Manager, Partnership Sales

Position Summary:

The individual hired will work in the Minneapolis offices at Target Field and within the Brand Partnerships Department; the corporate sponsorship & activation arm of the Minnesota Twins. Persons suitable for the role will be driven, self-motivated professionals who have a passion for creating world-class partnerships with organizations and brands, both locally and nationally. The Manager of Partnership Sales will be responsible for helping grow and retain annual and long-term sponsorship revenue by incorporating a deep understanding of the sports sponsor marketplace, industry trends, partner categories, and the MN Twins fanbase. This position will work closely with the Activation Team and Strategy & Development team to marry internal research with partner sales efforts. The person in this role will be immersed in daily sales activity, presenting a strong sales narrative for prospects and partners to drive significant revenue growth. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Research, identify and track sponsorship prospects and organizations, regionally, nationally, and internationally within key target industries and segments. 
• Prospect, pitch and close new sponsorship deals in support of individual and department sponsorship sales revenue goals. 
• Build and maintain robust list of prospective sponsorship targets.
• Responsible for selling all Twins controlled advertising elements. Elements include but are not limited to, in venue signage & experiences, digital, print, radio and local promotional rights.
• Work closely with the Partnership Strategy & Development team to prepare proposals that match client objectives to package components by outlining benefits of sponsorship program.
• Collaborate with the Partnership Activation Account Managers to ensure fulfillment of client deliverables and ensure satisfaction and continued renewal of relationship with team. 
• Use CRM platforms to track and manage current and prospective clients. 
• Provide weekly reporting and communication of various sales-related metrics including pipeline generation, account status, revenue and goal attainment status, and relevant sponsor interaction. 
• Assist the team with other duties. 

Required Experience and Education:

• Undergraduate and/or Graduate Studies degree required. Degree in Marketing, Sports Business Management, Communications is a plus.
• 5-7 years of sales/client services experience; ideally with understanding of/experiences in the sports & entertainment industry.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills; ability to collaborate, influence, and cultivate relationships within a multitude of business environments. 
• Demonstrated eye for business and a historically successful track record with relationship building, proposal ideation/creation, and contract negotiation. 
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities and projects while working with many categories of clients. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Strong interpersonal skills are required and the ability to work independently.
• Willing to work the hours required to fulfill the commitments of the role. 
• A lifelong passion for winning supported by an exceptional track record of results. 
• Perform any other duties as assigned. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. 
• Must be able to work in a seated position for majority of work day.
• Must be able to be productive utilizing a computer, keyboard and telephone. 
• Must be able to be productive in a work environment where the noise level can be high at times. 
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 
• Must be able to walk steps to visit fans during games. 
• Must be comfortable walking to navigate the facility to access the office, dining room, etc. 
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as required by deadlines and event scheduling. 

Minnesota Twins