Director, Partnership Strategy

Chicago Fire•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Chicago Fire FC is seeking an innovative, strategic, and data-driven Director of Corporate Partnership Strategy to lead the Club's partnership strategy function and help shape the future of commercial partnerships as we prepare for the opening of McDonald's Park. Reporting to the Vice President of Partnership Marketing & Strategy, this leadership role will oversee the development of integrated partnership strategies that drive new business revenue, support partner renewals and upsells, and position Chicago Fire FC as an industry leader in sports partnerships. The Director will lead a team of two while collaborating across the organization to develop compelling partnership narratives, create innovative partnership assets, build best-in-class sales materials, and leverage research and analytics to tell impactful commercial stories. This role will play a critical part in the commercialization of McDonald's Park by helping define new inventory, developing scalable partnership platforms, and creating innovative opportunities that maximize long-term revenue growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship strategy, sports marketing, or a related commercial role.
3+ years of leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
Proven experience developing partnership strategies, sponsorship packages, and sales presentations that drive revenue.
Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate research, data, and business objectives into compelling partnership solutions.
Exceptional communication, presentation, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Nice To Haves

High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and design tools for mockups and presentations (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
Experience working with data analysis platforms (e.g., Kore, Salesforce, YouGov, Blinkfire).
Understanding of the sports, entertainment, or event sponsorship industry.

Responsibilities

Lead the Club's partnership strategy function, developing innovative sponsorship solutions that drive new business, renewals, and long-term revenue growth.
Drive the commercialization of McDonald's Park by developing new partnership assets, entitlement opportunities, and scalable sponsorship platforms.
Oversee the creation of compelling sales presentations, partnership proposals, and strategic storytelling that effectively communicate the value of Chicago Fire FC partnerships.
Partner with senior leadership to identify, package, and position premium partnership opportunities that maximize commercial value.
Collaborate cross-functionally to create innovative, sellable partnership assets while balancing fan experience and business objectives.
Leverage market research, fan insights, and partnership analytics to inform partnership strategy and strengthen sales efforts.
Oversee partnership inventory management, valuation recommendations, rate cards, and performance reporting to support revenue growth.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Partnership Strategy team while establishing processes and best practices that drive collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Corporate Partnerships leadership team, helping shape the Club's long-term commercial vision.