Sr. Manager, Sports & Entertainment

Job Description:

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Headquartered in San Mateo, California with more than 4,000 employees worldwide, the Rakuten International business portfolio includes market leaders in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications and entertainment. We create products and services that provide exceptional value by aligning members and the businesses that want to engage them in a shared community. 

Rakuten is a leading shopping platform that offers Cash Back on purchases from your favorite brands. By partnering with thousands of brands in apparel, beauty and wellness, dining, grocery, travel, on-demand services, subscription boxes, and more, Rakuten helps members save and get more on everyday purchases. Since its founding in 1999, Rakuten has become the largest and most rewarding shopping program, and its members have earned $4.6 billion in Cash Back just for shopping through Rakuten. For more information, visit Rakuten.com.

Job Summary:

The Sports & Entertainment business unit is looking for a highly capable and motivated individual intent on rolling up their sleeves up and getting the job done as we continue to grow our sports and entertainment marketing portfolio. With an independent and proactive mindset, the successful candidate will require strong hands-on experience managing partnerships and a track record of successful activations, including being able to plan and deliver complete programs and projects from start to end with a focus on full funnel marketing. Key performance indicators align to the team’s overall responsibility of increasing corporate brand awareness and sentiment; as well as, driving Rakuten service and membership growth for our Rakuten Rewards (Rakuten.com) business in the US.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage day-to-day relationship with select sports property(s) within the Rakuten International portfolio that will require a close connect with driving full funnel marketing results (acquisition/retention)
• Build property relationship, including networking with other property partners
  Champion ideas, research, and initiatives to build profile of the property within Rakuten International with emphasis on how the property can help drive business results. 
• Work with internal teams to plan, allocate and activate assets to maximize brand/business impact
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, creative, product, legal, PR, HR, IT) to ensure programs and campaigns are delivered
• Manage day to day partner and agency interaction (where applicable)
  Ensure transparent and timely reporting of deliverables and results
• Establish partner-specific KPIs; assure constant reporting and tracking; requires an objective assessment of the overall partnership portfolio, to determine lifetime value and efficacy
• Work with Director of Sports and Entertainment to deliver partnership activation plans that align with overall strategic direction

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experienced in a playing lead role in planning and executing 360-degree activation plans including, but not limited to: digital campaigns, marquee events, hospitality, influencer integrations etc.
• Well-versed with market and industry research to inform strategy and planning
• Highly organized with an attention to detail
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, including to senior management
• Comfortable navigating legal and commercial frameworks

Minimum requirements:               

• BA degree (or similar); sports marketing preferred
• 6-8 years relevant working experience on brand, agency or property side of sports and entertainment partnership / sponsorship marketing focused on acquisition and retention. 

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