Position: Sr. Manager, Partnerships - Houston Roughnecks 

Reporting to: Director, Sponsorship and Business Development

About the UFL 

The United Football League (UFL) is the professional spring football league, born from the groundbreaking 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL. With the visionary backing of RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, ESPN and Mike Repole, the United Football League is redefining the football landscape. The United Football League is committed to pushing the boundaries of the game and delivering an elevated experience for players, fans, and partners alike.

About the Role

The Senior Manager of Partnerships, is a self-starter with sponsorship sales experience in sports and/or entertainment. This individual should possess strong sales acumen and knowledge of sports and entertainment. The key focus with this role is to develop and sell customized partnerships to local brands that will help to achieve the revenue goals and fan engagement objectives of the team and for the UFL. The Senior Manager of Partnerships will work closely with the leadership team to support the strategic approach to driving long-term corporate partnership revenue for the UFL.

What you will do

• Develop and bring to market sponsorship proposals, build and manage potential partner pipeline and oversee end-to-end sales process for all partnerships.
• Assist in the development and management of team sponsorship assets & inventory.
• Identify new ways of generating incremental revenue and/or delivering budget relief for the organization through partnerships.  
• Strategize and collaborate with sponsors, agencies, and internal stakeholders to create fully integrated UFL themed marketing programs to help drive attendance & fan engagement. 
• Assist in management of multiple client relationships, including corporate sponsors, multiple agencies, and marketing teams.
• Maintain day-to-day relationships between sponsors (current and potential), internal departments, and outside agencies.
  • Work with game production, marketing, and venue staff to deliver all sponsor assets and activations on game days.
  • Effectively utilize game days as opportunities to host key partners, stakeholders, and prospects.
  • Attend local meetings and events relevant to sponsor interests and pipeline development.
  • Responsible for annual incremental dollar growth within the sponsorship department by upselling current sponsors on UFL controlled assets.
  • Ensure local sponsorship revenue goals are met on an annual basis.

 What you will bring

• 3-5 years working within the sports industry or with sports brands, including experience in sponsorship sales and activation, negotiation, research, analytics and media.
• A strong understanding of the local team market, including key business contacts and influencers to best leverage local partnerships
• Strong brand marketer with understanding of partner categories, business, and the sports/entertainment industry.
• Have a client service mentality to support the development of long-term partner relationships.
• Capacity for creative and innovative thinking.
• Excellent sales, presentation, and communication skills.
• Leader and self-starter with the ability to multi-task. 
• Team player with strong cross-functional skills.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Details 

• Please note, the location of this role is based in Houston, TX. 
• The role is hybrid. The Individual may work in a remote office and/or an office environment and will be expected to attend all team games and events.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability and willingness to work proactively at events sponsored by the UFL, partner organizations and other grassroot opportunities to promote the UFL team in the selected market and develop new business and fan relationships
• Local travel to events and appointments.
• Minimal Travel (<10% travel): May be required to travel out of market.  
• Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays required.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Compensation

This role is eligible for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life insurance, a 401(k) plan, unlimited PTO and offers a discretionary bonus and an equity opportunity for future growth. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The UFL maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits and terminations.