Partnership Marketing Manager

Buffalo Sabres•Buffalo, NY

7h•$62,353 - $65,000

About The Position

The Buffalo Sabres are seeking a Manager of Partnership Marketing for the Buffalo Sabres+ Corporate Partnership Team. The role manages selected corporate partnership accounts across the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, KeyBank Center, and LECOM Harborcenter portfolios. The manager is responsible for delivering contractual assets, building strong partner relationships, and maximizing revenue and return on investment. The position works across internal departments and with external partners to plan, execute, track, and report on partnership activations. It contributes to renewals and upselling, supports partner budgets and proposals, leads presentations and meetings, and prepares partnership recaps featuring storytelling, photos, and analytics. The role may involve nights, weekends, holidays, and some travel for games and special events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent work experience is also referenced. Preferred areas of focus include Sport Management, Marketing, or Business.
3–5 years of work experience in sports-related marketing, events, client services, and/or media.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required for Sabres and Bandits games and special events.
Some travel may be required.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to provide exceptional customer service.
Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to assist in leading projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners.
Interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a high-pressure environment.
Strong work ethic and ability to deliver individual results within a team-oriented environment.
Ability to manage expectations and conflict while providing feasible solutions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience with KORE/Two Circles or a related CRM.
Knowledge and experience with DIGIDECK.
Knowledge and experience with Sponsor United.
Preferred degree focus in Sport Management, Marketing, or Business.

Responsibilities

Manage partnership contractual elements, meet deadlines, and achieve established goals.
Contribute to department revenue goals through partnership renewals and upsell opportunities.
Coordinate with internal departments and stakeholders to fulfill partnership assets and align programs and initiatives.
Communicate regularly with partners, develop assets, and evaluate KPIs against structured plans for contracted assets.
Prepare action plans, agendas, and follow-up notes for internal and external meetings.
Assist with partner budgets and expense reporting.
Maintain accurate fulfillment, contract, and touchpoint records in KORE.
Use Tableau to support accurate reporting and measure fulfillment.
Advise partners on activation best practices.
Assist with fulfillment on game days and during special events.
Lead an asset category with an internal department to ensure fulfillment and identify further opportunities.
Collaborate with the Director of Partnership Marketing on partner plans demonstrating ROI and fulfillment of initiatives.
Oversee timely mid-year and year-end partnership recaps for assigned accounts, incorporating storytelling, photos, and analytics.
Assist with renewal research, proposals, and pitches alongside corporate partnership sales representatives.
Lead partnership presentations and meetings internally and externally.
Research activation concepts and maintain industry knowledge to support brand fit, partner marketing objectives, and business results.
Complete special projects assigned by the Director of Partnership Marketing.
Track, schedule, manage, and communicate partnership assets across areas including broadcast and media, community programs, digital strategy, game-day activation and operations, game presentation integration, hospitality, marketing promotions and sweepstakes, retail and merchandise, and venue signage.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive and affordable medical plans.
Supplemental vision care and dental care.
Life insurance coverage.
Fully paid short- and long-term disability coverage.
401(k) with employer matching.
Annual discretionary defined employer contributions.
Paid volunteer days.
Up to four complimentary tickets to Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, and Rochester Americans games when available.
Annual health and wellness fair and monthly wellness initiatives, including lunch-and-learns, fitness classes, and challenges.
Annual social events for employees and their families, including holiday parties and activities.
DEI committee and annual initiatives.
Employee Resource Groups.
Community volunteer opportunities.