Director, Partnership Development

NYCFC - Director
New York · NY · Hybrid
Corporate Sponsorship Sales · Business Development
$95,000 - $105,000 / year
JOB TITLE: Director, Partnership Development
REPORTING TO: VP, Stadium Partnership Development
DEPARTMENT: Partnerships     
LOCATION: New York, NY

POSITION OVERVIEW:
New York City FC is seeking a Director, Partnership Development, to join the Partnerships team. The Partnerships function of New York City Football Club encompasses the core areas of Partnership Sales, Partnership Strategy & Creative, and Partnerships Marketing & Operations. Its primary objective is to drive increasing commercial revenues to support the continued growth of New York City Football Club and the opening of Etihad Park. 

This role is responsible for driving the acquisition of local and national brand partners through the generation and maintenance of your own accounts and revenue pipeline. You will be expected to lead by example and contribute to achieving ambitious sales targets while working closely across the broader partnerships team and organization to support the commercial success of New York City Football Club and Etihad Park.

This is a revenue generating role, where you will be responsible for your own sales target and helping achieve the group target. The club is seeking a candidate with a strong sales background, experience owning the entire sales process, and a good foundation of brand and marketing principles.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:
  • Collaborate closely with the Partnership Sales team to effectively and efficiently maximize revenue opportunities.
  • Consistently meet and exceed seasonal sales targets by securing high-value new partnerships.
  • Drive results across key categories and strategic initiatives within the Partnership Sales team.
  • Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified prospects, ensuring accurate forecasting and consistent deal flow throughout the season.
  • Provide regular updates in weekly sales meetings, highlighting progress, pipeline development, and activity levels.
  • Own the entire sales process from prospecting to securing signed commitments
  • Work cross-functionally with all core teams within the Partnerships department — including Partnership Sales, Partnership Strategy & Creative, and Partnership Marketing & Operations — to develop and execute a best-in-class sales strategy and supporting materials.
  • Coordinate with internal departments such as Legal, Finance, Technology, Infrastructure, Catering, and Retail to ensure alignment and smooth execution of partnerships.
  • Occasional travel as needed for hosting and client engagement

WHO YOU ARE:
  • History of meeting and exceeding sales targets
  • Experience securing six and seven figure annual partnership commitments
  • High knowledge of brand marketing and sponsorship sales, preferably with experience representing major sports properties or agencies
  • Good knowledge of the soccer landscape
  • Strong negotiation skills and relationship builder
  • High work ethic, team-oriented attitude, and enthusiasm about contributing to the success of the department and club
  • Well organized with consistent attention to detail

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
  • 5+ years direct sales experience
  • General knowledge of and passion for soccer a BIG plus 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business or related field
  • Proficiency in Spanish or additional language(s) is a plus

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Applicant must be able to comply with MLS Next Safety and Well-Being policy and any other applicable child safety policies provided to applicants by NYCFC
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary

COMPENSATION:
This exempt position has an estimated annual base salary range of $95,000-$105,000 and is not overtime eligible. Final compensation offer amounts are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to demonstrated skill set, years and depth of relevant experience, and some role-dependent factors such as certifications and software expertise. We welcome direct conversations with each candidate about compensation in all of our initial calls.

WHAT WE OFFER:
  • Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you and your family’s needs
  • Comprehensive and competitive benefit programs, including maternal & paternal leave
  • Ancillary benefits: Commuter, pet insurance, gym membership, and Citi Bike discounts
  • Your health is important! Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing through in-office and virtual programs
  • Four complementary tickets to every NYCFC home match
  • Team outings, happy hours, and annual staff gatherings to celebrate our co-workers
  • A dynamic, ambitious, and fun work environment

NEW YORK CITY FOOTBALL CLUB OVERVIEW:
At New York City FC, we are on a mission to build this city into one of the soccer capitals of the world. The Club was announced as Major League Soccer’s 20th franchise and is the first and only MLS team located within the five boroughs of New York City. The Club has qualified for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs eight times over the past nine seasons, winning MLS Cup in 2021. Games are broadcast through MLS Season Pass, the unprecedented subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer that will have every match of the MLS regular season, Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup all in one place and with no blackouts. New York City FC is building New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium, set to open for the 2027 MLS season. For more information, please visit: www.newyorkcityfc.com. 
 
New York City FC is also one of 13 clubs comprising City Football Group and counts Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F-Marinos, Girona FC, Montevideo City Torque, Shenzhen Peng City FC, Mumbai City FC, Lommel SK, ESTAC Troyes, Palermo FC, Bahia, and Club Bolívar among its sister clubs.

We are an equal opportunity employer and 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 law.

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Job Questions:

  1. Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

  2. Do you speak a second language? If yes, please indicate what language. If not, please type N/A.