VP, Partnerships & Activation - Colorado Rapids

Ball Arena•Commerce City, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

You’re a bold commercial leader who sees partnerships as platforms to connect ticketing, community, content, and brand into something bigger than the sum of its parts. You inspire and coach sellers while still closing transformational deals yourself, bringing confidence balanced with humility and high EQ. You know the sponsorship and sports landscape—ideally MLS—and have a sharp eye for new categories and opportunities in Colorado’s business community. Above all, you’re a culture-setter: hungry, innovative, and energetic, with the ability to spark trust, drive momentum, and create partnerships that matter. Colorado Rapids Established in 1995 as one of Major League Soccer’s original clubs, the Colorado Rapids have carried forward a proud legacy that has helped shape the league and the sport in the United States. As we build on that foundation, we are focused on an ambitious future—guided by our North Star of putting FANS at the heart of everything we do. Our purpose, “For the fans, with the fans, as one club we inspire, energize & win to carve a Rocky Mountain legacy,” reflects our commitment to creating meaningful connections and delivering excellence on and off the pitch. For our commercial team, this means fearlessly embracing a fan-centric approach, driving innovative revenue opportunities, and building lasting partnerships that strengthen both our business and our community. Together, we are shaping the next chapter of Rapids history with energy, purpose, and impact. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) is an American Sports and Entertainment holding company based in Denver, Colorado. KSE is committed to providing world class sports and entertainment for both live and broadcast audiences. We are the employer of choice as the owner and operator of Ball Arena, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, the Paramount Theatre, Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), Colorado Rapids (MLS), KIMN,KXKL, KKSE (FM/AM), Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Major League Fishing/Fishing League Worldwide (MLFLW), Winnercomm, Outdoor Sportsman Group and SkyCam.

Requirements

BS/BA degree in field or related field
10+ years’ experience in field or related field
4+ years of team leadership and people management
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire

Nice To Haves

Professional, collegiate, and/or media related sales and management experience
Ability to acquire or produce and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet company vehicle driving standards

Responsibilities

Drive Revenue Growth: Lead the development and execution of high-impact sponsorship and media sales strategies designed to maximize revenue for the Colorado Rapids. Note, cross-selling for other KSE properties (Avalanche, Nuggets, Mammoth, Ball Arena, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and Altitude Sports & Entertainment platforms) will occur and be rewarded but are not the priority of this role.
Build & Lead High-Performing Teams: Recruit, build, and mentor a high-performing partnerships team of sales directors and activation staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and revenue excellence.
Strategic Partnership Development: Identify, prospect, pitch, and close new sponsorship and media deals that deliver measurable financial returns, deepen partner engagement, and expand brand presence.
Corporate Relationship Management: Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of corporate relationships, encouraging long-term, strategic partnerships that drive measurable business results.
Sales & Activation Expertise: Serve as the subject matter expert on sponsorship and media sales products, guiding the team on activation opportunities and work with strategy and sales teams to develop innovative, integrated packages that deliver measurable ROI.
Market & Prospect Research: Conduct ongoing market research to identify and innovate new sponsorship and media opportunities, tailoring integrated packages across multiple platforms to maximize ROI.
Client Engagement & Relationship Building: Engage with clients at games, events, and meetings to deepen partnerships, drive revenue growth, and strengthen long-term relationships
Performance Tracking & Reporting: Monitor and report on team performance, pipeline development, and client engagement metrics, providing actionable insights to leadership for strategic decision-making.
Sales Culture & Department Alignment: Collaborate with the executive team to cultivate a positive, high-performing sales culture across the department, emphasizing relationship-building, revenue accountability, and reward recognition.