COLORADO RAPIDS
Sr. Manager/Director, Partnership Activation & Insights
Denver, CO (Hybrid)
Full-time • Senior level
WHO YOU ARE
You are a strategic and results-driven leader with a passion for delivering exceptional partner experiences that drive both revenue and fan engagement. You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and bring a combination of creativity, operational excellence, and people leadership to your work. You are equally comfortable managing day-to-day activation logistics as you are developing innovative strategies that maximize the value of each partnership.
You have a proven track record of leading activation efforts for both new and existing partnerships, ensuring every agreement is fulfilled in a meaningful, high-impact way that strengthens the Colorado Rapids brand and grows the fanbase. You are a natural collaborator, working closely with sales, marketing, and game-day operations teams to bring partnerships to life while identifying opportunities to expand partner engagement and drive long-term growth.
You are data-driven and metrics-oriented, using insights to evaluate activation success, optimize processes, and continually improve the partner experience. Above all, you are energized by the opportunity to create unforgettable experiences for both partners and fans while helping shape the future of the Rapids Partnership Marketing Activation team.
WHO WE ARE
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.
JOB SPECIFICS
Job Title: Sr. Manager/Director, Partnership Activation & Insights
Department: Partnership Marketing / Revenue
Business Unit: Colorado Rapids
Location: Denver, Colorado
Reports To: VP, Partnership Marketing & Activation
Employment Type: Full Time – Salaried – Exempt
Supervisor Position: Yes
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Success Criteria: You will be successful in this role by ensuring all partnerships are activated effectively, delivering measurable value for both the Colorado Rapids and their partners. Success is defined by your ability to drive fan engagement, maximize partnership impact, and generate insights that inform strategic growth. You will achieve this by…
- Activation Leadership: Lead all activation efforts for new and existing partnerships, ensuring each partnership is thoughtfully and meaningfully executed to align with the Colorado Rapids brand, drive fan engagement and growth, and deliver measurable value that supports both partner objectives and long-term relationship success.
- Leadership: Provide hands-on leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Partnership Account Managers, fostering a high-performance culture where team members are empowered to achieve individual and team goals, develop professionally, and consistently deliver exceptional activation execution and outstanding partner experiences.
- Partner Relationship Management: Serve as the primary account manager for premium and high-value partners, ensuring their goals are met through personalized support, strategic guidance, and exceptional activation execution that drives both partner satisfaction and long-term growth.
- Strategic Growth: Identify opportunities to deepen partner engagement and expand long-term partnership value while supporting both Rapids fan growth goals and partner objectives.
- Data & Insights: Leverage data, fan insights, and performance metrics to evaluate activation effectiveness, inform strategic decisions, and continuously optimize partnership programs for maximum impact.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee timelines, budgets, and resources for all partnership activations, ensuring high-quality delivery and efficient execution across all touchpoints.
- Partner Experience & Service: Deliver high-level, proactive customer service to all partners, ensuring their needs are anticipated and met, expectations are exceeded, and every interaction strengthens long-term relationships and loyalty.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Game Presentation, Stadium Operations, and Business Intelligence to ensure seamless execution of partnership activations and a cohesive partner experience.
- Department Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Partnership Marketing Sales Director to ensure all partnerships are effectively managed, activated, and delivered successfully, providing a seamless and high-quality experience for partners and fans alike.
- Innovation & Creativity: Develop and implement inventive, high-impact activation strategies that differentiate partnerships, elevate the Colorado Rapids brand, and create memorable experiences for fans and partners alike.
- Fan Growth & Experience: Design and execute partnership activations that enhance the fan experience, drive engagement, and contribute to long-term growth of the Colorado Rapids fanbase while delivering meaningful value for partners.
- Department Culture: Foster a high-performing culture by setting clear expectations, providing strategic guidance, and supporting professional growth and development within the team.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
- Typical office conditions
- Ability to work nights, weekends, including standing at sporting or other events for extended periods of time
- Occasional travel to other markets for league meetings, client entertainment, and other related business development activity.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Preferred
- 1+ years of team leadership and people management
- 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
OTHER
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $80,000 - $90,000
- Eligible for annual performance bonus
Benefits Include: 12 Paid Company Holidays
- Flexible work policy (Hybrid)
- Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Life Insurance
- Short and Long-term Disability
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending plans (FSAs)
- 401K/Employer Match
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
By signing and dating below, I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the functionality, scope, and expectations of this role, and my responsibility in contributing to the success and growth of the Colorado Rapids organization. I confirm that my direct supervisor has personally reviewed this document with me, including discussion of any potential shifts in responsibilities or areas of focus, and that I had the opportunity to ask questions and received satisfactory explanations.
Employee name (printed): ___________________ Signature: _________________________ Date:_______________
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