Account Manager, Partnership Marketing - Sounders FC

TITLE: Account Manager, Partnership Marketing

DEPARTMENT: Corporate Partnerships

REPORTS TO: Director of Partnership Marketing 

TYPE: Full-Time Regular

FLSA: Exempt 

ROLE TYPE: Individual Contributor

OUR CLUB

When you join Seattle Sounders FC, you join a soccer-loving, socially progressive, ambitious club rooted in the best soccer city in America. We have one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY 

As the Account Manager in Partnership Marketing, you'll play a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day needs of our marquee partners, ensuring their satisfaction and growth. You'll plan and execute strategic activation strategies, manage media and event elements, and oversee partner signage, tickets, merchandising, and hospitality.

You'll be responsible for maintaining partner details in our inventory systems, creating detailed recaps, and building strong relationships by anticipating partners' needs and activating partnership assets in engaging ways. Additionally, you'll support the Corporate Partnership Sales team with research and creative ideas, lead presentations, and contribute to team operations.

This role requires a strategic-minded individual who is passionate about client service, building impactful, objective-focused partnerships, and displays a positive, collaborative attitude in line with the club’s vision, values, and objectives.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Partnership Marketing Fulfillment & Retention

• Responsible for overall day-to-day account management including contract activation and fulfillment, strategic direction, and budget for assigned marquee corporate partners
• Accountable for retention as well as presenting incremental opportunities for existing partnerships including contract amendments and renewals
• Plan and coordinate activation strategies and calendars for assigned partner accounts
• Effectively manage the following core fulfillment responsibilities:
• Match-day execution (on-site activations, in-match promotions, stadium giveaways, presentations, and hospitality)
• Coordinating media elements (television, radio, streaming, digital and social media)
• Events/promotion execution (retail marketing initiatives and non-match day/community events and appearances)
• Partner signage
• Coordinating tickets, merchandising, and hospitality elements
• Enter and maintain all partner elements in inventory spreadsheets or CRM
• Knowledge of inventory, league guidelines and internal processes
• Create and present recaps as necessary for all assigned partners
• Proactively develop new ways to establish strong relationships with assigned corporate partner accounts. Anticipate the needs of partners and communicate accordingly.
• Strategically brainstorm ways to activate partnership assets to meet both Sounders FC and client goals that engage Sounders FC fans.
• Work collaboratively across departments to deliver client services and solutions.
• Proactively participate in Partnership Marketing team operations, including team meetings, assisting colleagues with events, promotions, hospitality, and shared responsibilities on match days
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS   

• Demonstrated experience managing partnerships in sponsorships, client services, sports or event marketing, agency, or media
• A strategic thinker who can assess the long-term implications of current choices and decisions
• Skilled in basic accounting principles for crafting detailed recaps and managing budgets. Self-starter with the ability to work independently and prioritize projects effectively
• Meticulous organizer with a keen eye for detail.
• Dynamic and approachable, excelling in relationship-building.
• Champion of club values: One Club, Trusted Teammates, Growth is Good, Gritty, Zig, Inclusive, Extraordinary Communicators, and Soccer is Fun.
• Exceptional communicator, adept at engaging clients, C-Level executives, colleagues, and vendors.
• Innovative and creative thinker, who can contribute ideas and participate in marketing efforts in the department and across the organization
• Enthusiastic and ready to make an impact at every level.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living organizational values and the to the organizational mission: Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify & Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and fans.

WORK ENVIRONMENT   

• This is a hybrid position working from home and from our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton WA. matches at Lumen Field and events and meetings in market as needed.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire. 
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel. 
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship. 
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time.
• Must be able to set up partner and match day promotional and event programs. Promotional setup typically requires carrying and lifting moderate sized promotional materials or boxes that weight up to forty (40) pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND PERKS 

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people by providing the following top-notch benefits. 

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000 and $80,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market. 

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes: 

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored premiums for you and your dependents.
• Generous and Flexible PTO: Our Paid Time Off plan is designed with your well-being in mind, offering unlimited paid vacation.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12-16 weeks of paid leave, giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000