Director, Client Strategy

PlayOn! Sports•New York, NY

10d•$180,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PlayOn is looking for a highly creative, growth-minded Director of Client Strategy to lead development and execution of sponsorship and brand partnership strategy for the company’s National Ad Sales division. With a focus on strengthening the MaxPreps brand in market, this player-coach will shape our brand story and marketing materials, build sponsorship opportunities, guide research and insights, and optimize client execution workflows. The Director will manage a team of strategists, setting priorities, developing talent, and ensuring strong strategic output. Reporting to the SVP, National Ad Sales, the ideal candidate will be a strong storyteller with deep brand partnerships experience who can operate cross-functionally to help drive revenue across MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio including GoFan and NFHS Network.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years sales marketing, integrated marketing, and/or client strategy experience
Demonstrated track record of building creative sales materials, compelling brand stories, and strategic partnership recommendations
Creative “big picture” mindset paired with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach that can shape GTM strategy and move work from concept to execution
Demonstrated people-management experience with a track record of coaching high-performing teams, setting priorities, and developing talent
Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment and align stakeholders around broader business and revenue outcomes
Organized, strategic thinker who can balance multiple priorities and take concepts through execution for brand partners
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Interest in and enthusiasm for high school and broader sports marketplace
Proficient in Figma Slides, Pitch.com, PowerPoint, Keynote, and other design / presentation tools (e.g. Canva)
Understanding of the digital landscape including Display, Video, Audio, Social, Branded Content, Events, Data/Targeting, Ad Measurement, and more

Responsibilities

Lead development and evolution of MaxPreps’ GTM strategy informed by research, analytics, marketplace insights, and creative storytelling
Oversee productization of existing and net-new editorial content and franchises into compelling sponsorships for brand partners
Guide the research and insights agenda with the Director, Research & Analytics, translating audience data into differentiated pitches and marketplace storytelling
Collaborate with Sales leadership to influence pipeline, prioritize strategic opportunities, and ensure exceptional pre- and post-sale execution
Manage, coach, and develop three Client Strategists and the Director, Research & Analytics, fostering ownership, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
Provide strategic and team leadership for GTM development across MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio, while remaining hands-on with priority opportunities and client narratives
Partner cross-functionally to develop proactive and reactive sponsorship opportunities and tentpole calendars that leverage multichannel content / editorial
Oversee creative development and ongoing management of media kits, marketing materials, templates, and pitch decks, ensuring quality and consistency across team output
Set priorities, allocate resources, and coach the Client Strategy and Research & Analytics team to deliver high-quality work that supports in-market pitches and storytelling
Build and optimize pre- and post-sale workflows that champion speed, efficiency, clear ownership, and exceptional client service
Lead ongoing analyses tied to brand ethos, marketplace story, audience insights, and supporting marketing materials with the Director, Research & Analytics
Inform and influence decisions pertaining to production, deal margin, marketing initiatives / events, resource allocation, and more