Partnership Development & Marketing
COMPANY BACKGROUND
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a dynamic, multi-brand sports and entertainment organization committed to growing the game of soccer and creating meaningful connections throughout Houston and beyond. The organization includes the Houston Dynamo (MLS), Houston Dash (NWSL), Houston Dynamo Academy, Houston Dynamo & Dash Charities, as well as the management and operation of Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.
As one of the leading professional soccer organizations in the United States, HDFC has built a proud legacy of success, including back-to-back MLS Cup Championships (2006, 2007), the 2018 U.S. Open Cup title, the Houston Dash's 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup championship, and the 2024 Concacaf W Champions Cup title. Driven by a vision to compete for championships on and off the field, the Club is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of players and fans, strengthening its connection with the diverse communities of Houston, and delivering world-class experiences through soccer, entertainment, and community engagement.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
This role is responsible for leading business development efforts to grow Houston Dash FC's corporate partnership portfolio. The position proactively identifies new revenue opportunities, builds relationships with senior decision-makers, creates tailored sponsorship solutions, and negotiates mutually beneficial partnerships that drive long-term value for both the club and its corporate partners.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
- Identify, prospect, and cultivate new corporate partnership opportunities that generate incremental sponsorship revenue for Houston Dash FC.
- Develop and execute strategic business development plans to grow the club's corporate partnership portfolio across local, regional, national, and international markets.
- Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline through proactive outreach, networking, referrals, research, and relationship building.
- Demonstrate a highly proactive approach by consistently identifying new business opportunities, creating strategic introductions, and developing innovative ways to engage prospective partners.
- Understand that every market is unique; tailor sales strategies, partnership solutions, and outreach efforts based on local demographics, industry trends, cultural insights, and business priorities.
- Research target industries, companies, and decision-makers to develop customized partnership proposals aligned with each prospect's marketing and business objectives.
- Create and deliver compelling presentations, sponsorship proposals, and activation concepts that clearly articulate value and measurable return on investment.
- Lead contract negotiations and successfully close new sponsorship agreements while consistently meeting or exceeding established revenue goals.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Partnership Marketing, Community Relations, Ticketing, and other internal departments to develop integrated partnership opportunities and ensure a seamless transition following a sale.
- Identify cross-selling, upselling, and long-term strategic partnership opportunities across Houston Dash FC, Houston Dynamo FC, Shell Energy Stadium, and club-owned events and properties.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of prospecting activities, sales pipeline progress, forecasts, client interactions, and performance metrics within Salesforce CRM and other customer relationship management platforms.
- Leverage CRM data and analytics to prioritize prospects, monitor pipeline health, improve sales performance, and identify future business opportunities.
- Represent the organization at industry events, networking functions, community initiatives, and club events to expand relationships and generate new business.
- Stay informed on sponsorship industry trends, the competitive landscape, emerging business sectors, and local market dynamics to identify, develop, and capitalize on new revenue-generating opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders while maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset focused on revenue generation and long-term partnership growth.
- Consistently achieve or exceed individual and departmental new business revenue targets through proactive sales efforts, strategic relationship building, and effective pipeline management.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of proven success in partnership sales, corporate sponsorship sales, business development, consultative B2B sales, or a related revenue-generating role.
- Demonstrated track record of consistently meeting or exceeding new business revenue goals through strategic prospecting, relationship development, and closing complex sales.
- Experience identifying, qualifying, and cultivating new business opportunities while managing a healthy sales pipeline from lead generation through contract execution.
- Proven ability to develop and present customized sponsorship and marketing solutions to C-suite executives, senior decision-makers, and key stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of consultative selling, solution-based sales, account strategy, negotiation, and long-term relationship management.
- Experience using Salesforce or other CRM platforms to effectively manage prospecting activity, pipeline development, forecasting, reporting, and client communications.
- Highly proactive, entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and results-oriented, with a strong hunter mentality and passion for identifying new revenue opportunities.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to recognize that every market, industry, and prospective partner is unique, adapting outreach and partnership strategies to align with local market dynamics, cultural insights, and business objectives.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to identify market trends, uncover partnership opportunities, and create value-driven sponsorship solutions.
- Outstanding presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence executive-level decision-makers.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple opportunities and manage a dynamic sales pipeline in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and CRM reporting tools.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) - Preferred
- Must be available to work Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo home matches, club events, networking functions, sponsor activations, and community appearances as required.
- Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and selected holidays based on business needs.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
- Thrives in a fast-paced, competitive, and results-driven sales environment with the ability to perform under pressure and meet revenue objectives.
- Demonstrates passion for sports, partnerships, business development, and the mission of the organization.
- Exhibits a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, take initiative, and drive measurable results.
- Take ownership of the entire sales process, from prospect identification and relationship development to proposal creation, negotiation, and closing.
- Uses market knowledge, business insights, and data-driven strategies to identify opportunities and maximize partnership growth.
- Demonstrates strong business acumen with the ability to understand partner objectives and create solutions that deliver value for both the organization and corporate partners.
- Builds trust and credibility through strong character, work-ethic, accountability, and the ability to positively influence internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Maintains a structured and disciplined approach to prospecting, pipeline management, forecasting, and sales execution.
- Communicates clearly and effectively through written proposals, presentations, and verbal conversations with prospects, partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Proactively identifies challenges, solutions, and takes action to overcome obstacles throughout the sales process.
- Demonstrates accountability for individual performance, sales goals, client relationships, and overall business results.
- Collaborates effectively with all departments and embraces creative thinking to develop innovative partnership opportunities.
- Adapts to changing market conditions and understands that each market, industry, and partner requires a unique approach.
- Maintains and demonstrates the organization's core values and commitment to excellence in every interaction.
ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES
- Accountable – Holds themselves (and when appropriate others) accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
- Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
- Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
- Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
- Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity
OTHER INFORMATION
The Houston Dynamo Football Club and Houston Dash welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and seeks individuals who are passionate about sport, committed to inspiring the Houston community, and driven to contribute to the organization’s continued growth.
We value team members who are accountable, collaborative, innovative, adaptable, and guided by strong ethical principles.
The Houston Dynamo Football Club is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Job Questions:
Are you willing to submit a background check and drug screen if selected for employment?
What are your salary/wage requirements? (Please indicate a specific amount or range.)
Do you have any past or current affiliations with Houston Dynamo FC or its employees? If so, please describe.
Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?
Will you now or in the future require employment visa sponsorship?
Are you 18 years of age or older?
Were you referred to this position by a current or former HDFC employee? If so, please provide their name here.