Chicago Fire Football Club is a Major League Soccer team that was founded in 1997. The Club returned to Soldier Field as well as opened a new 50,000 square foot business office in the heart of the city. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an ambitious vision that will transform the Club over the next couple of years leading up to World Cup 2026.
Position Overview:
Chicago Fire FC is seeking a VP of Partnership Sales to join our team and play a key role in the growth of the Club’s corporate partnership revenue generation. This individual will be responsible for training, managing and developing the sales, while supporting the SVP of Partnership in the build out of the departments commercial strategy. The VP of Partnership Sales will also be tasked with identifying, prospecting, proposing, and acquiring new partnerships, inclusive of identifying brand partners for marquee entitlement assets (i.e. Jersey Sleeve Patch, Training Facility Naming Rights).
Job Responsibilities:
- Drive sales support and accountability to optimize the overall performance of the Partnership Sales team
- Serve as a principle contributor to sourcing and selling marquee entitlement assets
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Club to develop dynamic and innovative marketing platforms geared toward securing new corporate partnerships
- Identify emerging sponsorship categories with a focus on identifying forward-thinking companies who will push the envelope on creative activations and programming
- Develop a strong understanding of industry trends and competitive landscapes to enable effective positioning of partnership opportunities
- Interpret data for sales presentations; leverage this information for partner proposals and pitches.
- Assist with the development of storytelling materials and client presentations
- Negotiate high-value contracts to meet and exceed annual revenue goals
- Build a strategic plan around engaging corporate communities in Chicago
- Build and expand the network in the market with both brands and agencies
- Develop and present strategic plans to drive revenue growth to the department head and Chicago Fire’s senior leadership team
- Coordinate any sponsor-related projects as assigned by the head of department
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Minimum eight (8) years of relevant work, industry, and partnership development experience
- Strong work ethic with a track record of delivering results in high-pressure situations
- Must have a collaborative, team-oriented management style that engages leadership
- Proven experience in building successful commercial relations with corporate partners to secure new business and sell multi-year, million-dollar partnerships
- Strong and continuous awareness of market and industry trends
- Experience collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative marketing platforms for potential corporate partners
- Proven financial acumen and experience with diversified revenue sources, and success in maintaining fiscal stability
- High integrity and values are compatible with the Club’s vision for the future
- Ability to perform and provide clear decision-making leadership while juggling multiple responsibilities
- Strong presentation skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including but not limited to evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to problem-solve, prioritize, and meet deadlines
- Ability to give candid feedback with good intentions to help get the best out of colleagues
- Detail-oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
Please note:
- Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club.
- CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
- If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
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