Director, Corporate Partnerships

OVERVIEW

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, Corporate Partnerships, will focus on sales efforts to develop new multi-year sponsorships, as well as renewing sponsorships, for LAFC and BMO Stadium located in downtown Los Angeles. This individual will successfully cultivate high-level client-direct relationships across top brands on a regional, national, and international level with a hyper focus on maximizing revenue for the organization. Thus, the ideal candidate is someone who has a sharp sales acumen that thrives in a high-pressure, high-reward role that is responsible for contributing to an annual department revenue goal. 

This role is a salary-based position with additional compensation available through competitive commission opportunities. 

The candidate will report to the VP, Corporate Partnerships.

LAFC is currently operating on a hybrid work model with a minimum of 2 in-office days per week. Please note that this may vary by role, and your scheduled in-office days are up to the discretion of your supervisor. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead all facets of the individual sale cycle including prospecting, researching/qualifying leads, setting up face-to-face appointments, ideating sponsorship solutions tailored to prospect business goals, proposal development, presenting final proposal, negotiation, contract generation.
• Work cross-functionally with all departments to create comprehensive sponsorship proposals, while ensuring a high level of streamlined internal communication.
• Employ the latest prospecting tools, research data, and market knowledge to develop effective, brand-centric sales positioning.
• Understand prospective partner brands and their competitors to develop solution-based platforms to amplify partners’ brands, enable them to break through the clutter, and achieve their marketing objectives.
• Serve as a mentor and coach to teammates providing impactful support and guidance. 
• Meet and/or exceed sales expectations and goals for new business revenue.
• Leverage LAFC matches and other events to demonstrate sponsorship potential to prospective brands.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/University in business, communications, sports management, or a related field
• Minimum of 6 years’ of experience in sponsorship sales at property, agency, or professional sports team required.
• Proven track record of sales success, specifically generating mid seven-figures of annual revenue on a consistent basis.
• Prior experience developing innovative sponsorship packages required. 
• Strong knowledge of sports and stadium sponsorships including but not limited to promotions, events, brands, and media.
• Strong understanding of the global soccer landscape on both a local and national level is preferred.
• Superior public speaking and persuasive presentation skills to senior management teams and C-suite executives.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships and interact with internal and external clients across all levels.
• Ability to multi-task and make sound decisions in a fast-paced and unstructured environment with frequent interruptions and demanding deadlines.
• Must be able to serve as an extension of the Club by always maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. 
• Possess critical thinking skills to address and solve internal and external challenges effectively and efficiently.
• Proficient in all Google Suite products, KORE Software, Salesforce, and a myriad of third-party research.
• Ability to always maintain a high level of confidentiality.  
• Ability to travel as needed. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the event calendar requires.

SALARY RANGE 

At LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the compensation range for this role is $100,000 per year.  This position is an exempt position with additional compensation available through competitive commission opportunities.

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  

LAFC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. 

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.