Stadium Partnerships Director, San Diego State University/Legends

SDSU Athletics has partnered with Legends Global Sales to secure naming rights and founding partnerships for the new Mission Valley Stadium. They will also assist in the sales strategy and execution of ticket packages for Aztec football, men’s & women’s basketball as well as premium and priority seating at the new Mission Valley Stadium.

The Role

The Director, Stadium Partnerships will conceptualise, develop, and secure key corporate sponsorships and marketing partnerships with companies wishing to maximise their relationship with San Diego State University. This position will report to the Vice President, Stadium Partnerships. This individual will have a proven track record in building successful partnerships as well as consistently securing seven- and eight-figure investments with FORTUNE 500 organisations. S/he must already have an established reputation and track record of success, gained with any combination of major brands, teams or agencies.

Essential Functions

• Present Legends’ brand to potential national/international sponsorship partners and develop an integrated, solution driven approach to creating sponsorship packages
• Create, package and sell solution-based naming rights and sponsorship
• Meet and exceed all revenue goals
• Build and maintain a pipeline of new business prospects
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision makers at client marketing companies and their respective advertising agencies
• Understand the marketing objectives of prospective clients and their agencies and determine how a Legends partnership can help them achieve their goals
• Coordinate with Legends national and regional sales teams to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of sales process
• Research and identify industries and organisations to solicit for sponsorship
• Create conceptual sponsorship packages that can be bundled with cross-property inventory to maximise exposure and results for sponsors
• Secure and conduct sales meetings by leveraging relationships as well as cold calling
• Negotiate and close sponsorship deals and work with counsel through contract execution

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty above at the highest levels. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required
• Ideal candidate will have at least 5-7 years of success with cross-platform sponsorships, including sales, servicing and activation
• Preferable experience includes working with new and/or facility renovation projects within the entertainment or sports industry
• Renowned solution-selling pedigree
• Solid rolodex with high-level contacts at large and midsize corporations, particularly companies with sponsorship portfolios
• Expertise in identifying opportunities, developing strategies and negotiating creative solutions
• Exemplary problem-solving, communication and presentation skills
• Known throughout the industry for their poise and professionalism when interacting with internal and external contacts
• Pre-existing relationships with senior-level marketing executives in North America and/or Globally
• Key agency contacts with media buyers, planners, and senior media management
• Supreme understanding of media/advertising buys and client/agency relationships
• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities with excellent communication skills
• A proven track record of creating and selling fully-integrated marketing programs
• High energy and a personality that thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Strong work ethic and a competitive drive to win
• Excellence in pitching, negotiating and closing six and seven figure sponsorship deals
• Ability to communicate value of sponsorship vs. pure media as a marketing solution
• Ability to develop creative proposals that meet and exceed potential partners’ needs
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Ability to quickly earn and maintain trust
• Ability to develop strong peer level relationships and work in a team environment