Director, Partnerships
About 3STEP Sports
3STEP Sports has an exciting opportunity for you to join a growing and leading organization in the youth sports space. At 3STEP Sports we do everything for one purpose: to unite people and unlock potential through the power of sport. As the largest and most connected youth sports organization with more than 2+ million athlete participants in clubs and events across seven sports, we bring sport to more athletes than any other organization in the country. By investing in our athletes and our team, both on and off the field, we’re shaping champions for life and empowering people through sport.
About the Position
Job Title: Director, Partnerships
Department: Growth
Reports to: SVP Growth
Employment Type: Full-time/Exempt/Salary
Location: Remote role within the United States
Travel: Once a month to Chicago, NYC, other locations nationwide
Position Overview
3STEP Sports is seeking a Director, Partnerships to drive revenue growth across our national portfolio of youth sports properties. This role is responsible for developing, selling, and managing strategic partnerships spanning sponsorships, digital advertising, affiliate programs, revenue share agreements, and value-in-kind (VIK) relationships.
The Director of Partnerships will lead full-cycle deal execution—from prospecting and pitch development to contract negotiation and activation—while collaborating closely with Sales, Marketing, Ad Operations, and Events teams to deliver measurable value to partners.
Key Responsibilities
Revenue Growth & Deal Leadership
- Own and grow a portfolio of national and regional partners across:
- Sponsorships and branded partnerships
- Affiliate and performance-based partners
- Revenue share agreements
- Value in kind (VIK) partnerships
- Consistently achieve and exceed annual revenue targets.
- Identify new categories and partner opportunities aligned with the 3STEP Sports audience and mission.
- Develop long-term partner relationships that drive renewals, upsells, and multi-year agreements.
Sponsorship & Media Sales Execution
- Sell integrated sponsorship solutions across digital and physical assets, including:
- Digital ad campaigns (display, video, native, programmatic)
- Event and tournament activations
- Club, league, and event branding
- Venue signage and on-site exposure
- Custom content and experiential programs
- Build tailored proposals that align partner objectives with available inventory and audience insights.
- Confidently communicate value across awareness, engagement, visitation, and conversion-based outcomes.
Affiliate, Revenue Share & VIK Partnerships
- Structure and negotiate affiliate and revenue share partnerships, including performance-based models.
- Develop and manage value in kind partnerships that offset costs and enhance event and club experiences.
- Ensure VIK agreements are strategically aligned, properly valued, and operationally feasible.
- Partner with Finance and Operations to ensure accurate tracking, valuation, and reporting.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Activation
- Partner closely with Account Management, Ad Operations and Marketing to ensure accurate campaign setup, execution, and reporting.
- Collaborate with Events and Operations teams to deliver seamless on-site activations and branded experiences.
- Align with Product and Data teams to leverage insights and measurement in partner pitches and recaps.
- Serve as the primary partner-facing point of contact throughout the lifecycle of each agreement.
Strategy, Innovation & Market Leadership
- Contribute to the development of new sponsorship and partnership products.
- Provide feedback on pricing, packaging, and go-to-market strategies.
- Stay informed on trends in sports marketing, digital media, affiliate marketing, and experiential sponsorships.
- Represent 3STEP Sports professionally in market meetings, events, and industry forums.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
· 7+ years of experience in partnerships, sponsorship sales, media sales, or brand partnerships, preferably in sports, media, or experiential marketing.
· Proven track record of closing six- and seven-figure partnership deals.
· Experience selling both digital and physical sponsorship assets.
· Familiarity with affiliate marketing, revenue share models, and VIK partnerships.
· Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
· Comfort working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
Skills & Attributes
· Strategic seller with a consultative approach.
· Strong business and financial acumen.
· Ability to manage complex, multi-asset partnerships.
· Highly organized with strong follow-through.
· Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.
· Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-driven.
3STEP Sports Benefits Package includes:
· Competitive compensation
· Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA accounts, life insurance, paid holidays, and a generous PTO plan, as well as other elective insurance options
· 401K retirement savings plan
· Paid Parental Leave
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
