Account Manager, Partnership Marketing - Sounders FC

TITLE: Account Manager, Partnership Marketing

DEPARTMENT: Corporate Partnerships

REPORTS TO: Director of Partnership Marketing 

TYPE: Full-Time Regular

FLSA: Exempt 

ROLE TYPE: Individual Contributor

 

OUR CLUB

When you join Seattle Sounders FC, you join a soccer-loving, socially progressive, ambitious club rooted in the best soccer city in America. We have one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY 

As the Account Manager in Partnership Marketing, you'll play a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day needs of our marquee partners, ensuring their satisfaction and growth. You'll plan and execute strategic activation strategies, manage media and event elements, and oversee partner signage, tickets, merchandising, and hospitality.

You'll be responsible for maintaining partner details in our inventory systems, creating detailed recaps, and building strong relationships by anticipating partners' needs and activating partnership assets in engaging ways. Additionally, you'll support the Corporate Partnership Sales team with research and creative ideas, lead presentations, and contribute to team operations.

This role requires a strategic-minded individual who is passionate about client service, building impactful, objective-focused partnerships, and displays a positive, collaborative attitude in line with the club’s vision, values, and objectives.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Partnership Marketing Fulfillment & Retention

• Responsible for overall day-to-day account management including contract activation and fulfillment, strategic direction, and budget for assigned marquee corporate partners
• Accountable for retention as well as presenting incremental opportunities for existing partnerships including contract amendments and renewals
• Plan and coordinate activation strategies and calendars for assigned partner accounts
• Effectively manage the following core fulfillment responsibilities:
• Match-day execution (on-site activations, in-match promotions, stadium giveaways, presentations, and hospitality)
• Coordinating media elements (television, radio, streaming, digital and social media)
• Events/promotion execution (retail marketing initiatives and non-match day/community events and appearances)
• Partner signage
• Coordinating tickets, merchandising, and hospitality elements
• Enter and maintain all partner elements in inventory spreadsheets or CRM
• Knowledge of inventory, league guidelines and internal processes
• Create and present recaps as necessary for all assigned partners
• Proactively develop new ways to establish strong relationships with assigned corporate partner accounts. Anticipate the needs of partners and communicate accordingly.
• Strategically brainstorm ways to activate partnership assets to meet both Sounders FC and client goals that engage Sounders FC fans.
• Work collaboratively across departments to deliver client services and solutions.
• Proactively participate in Partnership Marketing team operations, including team meetings, assisting colleagues with events, promotions, hospitality, and shared responsibilities on match days
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS   

• Demonstrated experience managing partnerships in sponsorships, client services, sports or event marketing, agency, or media
• A strategic thinker who can assess the long-term implications of current choices and decisions
• Skilled in basic accounting principles for crafting detailed recaps and managing budgets. Self-starter with the ability to work independently and prioritize projects effectively
• Meticulous organizer with a keen eye for detail.
• Dynamic and approachable, excelling in relationship-building.
• Champion of club values: One Club, Trusted Teammates, Growth is Good, Gritty, Zig, Inclusive, Extraordinary Communicators, and Soccer is Fun.
• Exceptional communicator, adept at engaging clients, C-Level executives, colleagues, and vendors.
• Innovative and creative thinker, who can contribute ideas and participate in marketing efforts in the department and across the organization
• Enthusiastic and ready to make an impact at every level.
• Committed to pri