenue through the sale of “new” and “renewal” corporate partnerships
Conduct comprehensive client needs analysis, build unique/dynamic partnership activation plans that meet or exceed potential client’s business goals and close business in a timely fashion
Ability to cultivate new and existing corporate partner relationships to ensure sponsor revenue growth
Develop dynamic sales presentations for current or new business prospects by incorporating research of category dynamics and clear understanding of the prospective partner’s marketing goals
Network and build positive long term relationships with key decision makers
Support members of the activation staff to ensure sponsor assets are being fulfilled
Establish and maintain positive workplace and department culture and adapt to fast paced working environment
Assist and engage with prospects and partners during Timbers/Thorns matches as well as events when needed
Collaborate with multiple departments in a positive and respectful manner
Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities with excellent oral and written communication skills
A creative salesperson with the ability to open doors and a demonstrated track record for closing innovative sponsorships and integrated marketing programs and reaching targeted quotas
High-energy and a personality that thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment
Creative and strategic approach to establishing corporate partnerships

Secondary Responsibilities:

Must be available to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Positions Reporting: None

Requirements:

Strong relationships with senior level marketing executives at relevant marketing corporations, preferably (but not required to be) located in or doing business in the market
Excellent relationship building skills
Effective negotiation skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
The ability to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, gaining their trust, confidence, and respect as well as the ability to build consensus among stakeholders with varying interests and objectives
A creative salesperson with the ability to open doors and a demonstrated track record for closing innovative sponsorships and integrated marketing programs and reaching targeted quotas
High-energy and a personality that thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment
Creative and strategic approach to establishing corporate partnerships
Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities with excellent oral and written communication skills

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, sports management or related field from a four-year college or university or additional relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of successfully selling corporate partnerships in sports or other related industry
Experience in identifying, tracking and influencing the core metrics that drive financials in a corporate partnership environment

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.

Director, Sales Corporate Partnerships