Director/Sr. Director, Corporate PartnershipsNew

Position Summary: Excel Sports Management is seeking a highly motivated and focused sponsorship salesperson to join the growing Properties division. Based in our Chicago office, you will be responsible for the sale of marquee partnership assets for our newest client in the city of Chicago, including but not limited to venue naming rights, founding partnerships, jersey sponsorships, and official partnerships, as well as other sponsorship related consulting services for domestic and global sports and entertainment properties.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prospect & identify qualified companies to approach regarding marquee partnership asset(s) Excel has been retained to sell on behalf of its clients (professional sports teams, leagues, venues, etc.);
• Pro-actively construct & maintain a brand prospect pipeline across multiple categories and territories for potential opportunities across client roster;
• Secure meetings with decision makers at prospective companies, building trust, empathy and demonstrating a deep understanding of best-in-class brand & sports marketing practices;
• Deploy a consultative, idea-first sales approach to help brands identify optimal partnerships to pursue with Excel clients;
• Works collaboratively with the Marketing Solutions department to:
• Build the narrative/storyline for corporate sales opportunities;
• Structure impactful presentations for prospective partners;
• Presents, negotiates, and closes deals for clients of Excel’s Properties division;
• Opportunistically pivots conversations to additional Excel sales verticals, including talent marketing (e.g., basketball, baseball, golf, football, media), brand marketing (consulting, analytics, hospitality), executive search engagements (Nolan Partners), and owned and operated events;
• Establishes relationships with senior-level decision-makers at major corporations, teams, leagues, venues, and governing bodies;
• Leverage Excel Sports & clients hosting assets to develop new relationships and further exciting relationships
• All other duties as assigned.
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• 6-8 years of direct, relevant work experience at team, league, and/or sales agency
• Must have a proven sales track record of delivering and supporting 7-figure annual sponsorship deals;
• Must be a self-starter and comfortable with a dynamic work environment.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Must have an established network inclusive of senior brand, agency, and/or property decision-makers;
• Must be a natural and confident salesperson with a proven ability to generate creative ideas;
• Must have the demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative environment with peers and wider team members;
• Must be a persistent and consistent relationship builder;
• Must have the ability to manage multiple projects and brand conversations while being responsive to the needs of the division and peers;
• Must have excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills;
• Must have the ability to demonstrate uncompromised judgment and discretion regarding interpersonal relationships
  
  

The pay range for this position is: $140,000 per year - $170,000 per year. This position is also eligible for benefits and discretionary bonus.

Ultimately, the salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, business sector, and geographic location, among other criteria.