Senior Manager, Partnership Sales | Northwestern University

ASM Global•Chicago, IL

5d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Legends Global Partnerships is seeking a Senior Manager of Partnership Sales for Northwestern University. This role is part of a joint venture with JMI Sports to oversee corporate partnerships for the new Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics' multi-media rights. The new Ryan Field is an $850 million state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue scheduled to open in 2026, designed to be a year-round community asset. The joint venture will be responsible for engaging national and regional businesses with a unique sponsorship platform centered on the facility and the university. The Senior Manager will be responsible for securing new corporate and marketing partnerships, leading sales efforts, identifying emerging sponsorship categories, building relationships, generating leads, conducting client presentations, and negotiating contracts to meet revenue goals. The role reports to the Vice President, Partnerships.

Requirements

5+ years of successful corporate sales, premium sales, brand agency or brand sponsorship sales experience directly in sponsorship/corporate partnerships.
Proven track record in closing long-term, six figure integrated marketing partnerships.
Experience driving revenue growth with emerging opportunities and established partnerships.
Demonstrated experience using sales materials and market insights to craft strategy and narrative.
Storyteller with experience communicating the benefit of marketing opportunities to clients.
Communication and presentation experience with an emphasis on translating insights, product information, and data into partner value.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to develop strong working relationships with partners, teammates, and other stakeholders.
Capacity to meet challenging sales objectives in a high profile, competitive marketplace.
Ability to manage a high level of detail across multiple projects and to prioritize efficiently.
Expertise in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, and negotiating creative solutions.
Familiarity with digital media marketing and social media platforms.
Creativity to develop strategic and purpose driven marketing platforms.
Experience in building innovative presentations.
High emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and desire to grow professionally.
Ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines independently.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while remaining organized, efficient, and calm under pressure.
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

Manage key category development and platform ideation for new and existing partners.
Secure and conduct partnership development meetings with potential clients by leveraging relationships as well as cold outreach.
Understand the marketing and business objectives of prospective clients and their agencies.
Develop relationships and work directly with key colleagues to create a collaborative business development process and the opportunity for integrated partnerships.
Present new Ryan Field Partnerships to potential local/national sponsorship partners and develop an integrated, solution-driven approach to creating sponsorship packages.
Create, package, and sell sponsorships while becoming an integrated part of a team to meet and exceed revenue goals and objectives.
Manage a pipeline of new business prospects for the New Ryan Field as part of the Partnership sales team.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client marketing companies and their respective advertising agencies.
Negotiate and close sponsorship deals and work with counsel through contract execution.
Attend weekly meetings with senior-level executives and provide updates.
Positively represent the Ryan Field Foundation LLC, Northwestern Athletics, JMI Sports, and Legends among all corporate and partners.
Facilitate a team-first approach to business by effectively communicating and building relationships with internal stakeholders and executives that assist in the ideation and implementation of partnership programs.