Director of Corporate Partnerships

Santa Barbara Sky

Position type: 1099, later converted to W2

Overview of Santa Barbara Sky Football Club:

Santa Barbara Sky FC is a USL League One men’s professional soccer club that will kick off its inaugural season in March 2025. We are an inclusive & community-based team that represents all of Santa Barbara. Our goal is to bring our community together through the shared enjoyment of professional soccer. We are invested in our community and this beautiful game. For more information, see: https://www.santabarbaraskyfc.com/

We are seeking a highly motivated Director of Corporate Partnerships with a passion for customer service and growing the Santa Barbara Sky brand in the community. This position will lead the overall corporate partner initiatives and efforts for our team at Harder Stadium on the campus of UC Santa Barbara and will work closely with our team leadership in the fulfillment and activation of our corporate partners.

Overview of the United Soccer League:

The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing professional soccer organization in North America, possessing more than a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing the USL Championship (USSF Division II), USL League One (USSF Division III), and USL League Two (Pre-Professional), the organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 125 clubs in its membership. Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL has grown during the past decade into a model organization with strong corporate partnerships and stable organizational leadership. It features a dedicated staff of more than 75 professionals across 15 departments ranging from operations, digital, communications and club services, each of which provides unparalleled support to member clubs and outside partners. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, the USL is #UnitedForSoccer, moving the game forward in North America.

Job Summary:

Director of Corporate Partnerships is a full-time position responsible for selling and marketing integrated corporate partnership programs that incorporate all soccer and stadium-controlled assets. These assets include, but are not limited to, traditional signage, livestream, social media, radio, print and Internet. The Director of Corporate Partnerships will create, manage and oversee the entire sales process from the prospecting phase for new business to the execution of the contractual agreements with the corporate partners. Will also be responsible for creating marketing partnership proposals, sales retention, corporate activation, and customer service.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

Lead the development and implementation of strategic departmental plans consistent with company business objectives
Responsible for creating and achieving sales goals and budgets as set by Executives
Responsible for prospecting, selling, cultivating, maintaining and renewing sponsorships, advertising, and corporate partnerships for Santa Barbara Sky FC’s assets.
Develop, write and present corporate sponsorship proposals and presentations to key clients
Responsible for overseeing customer service and activation of corporate partners
Interface with broadcasting, accounting, marketing and ticket sales on internal systems related to sponsorship production, advertising inventory, cross-promotional obligation and internal accounts payable/receivable
Other duties as assigned

Required Skills:

Prior experience selling multi-faceted advertising and sponsorship platforms to local, regional, and national companies.
Experience should include selling building signage and team assets, which include the following: signage, promotions, social media, experiential marketing opportunities, radio, web and print
Strong prospecting and project management skills
Prior experience developing, writing and presenting sales proposals
Prior experience with creating and implementing budgets and sales projections
Strong conceptual and strategic skills, and ability to think “outside the box,” and strong customer satisfaction orientation
Strong leadership & communication skills
Demonstrate creativity in the development of innovative, compelling, and effective sales campaigns
Demonstrate ability to work with all personality types at the staff and management levels
Strong computer skills, specifically in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Excellent writing and language skills
Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to Multi-task is essential

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college or university
Minimum of 3 years in corporate partnership sales, preferably for a sports team
Excellent customer service, communication, and presentation skills
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
At least 2 years experience of negotiating contracts and managing budgets
Proven track record of leading a team and executing against budgets and strategies
Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required and travel as needed

Compensation:

Base salary of $85,000 - $95,000 with on target earnings of $110,000-$120,000
Unlimited PTO
Competitive medical and dental benefits

Santa Barbara Sky is 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.