Director, Partnership Sales (RAJ Sports)

POSITION: Director, Partnership Sales

DEPARTMENT: LGP  

REPORTS TO: VP, Partnership Strategy       

FLSA STATUS: Salaried/Exempt          

LEGENDS GLOBAL

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services that keeps our partners front and center through our white-label approach.

Our network of 450 venues worldwide, hosting 20,000 events and entertaining 165 million guests each year, is powered by our depth of expertise and level of execution across every component feasibility & consulting, owner’s representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content & booking of world-class live events and venues.

The Legends Global culture is one of respect, ambitious thinking, collaboration, and bold action. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be authentic, make an impact, and grow their career.

Winning is an everyday thing at Legends Global. We have the best team members who understand every win is earned when we come together as one unified team. Sounds like a winning formula for you. Join us!

RAJ SPORTS

RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.

THE ROLE

The Director, Partnership Sales will conceptualize, develop, and secure key corporate sponsorships with companies wishing to maximize their relationship in Women’s Sports across both the Portland Thorns and WNBA Portland (RAJ Sports Portland). The Director of Partnerships will be primarily responsible for driving new business development as a key member of the partnerships team. The Director will be responsible for individually driving six- and seven- figure, multi-year partnerships. This position will report to the Project Leader.

ESSENTIAL DUTES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with 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 to determine how a partnership with RAJ Sports (Portland) and Legends can help them achieve their goals.
• Develop relationships and work directly with key colleagues to create a collaborative business development process and the opportunity for integrated partnerships. Work with business development team to design high-level vision decks and interactive practice pitch meetings.
• Present Raj Sports (Portland) to potential local/national/international sponsorship partners and develop an integrated, solution-driven approach to creating sponsorship packages.
• Create, package, and sell solution-based naming rights and sponsorship packages to meet and exceed all revenue goals.
• Manage a pipeline of new business prospects for the entire Partnership sales team.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client marketing companies and their respective advertising agencies.
• Understand the marketing objectives of prospective clients and their agencies and determine how a partnership  with Portland Thorns can help them achieve their goals.
• Research and identify industries and organizations to solicit sponsorship.
• Negotiate and close sponsorship deals and work with counsel through contract execution.
• Attend weekly meetings with senior-level executives and provide routine recruitment updates.
• Be a team player and contribute to the general success of Legends Global Partnerships across all facets, including positively representing Raj Sports (Portland) among all corporate partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty with energy and enthusiasm. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 7+ years of high-level partnership revenue performance preferred selling partnerships for professional, collegiate or media sports property.
• Preferable experience working within Women’s Sports or Entertainment
• Renowned solution-selling pedigree.
• Solid book of business with high-level contacts at large and midsize corporations, particularly companies with sponsorship portfolios.
• A proven track record in pitching, negotiating and closing six and seven-figure sponsorship deals.
• Expertise in identifying opportunities, developing strategies and negotiating creative solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities with excellent communication skills.
• High energy and a personality that thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Strong work ethic and a competitive drive to win.
• Excellence in pitching, negotiating and closing six and seven-figure sponsorship deals.
• Ability to communicate the value of sponsorship vs. pure media as a marketing solution.
• Ability to develop creative proposals that meet and exceed potential partners’ needs.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to quickly earn and maintain trust.
• Ability to develop strong peer-level relationships and work in a team environment.

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Location: On Site - Portland, OR

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

NOTE:

The essential responsibilities of this position are described below the above headings. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.