Trainee, Sponsorship Sales Support & Activation

Intersport•Des Plaines, IL

7d•$43,900•Hybrid

About The Position

Intersport is an award-winning agency that fills the empty space between marketing campaigns and consumers – helping brands make more meaningful connections. Our industry-leading team includes 200+ team members supporting 50+ clients with services spanning content production, experiential and event marketing, hospitality, partnership consulting, creative, social and digital marketing, and platform development. We also own and operate event properties across the professional and collegiate sports landscape, focused on sports including basketball, football, golf, pickleball, and volleyball. The Trainee program is the means for entry-level hiring at Intersport. A Trainee position is full-time and covers a period of six months. Toward the end of the six-month period, Intersport will determine permanent placement options, based on Trainee performance, market factors and Intersport’s ability to hire. The responsibilities of each Trainee position vary depending on the needs of the company and the interests of the Trainee. In addition to their day-to-day work, the Trainee will gain exposure across the organization to get a well-rounded view of Intersport and of the sports and entertainment marketing industry. Intersport is seeking to add a smart and driven Trainee to its Partnerships & Experiences team. The Partnerships & Experiences team is integral to providing existing clients with a variety of solutions to help them reach their business and brand objectives. The Trainee is responsible for assisting in all aspects of program management and execution for the client they are assigned and ensures that work is provided in a high-quality, timely, cost-effective manner. The Trainee is expected to assist on various aspects of a piece of business as well as, in time, lead select program deliverables and should be someone seeking ownership and corresponding accountability for responsibilities focused in the areas of sponsorship sales support (supporting two senior-level sponsorship sellers) and sponsorship activation (on behalf of a municipal marketing client).

Requirements

Zero (0) to one (1) years’ experience in a marketing role at an agency, brand, media company, sports or entertainment property, or related organization
Strong interest in the sports and entertainment marketing landscape, specifically sponsorship marketing and/or sponsorship sales
Demonstrated ability to conduct online/desk research
Ability to manage multiple programs/projects concurrently, inclusive of a detail oriented and organized approach
Application of superior prioritization and time-management skills
Ability to produce high quality work at a fast pace
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proactive, team player with a strong work ethic
Exemplary written and oral communication skills
Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word; proficiency in Excel
Ability to travel for business on trips typically lasting between two to five days and with an interest in working in an on-site/event marketing environment

Nice To Haves

Ideally one has experience, either in school or via an internship, mocking-up creative support materials that visually complement PowerPoint/Canva presentations
Demonstrable graphic design capabilities (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) a plus

Responsibilities

Embody and reflects Intersport’s performance-based culture and commits him/herself and team to the highest standards for all agency work
Work effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver executional excellence
Assist in the management of program budgets to achieve client needs and remain on targeted budget
Help to provide clear, timely and accurate financial reporting (e.g. invoicing, reconciliation, etc.)
Produce PowerPoint presentations (e.g. decks, Word docs, one-pagers, collateral, etc.) with a high-level of detail
Perform desk research and project management for a variety of ad hoc assignments for the client’s partnership sales team
Provide administrative support and prep and follow-up materials for prospect/partner meetings and following events and administrative documents
Create and maintain administrative and partnership sales documents in a detailed manner for internal use as well as partner clients and prospects
In collaboration with the partnership sales team, assist in the internal legal process and agreement/contract administration for new partner clients
Maintain comprehensive and detailed knowledge of each partner client’s rights and benefits (i.e. contractual assets) inclusive of delivery status and related project management and corresponding communications
Likewise, maintain comprehensive and detailed knowledge of unsold/unallocated sponsorship marketing assets, e.g. availability, quantities, desirability to specific prospects/industries, etc.
Lead and set an example for responsive and astute management and support of the client’s corporate partners
In time, demonstrate a thorough understanding and a passion for his/her partners’ industries, businesses, consumers, and brands
Establish himself/herself as a trusted strategic business partner and “go to” resource for both the client’s partners and internal partnership sales team members
Demonstrate professional presence in all partner interaction – meetings, calls/video conferences, correspondence, etc.
Assist in the coordination and administration of regular conference calls
Actively contribute in brainstorming and idea generation sessions to conceptualize and develop new and enhanced activation platforms for current and prospective partners
Assist in the planning and execution of client events, including coordination and communication between client departments and external partner clients/prospects, in support of prospect hosting and partner activation
Work collaboratively with all members of integrated internal and external teams