SUMMARY
The individual hired will work out of the corporate office at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. The individual in this position will be expected to help grow the organization’s corporate partnerships revenue by building key local relationships and reaching new partners. Suitable for the role are exceptionally creative and commercially aggressive professionals with a proven track record securing world-class partnerships and supporting the organization in revenue generation. The Corporate Partnerships Associate will be instrumental in the development of creative ideas, thought-starters, partnership packages and presentations for new business under the partnerships team. This individual will also provide best-in-class service to our wide network of current partners as they execute their partnerships throughout the season.

This role is a part-time, hourly paid position with the opportunity for commission based on new business revenue. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Continuously prospect to develop new business through outreach and networking, which includes growing existing relationships and offerings of assigned accounts.

·       Involved in the servicing of Chicago Sky current partners all year long during regular office hours, at home games and at various team and partner functions.

·       Develop and maintain positive relationships with client contacts and executives to ensure a personal connection is established in order to drive incremental revenue year over year.

·       Ideate and develop best-in-class partnership platforms and innovative ideas to arm sales teams with for prospective partners.

·       Work with the sponsorship and marketing team to develop and service partnerships including proposals, planning, execution, customer service, and proof of performances.

·       Assist in maintaining and updating Salesforce CRM system.

·       Develop sales tools for new business pitches including proposals, RFP’s, term sheets, prospecting sheets, thought starters etc. for the purpose of revenue generation across all arms of the company. 

·       Articulate and present creative vision of integrated sponsorship presentations to internal and external decision-makers and project stakeholders.

·       Collaborate with Sales and Activation team members (and arena contacts as needed) to finalize asset packages for partnerships as deals move to the negotiation stage.

·       Conduct brand research and analyze data to gain consumer insights as it relates to ongoing brand conversations and build a story to bring the brand to life through our properties/partnerships.

·       Participate in weekly team meetings to report on and discuss ongoing owned projects.

·       Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

·       Undergraduate or graduate degree in marketing, business, sports business management, or communications preffered. 

·       1+ years of demonstrated marketing, sales and/or integrated partnerships experience in one or more of the following or related industries: sports, venues, music, or entertainment.

·       Creative problem solver with the ability to quickly understand brands’ business models and identify creative solutions for how to solve for indicated KPI’s. 

·       Ability to communicate articulately and confidently both verbally and in writing with individuals at every level of the organization.

·       Positive, can-do attitude with the ability to manage long-term projects as well as quick turnaround assignments.  

·       Willingness to work the hours required to fulfill the commitments of the role beyond a traditional 9-5, including nights and weekends. 

SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS

·       Currently, the sponsorship department works remotely Monday, Wednesday/Thursday and Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm, with mandatory in-office hours on Tuesday and Wednesday/Thursday, from 9:00am 5:00pm. Please note there will be flexibility with in-office days as meetings may be scheduled that require the Sponsorship department to come in. This is subject to change with ample prior notice including the addition of further in-office days as deemed by the head of the department or as mandated by the organization.

·       All sponsorship staff members are expected to work all home games (minimum of 20 per season) including nights, holidays and weekends. Staff are also expected to be available for pre-season and post-season games. 

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.

Job Questions:

1. Are you located in the Chicagoland area or willing to relocate at your own expense?
2. Are you available to attend all Chicago Sky home games?
3. Describe briefly your overall previous partnerships or sports marketing experience.