VP of Regional Partnerships

Reporting to the Chief Advertising Revenue Officer (CARO), the Vice President of Regional Partnerships is responsible for managing and forecasting the regional lines of the ad sales budget including revenue targets, product mix, sponsorships elements, delivery and AE compensation. This person must have a proven track record with sports sponsorships, digital and linear advertising sales, major media agency business, deep local relationships, new business development, creative selling techniques, prospecting and a dynamic leadership style.

This person will manage a team of regional account executives as well as the regional sales coordinator with responsibility for facilitating their success and development in an ever-changing ad market. The Vice President of Regional Partnerships will work closely with the directors of each department at NESN to ensure best possible sponsorship elements and sales needs. They will also develop meaningful relationships with all direct clients and agency contacts to ensure NESN is delivering according to their needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with CARO, VP of National Sales, Director of Strategy & Business Development and the VP of Digital Sales to develop network budgets and revenue GTM strategies.
• Report sales data from the regional team to provide weekly, monthly and quarterly revenue updates and forecasting
• Work directly with team partners at FSM (Red Sox) and Delaware North (Bruins) to ensure collaborative sales between teams
• Partner with the CARO to develop commission/bonus structures along with inventory tracking, units rates and agency relationships while assisting in all facets of sales team management including hiring, training, evaluating and incentivizing
• Directly manage the regional sales team, including expenses, career and performance management, mentoring and skill development, employee relations & helping to achieve regional sales revenue objectives
• Oversee direct sponsorship and agency driven revenue streams by recommending packages for sales staff while developing specific plans to ensure revenue growth in all company’s products
• Collaborate with the VP of Digital Sales to grow the digital platform's presence through CTV/OTT advertising, and drive further success by identifying and selling cross-platform sponsorship opportunities—including vodcasts/podcasts, display and video, custom content, social media, and digital overlays
• Facilitate necessary company resources to ensure efficient and stable sponsorship research and execution by working closely with the Directors
• Analyze market data and sales trends; collect and report on research information to ensure NESN’s sales plans are effective and strategic
• Actively participate in the sales process through prospect identification, needs analysis, engaging top decision makers, sales presentations, value analysis and negotiation
• Work with CARO and VP of National Advertising to develop strategy for pro product sales in Portland, Providence & Hartford

We believe in the potential within every individual. If you’re passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Qualifications:

• 3 years of experience managing a team of account executives, including conducting performance appraisals, managing day to day performance, developing skills through coaching and training, and employee relations required
• At least 5 years of media sales experience preferred
• Understanding of the digital advertising landscape and experience with CTV, Social, website, vodcasts, and custom digital series.
• Working knowledge of the world of sports and sponsorships- Local sports knowledge a plus
• Strong leadership, motivational, negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Proven experience with internal and external customer relationship management
• Ability to adapt to the ever-changing media landscape
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of the Wide Orbit traffic system a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft excel is required
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

We believe that when team members feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and innovative. If you're looking for a workplace that celebrates people and their personal and professional growth, you've come to the right place.

Some of the benefits we provide include:

• Medical and Dental plans which are currently funded by NESN at approximately 85%
• Pre-Tax HSA, FSA and Dependent Care Account
• 401(k) plan with employer match of 100% up to the first 6% of compensation, 3% contribution through Safe Harbor and discretionary profit sharing of up to 6%.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability which are currently 100% funded by NESN
• Paid parental leave
• Time Off Benefits - Eligible NESN Employees accrue Paid Time Off equaling 160 hours or 20 days for the full year
• Team Store Discounts - Employees will receive a discount of 50% at the Red Sox Team Store and 25% off at the Bruins Pro Shop with a valid NESN Employee ID
• Paid Volunteerism - NESN provides eligible employees with up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid time to participate in NESN Connects events.
• Tuition Reimbursement - NESN provides a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program to assist employees who aspire to further their education to learn & grow within their careers.
• MBTA Reimbursement - Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $100 per month for the use of Mass Transit if it is their primary mode of transportation to & from work
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Estate Guidance - The Hartford helps employees protect their family’s future by creating a customized and legally binding will online using a simple but comprehensive online questionnaire.
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts - As a NESN employee, you are eligible for other discounts & perks such as pet insurance, tickets, travel, dry cleaning, mobile phones, and much more!

Who We Are

NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins among other holdings, and Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins. NESN is delivered throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.

As of Fall 2023, NESN manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a newly branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates games, as well as local college sports, original content and more in PA, WV, and portions of MD, OH and NY.

Our professional environment is passionate, adaptable, creative, and filled with aspiring individuals who are driven to grow with our company. Our core values are at the heart of who we are. We have a spontaneous and vibrant culture, and we truly believe in team spirit and collaboration.

NESN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.