POSITION: Manager, Partnership Strategy 

DEPARTMENT: Global Partnerships

REPORTS TO: VP, Partnership Sales        

FLSA STATUS:  Salaried / Non-Exempt       

LEGENDS & ASM GLOBAL

Two powerhouse companies have joined forces to redefine excellence in sports, entertainment, and live events. Together, we combine unmatched expertise with a global reach, offering an end-to-end solution across all areas of venue operations and revenue generation for many of the world’s most iconic brands and venues.

Legends brings a 360-degree, data-driven approach across planning, sales, partnerships, hospitality, and merchandise, working with top-tier clients to deliver exceptional experiences.

ASM Global, the world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 400+ arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers, and performing arts venues globally.

Our organization is committed to building an inclusive, innovative environment where differences drive solutions that benefit our team members, guests, and partners. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and accountability, we create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Are you ready to be part of the team that is transforming live entertainment? Join us to make legends happen!

JMI Sports

JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company providing management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and highly regarded project management expertise to the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies that bring each client’s vision to fruition. JMI Sports manages an impressive list of signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships including, the University of Kentucky, Clemson University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia and Columbia University (with Learfield IMG College), and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents several high-profile conferences including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Southern Conference, and the Patriot League. Additionally, JMI Sports serves as third-party sales representation for premier venues and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center and the Penn Relays. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, JMI Sports was founded by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres.

THE PROJECT

Northwestern University and Ryan Field Foundation LLC have entered into a long-term partnership agreement with a Legends-JMI Sports joint venture (“JV”) to oversee corporate partnerships for the New Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics’ multi-media rights opportunities. The New Ryan Field will be a state-of-the-art $850M sports and entertainment venue set to become a landmark for college football and Chicago. The project, with the majority funded by the Ryan Family without public investment, will set a new standard in college athletics, transforming the stadium model into a year-round community asset. Scheduled to open in 2026, the new Ryan Field promises to bring a world class student athlete, fan, and community experience to college sports. Once completed, it will not only host Northwestern football but also serve as the premier concert venue in the Chicago area as well as a leading destination for national events, youth sports championships, and additional opportunities, creating an unparalleled community hub, truly “Chicago’s Big Ten Stadium.”

As the exclusive partner for Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics, the JV will be responsible for engaging national and regional businesses with a unique and integrated sponsorship platform centered on the premier facility in all of college football in addition to relationships with the world class University.

THE ROLE

The Manager of Partnership Strategy will be a key member of the partnerships team, supporting strategy development for Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics. They will be responsible for assisting in business intelligence, category research initiatives, creative asset ideation, and building of sales materials, including custom pitch presentations and research briefs, with the goal of helping to secure large-scale multi-year partnerships with brands wishing to maximize their relationships with high-profile sports and entertainment platforms. The Manager of Partnership Strategy will report to the Vice President, Partnerships.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate with sales team through the extended partnership sales cycles including development of prospecting strategy and lead lists, generation of compelling and idea centric opportunities for brand prospects in response to client briefs and creation of best-in-class presentation materials.
• Assist in developing sponsorship category analysis, brand/executive briefs, target lead lists, and property/project tracking reports for new Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics
• Support the dedicated partnerships sales team, by providing strategic research on potential prospects including, but not limited to, company backgrounds, platform activations, financial overviews, while staying ahead of the industry trends and presenting new and existing industry prospects to the leadership team
• Collaborate with internal and external staff to plan, ideate, and execute partnership pitch presentations and proposals, inclusive of platform development and program thought starters, to new prospects.
• Serve as an internal liaison cross-departmentally, including Legends IQ, to create compelling go-to-market narratives and sales materials.
• Resourcefully perform extensive company and executive research for strategic brand engagement
• Monitor and share relevant market developments and news in the sports and entertainment industry.
• Create and execute processes and best practices that improve sales efficiency while maintaining a positive and innovative team culture.
• Plan, create, manage timelines, and help execute partnership pitch presentations, proposals, mock-ups, and deal points summaries on behalf of our property clients.
• Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills, with an emphasis on task management and meeting deadlines
• Participate in events, promotions, client entertainment and other activities as required.
• Ability to develop strong peer-level relationships, work in a team environment, and contribute to the general success of Legends across all facets, including positively representing Legends among all potential and existing clients.
• Willingness to travel and work across multiple time zones as needed.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty above at the highest levels. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Sports Management, Sales, Marketing, or related field
• 3-5+ years of experience in sports / entertainment (or similar), experience in partnership activation, marketing, or sales preferred
• Proven track record in successfully working with and navigating internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation, communication, time management and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to work in partnership with the sales team to meet challenging sales objectives in a high profile, competitive marketplace.
• Self-starter with ability to network and create relationships while working efficiently in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Experience creating sales pitches, decks, or similar materials.
• Self-motivated with entrepreneurial spirit and attention to detail
• Superior computer skills including a high level of macOS, Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, and various creative and web-based software.

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary range of $60,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience, opportunity to earn potential year-end bonus based on performance, and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Location: Hybrid working environment // Chicago, IL & Evanston, IL

NOTE:

The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

Legends & ASM Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.