What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Partnership Marketing position at United Soccer League?
United Soccer League
Job Title: Director, Partnership Marketing
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: USL Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.
Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."
Position Purpose
USL is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director, Partnership Marketing to lead our entitlement partnerships. This role will provide strategic and tactical direction and oversight of the execution and management of all entitlement partnerships. The Director will be responsible for building strong relationships with partners, developing and delivering impactful marketing campaigns, and supporting overall revenue growth.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
Partner Relationship & Account Management:
- Cultivate and nurture deep relationships with entitlement partners, understanding their business goals, offerings, and campaign priorities.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the organization and partners, ensuring seamless communication and best-in-class delivery.
- Oversee partner budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and successful campaign execution while maximizing return on investment.
- Drive revenue growth through successful contract renewals, upselling opportunities, and effective budget management.
Strategic Planning & Execution:
- Develop and oversee comprehensive strategic partnership plans for all entitlement partners, aligning partner goals with organizational objectives.
- Advise partners on effective marketing strategies, developing and implementing integrated campaigns and initiatives.
- Manage all aspects of partner activation, including hospitality, asset delivery, and event logistics.
Collaboration & Industry Expertise:
- Foster strong internal collaboration across departments to effectively meet client needs, resolve issues, and identify new revenue opportunities.
- Stay informed of industry trends and best practices to identify innovative partnership opportunities and optimize existing programs.
- Contribute to the development of creative and impactful activation programs for both existing and prospective partners.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- 7 years of experience in partnership marketing, sponsorship, or marketing in the professional sports industry highly preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, or a related field – preferred or combination of relevant professional work experience and/or education.
- Proven track record of success in managing and growing a portfolio of partnerships.
- Strong understanding of the sports sponsorship landscape.
- Experience working with C-suite executives and other key decision-makers.
- Ability to think strategically and develop integrated marketing platforms.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to establish, track and report on partnership success metrics.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Fluency in Spanish preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / when necessary.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Work Environment
Based in Tampa, FL, USL Headquarters provides a vibrant and open working environment designed to promote collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and knowledge sharing. We believe in fostering a culture that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Currently, USL HQ operates on a hybrid work model. From Monday to Thursday, team members gather in person to harness the power of face-to-face collaboration. This not only strengthens the bonds within the team but also enhances communication and innovation. On Fridays, we transition to a remote work setup, providing our team with the flexibility to manage their tasks in an environment of their choosing.
Typical USL HQ hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm ET. Evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel may be necessary based on business demands.
We have great Perks - Comprehensive Benefits Package • Medical, Dental, Vision • Health HSA and FSA • 401k w/ up to 6% company match • Pet Insurance • Corporate Discounts • Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days • Business Casual Dress • Optional Remote Work Fridays • And More!
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.
