Partnership Marketing Manager

Summary

The Buffalo Sabres are looking for a Manager of Partnership Marketing to be part of the Buffalo Sabres+ Corporate Partnership Team. At a high level, this position is responsible for managing select corporate partnership accounts within the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter portfolios, delivering contractual assets, developing strong relationships and maximizing revenue and ROI.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Exceptionally fulfill and manage all partnership contractual elements within specific deadlines and achieve set goals.
• Contribute to overall department revenue goals through current partnership renewals and upsell opportunities.
• Work collaboratively across internal departments and stakeholders for partnership asset fulfillment and alignment of programs and initiatives.
• Maintain a frequent cadence with partners for consistent communication, development of assets and evaluation of KPIs that align with a structured plan to measure and execute contracted assets.
• Prepare for internal or external meetings with action plans, agendas and follow up notes.
• Assist in managing the budget and reporting expenses related to the partners assigned.
• Maintain accurate and detailed reporting processes for fulfillment, contracts and touchpoints in KORE.
• Utilize Tableau to ensure accuracy in reporting and measure fulfillment.
• Direct partners on best practices for activation
• Assist in fulfillment for game days and during special events.
• Lead a specific asset category with an internal department on behalf of the activation team to ensure all partnership assets are fulfilled and further opportunities are being developed. (ex: Game Presentation)
• Collaborate with Director of Partnership Marketing to develop a plan per partner to demonstrate ROI and fulfillment of partnership initiatives.
• Oversee the development and fulfillment of timely, mid-year and year-end partnership recaps with robust storytelling, photos, analytics for assigned partnerships.
• Assist in renewal research, proposals and pitches alongside the Corporate Partnership sales representative.
• Lead partnership presentations and meetings both internally and externally.
• Maintain strong industry knowledge of best practices. Research and analyze activation concepts that align with our brand, support partners’ marketing objectives and drive business results.
• Complete special projects assigned by the Director of Partnership Marketing.
• Track, schedule, manage and communicate effectively partnership assets within but not limited to:
• Broadcast and Media
• Community Programs
• Digital Strategy
• Game Day Activation and Operations
• Game Presentation Integration
• Hospitality
• Marketing Promotions and Sweepstakes
• Retail and Merchandise
• Venue Signage
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and professionalism
• Other duties as requested or assigned

Minimum Qualifications for the Position

• Bachelor’s degree required with a preferred focus in Sport Management, Marketing and or Business and equivalent work experience.
• 3-5 years of work experience in sports-related marketing, events, client services and/or media is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Knowledge and experience of KORE/Two Circles or related CRM, DIGIDECK and Sponsor United is preferred.
• Ability to work nights/weekends/holidays (as required) for related Sabres and Bandits games along with special events. Some travel may be required.

Critical Competencies (listed in no specific order)

• Revenue growth and forward-thinking mindset.
• Personal, outgoing, positive, transparent and thrives in a team-focused environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Strong attention to building and developing relationships both internally and externally.
• Leadership skills in the ability to assist in leading projects and collaborate effectively with internal colleagues and external partners.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment to meet deadlines.
• Efficiently manage multiple projects at once in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong work ethic with ability to deliver individual results within a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to manage expectations and conflict while providing feasible solutions.

Compensation

• This role will pay between $62,353.20 - $65,000 annually. Note: Wages will be determined based on factors such as candidate experience, qualifications, skill set and internal equity.

Benefits & Incentives

• Medical Plans: Comprehensive and affordable medical plans; supplemental vision care, dental care, life insurance coverage, fully paid, short and long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
• Investments: 401(k) with employer matching; annual discretionary defined employer contributions
• Paid Time Off: Paid Volunteer Days
• Sabres Experience: (up to 4) Comp tickets to Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans when available
• Wellness: Annual Health & Wellness fair, monthly wellness initiatives including but not limited to lunch & learns, fitness classes and challenges.
• Sabres Family: many annual social events for employees and their families to enjoy, including various holiday parties and activities. DEI committee with annual initiatives, ERG (Employee Resource Groups), Community Volunteer opportunities and more.

Hockey Western New York, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer