Position Summary:
The Vegas Golden Knights are seeking an experienced, results-focused and detail-oriented and strategic Director of Global Partnership - Activations to guide the support the execution and delivery of partnership activations across the Foley Entertainment organization and its affiliated sports properties. Our affiliated properties include, Henderson Knights (AHL), Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL), City National Arena, American First Center, and Lee's Family Forum.
This role will direct integrated partnership activations spanning:
- Sponsorship activation and fulfillment
- Partner servicing and relationship management
- Research insights, asset valuations and partnership ROI
- Game day, special event and bespoke customer experiences
- Leadership and development of personnel
As a vital member of our partnerships team, the director will help guide the strategic approach to partnership management and service, while ensuring seamless execution of partner commitments and will contribute to exceptional partner experiences across all teams and venues. The director will bring a successful track record of developing and executing strategic marketing, sponsorship plans and promotion to help evolve partner servicing and activation development. This is an exciting opportunity to help deliver world-class partnership activations for a growing sports and entertainment platform in one of the world's most dynamic markets.
Key Responsibilities:
Partnership Activation & Fulfillment
- Manage the day-to-day activation and servicing for a portfolio of assigned partnership accounts for the Vegas Golden Knights
- Build and foster high-impact relationships with partners, stakeholders and external partners to foster long-term collaboration and business growth
- Maintain an ongoing understanding of each partner's business and competitive environment
- Provide strategic thought leadership in the development of innovative activation assets to align with partnership goals and objectives
- Engage with partner personnel, including client and agency resources to fulfill all partner commitments, build activation strategies, manage and execute partnership initiatives
- Ensure contractual sponsorship elements (gameday and non-gameday assets) are fulfilled, executed seamlessly and tracked for accuracy for all assigned VGK partners
- Lead the development of activation timelines and tracking systems to execute deliverables and logistics across the Vegas Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights (AHL), Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL), City National Arena, American First Center, Lee's Family Forum, T-Mobile Arena and any future facilities the organization develops in the region
- Establish and lead meetings with internal department stakeholders & associated vendors to ensure contracted sponsor assets are executed on time and on strategy, including oversight to select areas of focus across the department
- Oversee the implementation and associated logistics of partner activations, displays, and branded experiences at games and events
Strategic Partnership Management
- Lead the development and implementation of partner onboarding processes, gifting and materials, defining partner benefits and value-add assets
- Collaborate with internal teams (i.e. marketing, digital, sales, operations) to deliver on partnership commitments and ensure alignment with overall business objectives
- Support senior leadership to help develop and shape partnership strategies, leveraging insights from negotiations and partnerships to influence broader organizational goals, achieve revenue targets and enhance brand positioning
- Take leadership role in developing and managing solutions, terms sheets and activation plans for assigned VGK renewal accounts in tandem with VP, Global Partnership Activations and VP, Global Partnership Sales & Strategy
Insights, Reporting and Analytics
- Serve in an active leadership role with research, business insights and valuation partners across the partnership base
- Seek market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities and apply insights to inform partnership strategies and elevate partner programming
- Develop and maintain reports on partnership performance, including ROI, engagement metrics and other key success indicators
- Develop mid/end of season recap storytelling to demonstrate asset fulfillment, bonus value and partnership metrics/ROI for all assigned partnership accounts
- Prepare presentations, provide insights and recommendations to senior management to inform decision-making and strategic direction across the broader partnership base
Game Day and Partner Event Servicing
- Guide partner programming on Game Days and Event Days – on-site asset fulfillment, gameday hosting, experiences, etc.
- Serve in an active role in the planning and development of strategic hospitality events and experiences for partners, including partner trips, VIP access, Business Alliance programming and content development for partnership-led events (i.e. Season Kick-Off Luncheon, Partnership Golf Tournament)
- Attend contracted appearances, commercial shoots, etc. as needed at sponsor's business, community service event and/or other specified locations
- Develop event timelines, run-of-show documents, and staff briefings for partnership activations
- Conduct regular status check-ins with partners to review activation performance, maintain fulfillment status and gather ongoing feedback
- Respond promptly to partner requests, questions, and concerns with professionalism and solutions-oriented approach
- Bring new and compelling ideas to current partners whenever possible (i.e., value add and upsell opportunities)
Administration & Operations
- Maintain comprehensive partnership activation database and fulfillment tracking systems using CRM tools and platforms
- Lead the review and approval of all partnership marketing and communications assets and materials across internal and external stakeholders, with a focus on fan engagement, integrated partner programming, promotions and contest elements
- Process invoices and track activation budgets in collaboration with finance team
- Handle a high volume of detail-oriented partner agreements and projects with precision and organization
- Provide mentorship and leadership across the enterprise for various Manager, Associate, Coordinator and Intern roles
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or combination of work experience and education
- Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, preferably in sports with a team, brand, or agency
- Proven track record of successfully coordinating multiple events and activations simultaneously
- Strong proficiency with CRM tools (KORE preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- Experience using graphic design software preferred (i.e., Photoshop)
- Previous leadership experience with a passion for mentoring and team development
- Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to consistently meet hard deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a relentless work ethic
- Results-oriented, with a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes and exceeding expectations
- Pro-active, self-motivated and highlight organized with the ability to effectively manage multiple detail-oriented tasks and establish daily work routines in a high energy atmosphere
- Strong desire and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment
- Positive attitude and quick thinker with ability to lead with YES internally and externally
- Self-starter with problem-solving mindset and ability to thrive under pressure
- Team player with a no-ego, 'we' not 'me' approach
- Knowledge of the Las Vegas market and its entertainment-driven dynamics preferred
- High level of integrity and ability to uphold the organization's "Knights Code" (company rules of conduct)
Core Competencies:
- Strategic Partnership Management
- Event Planning & Execution
- Project Management & Organization
- Partner Relationship Management
- Attention to Detail & Follow-Through
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability
- Communication & Professionalism
- Time Management & Prioritization
- Brand Standards & Quality Control
- Customer Service Excellence
About Us:
Foley Entertainment Group (FEG) is a leading sports and entertainment company dedicated to providing premier experiences to fans and guests. Founded by Bill Foley, FEG manages a diverse portfolio of assets built on the four pillars of Sports, Hospitality, Venues, and Foundations.
FEG's sports division is anchored by the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. The company also owns the Henderson Silver Knights (AHL) and the Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL), which play at the company-managed Lee's Family Forum.
Expanding its reach globally, the company holds international football interests, including England's Premier League club AFC Bournemouth and a majority ownership in Auckland FC. Through these strategic holdings, FEG continues to grow its influence as a major player in the global sports and entertainment landscape.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during event setup, execution, and breakdown
- Ability to stand up and/or work with your hands for extended periods of time
- Ability to lift objects (rarely more than 20 lbs) on occasion
- Travel may be required between multiple venue locations and periodically for domestic partner related programming and events
- Must have a flexible work schedule to work special event responsibilities throughout the year: weekends, nights and holidays as dictated by games/events
- Capacity to navigate multi-level venue facilities, including stairs and various event spaces
- Visual acuity sufficient to review contracts, activation plans, and detailed event documents
- Manual dexterity required for computer use, event setup, and coordination of activation elements
Work Environment:
- Primary work location in modern office environment with standard office equipment
- Significant time spent in arena/venue environments with varying temperatures, noise levels, and crowd conditions
- Regular attendance at games, events, and activations in fast-paced, high-energy settings
- Exposure to outdoor elements when coordinating outdoor activations or traveling between venues
- Work schedule heavily weighted toward evening and weekend hours during hockey season and special events
- Fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and multiple simultaneous activations requiring ability to thrive under pressure
- Professional business environment requiring appropriate business attire and executive presence when interacting with partners
- Frequent exposure to loud music, crowd noise, and bright lighting during events and games
Equal Opportunity Statement
Foley Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, and termination. We strive to create and maintain a positive, supportive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
