Director, Partnerships
Legends
Evanston, IL
POSITION: Director, Partnerships DEPARTMENT: Partnerships REPORTS TO: Vice President, Partnerships FLSA STATUS: Salaried, Exempt LEGENDS & ASM GLOBAL Two powerhouse companies have joined forces to redefine excellence in sports, entertainment, and live events. Together, we combine unmatched expertise with a global reach, offering end-to-end solutions – from venue development and event booking to revenue strategy and hospitality. Legends brings a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise, and Attractions, working with top-tier clients to deliver exceptional experiences. ASM Global , the world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 350+ iconic venues stadiums, arenas, conventions centers and theaters. Our organization is committed to building an inclusive, innovative environment where differences drive solutions that benefit our team members, guests, and partners. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and accountability, we create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Are you ready to be part of the team that is transforming live entertainment? Join us to make legends happen! JMI Sports JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company providing management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and highly regarded project management expertise to the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies that bring each client’s vision to fruition. JMI Sports manages an impressive list of signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships including, the University of Kentucky, Clemson University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia and Columbia University (with Learfield IMG College), and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents several high-profile conferences including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Southern Conference, and the Patriot League. Additionally, JMI Sports serves as third-party sales representation for premier venues and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center and the Penn Relays. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, JMI Sports was founded by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres. THE PROJECT Northwestern University and Ryan Field Foundation LLC have entered into a long-term partnership agreement with a Legends-JMI Sports joint venture to oversee corporate partnerships for the New Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics’ multi-media rights opportunities. The New Ryan Field will be a state-of-the-art $850M sports and entertainment venue set to become a landmark for college football and Chicago. The project, with the majority funded by the Ryan Family without public investment, will set a new standard in college athletics, transforming the stadium model into a year-round community asset. Scheduled to open in 2026, the new Ryan Field promises to bring a world class student athlete, fan, and community experience to college sports. Once completed, it will not only host Northwestern football but also serve as the premier concert venue in the Chicago area as well as a leading destination for national events, youth sports championships, and additional opportunities, creating an unparalleled community hub, truly “Chicago’s Big Ten Stadium.” As the exclusive partner for Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics, the joint venture will be responsible for engaging national and regional businesses with a unique and integrated sponsorship platform centered on the premier facility in all of college football in addition to relationships with the world class University. THE ROLE The Director, Partnerships will be responsible for securing new corporate and marketing partnerships as part of the partnership sales team. The individual hired for this role will be responsible for leading sales efforts, and the development of new corporate partnerships. The Director, Partnerships will identify emerging sponsorship categories, build relationships across a variety of industries, generate sales leads through networking and research, conduct client presentations, and negotiate high-value contracts to meet and exceed annual revenue goals. The Director, Partnerships will report to the Vice President, Partnerships. Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Work with the partnership development team to manage key category development and platform ideation for new and existing partners.
- Secure and conduct partnership development meetings with potential clients by leveraging relationships as well as cold outreach.
- Aim to understand the marketing and business objectives of prospective clients and their agencies.
- Develop relationships and work directly with key colleagues to create a collaborative business development process and the opportunity for integrated partnerships.
- Present new Ryan Field Partnerships to potential local/national sponsorship partners and develop an integrated, solution-driven approach to creating sponsorship packages.
- Create, package, and sell sponsorships while becoming an integrated part of a team to meet and exceed revenue goals and objectives.
- Manage a pipeline of new business prospects for the New Ryan Field as part of the Partnership sales team.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client marketing companies and their respective advertising agencies.
- Negotiate and close sponsorship deals and work with counsel through contract execution.
- Attend weekly meetings with senior-level executives and provide updates.
- Be a team player and positively represent the Ryan Field Foundation LLC, Northwestern Athletics, JMI Sports, and Legends among all corporate and partners.
- Organically help facilitate a team-first approach to business by effectively communicating and building relationships with internal stakeholders and executives that assist in the ideation and implementation of partnership programs.
- 5+ years of successful corporate sales, premium sales, brand agency or brand sponsorship sales experience directly in sponsorship/corporate partnerships.
- Proven track record in closing long-term, six figure integrated marketing partnerships.
- Experience driving revenue growth with emerging opportunities and established partnerships.
- Demonstrated experience using sales materials and market insights to craft strategy and narrative.
- Storyteller with experience communicating the benefit of marketing opportunities to clients.
- Communication and presentation experience with an emphasis on translating insights, product information, and data into partner value.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to develop strong working relationships with partners, teammates, and other stakeholders.
- Capacity to meet challenging sales objectives in a high profile, competitive marketplace.
- Ability to manage a high level of detail across multiple projects and to prioritize efficiently.
- Expertise in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, and negotiating creative solutions.
- Familiarity with digital media marketing and social media platforms.
- Creativity to develop strategic and purpose driven marketing platforms.
- Experience in building out innovative presentations.
- High emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and desire to grow professionally.
- Ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines independently.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while remaining organized, efficient, and calm under pressure
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Posted 2025-08-23
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