Director of Sponsorships - Smokeout Festivals

TKO•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Sponsorship Sales is responsible for the creation and selling of branded, high-impact sponsorship opportunities, and acts as a trusted representative for our newest Event; Windy City Smokeout. This position develops unique and valuable sponsorship programs for top brands and partners. The primary responsibility of this role will be sourcing and closing new sponsorship with brands for new OL joint venture partnership events. Leverage strong sales acumen and a deep understanding of the sales process to meet and exceed personal sales targets. Identify, develop, and manage a robust pipeline of sponsorship opportunities. Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client companies and their advertising agencies. Understand client and agency marketing objectives to tailor impactful sponsorship solutions. Collaborate closely with joint venture partners and internal teams to develop compelling, customized proposals. Lead and support the creation and delivery of sales presentations and pitch materials. Work cross-functionally to ensure client objectives and partnership deliverables are met. Engage the broader company network and contribute to a collaborative sales culture.

Requirements

8+ years of sales, account management, and relationship development experience with Fortune 500 brands across media, marketing, sponsorship, or entertainment sectors.
Proven success in sourcing and closing sponsorship deals, with a strong track record of delivering commercial revenue.
Deep understanding of national and global sponsorships, brand activation, and leveraging IP and property assets.
Skilled in building and managing strategic client relationships, with experience engaging senior and C-level executives.
Strong ability to independently drive sales, build pipelines, and develop tailored partnership proposals.
Experienced in forecasting, business planning, and regularly revisiting strategy to ensure goals are met.
Effective communicator and presenter across varied audiences, with comfort navigating complex negotiations and contracts.
Well-versed in the full sales cycle, from prospecting to deal closure, with a nuanced understanding of customer motivations and brand goals

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
Ability to understand and work within a variety of different business models/revenue models is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Creation and selling of branded, high-impact sponsorship opportunities
Act as a trusted representative for Windy City Smokeout
Develop unique and valuable sponsorship programs for top brands and partners
Source and close new sponsorship with brands for new OL joint venture partnership events
Leverage strong sales acumen and a deep understanding of the sales process to meet and exceed personal sales targets
Identify, develop, and manage a robust pipeline of sponsorship opportunities
Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client companies and their advertising agencies
Understand client and agency marketing objectives to tailor impactful sponsorship solutions
Collaborate closely with joint venture partners and internal teams to develop compelling, customized proposals
Lead and support the creation and delivery of sales presentations and pitch materials
Work cross-functionally to ensure client objectives and partnership deliverables are met
Engage the broader company network and contribute to a collaborative sales culture