JOB TITLE: Sr. Director, Partnership Marketing
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Partnership & Premium Experiences
EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10 – 12+ years demonstrated ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams, fostering professional growth and driving results.
• Experience working in sports or sport-adjacent role, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in team-oriented settings and the nuance of team sports environments.
• 12+ years experience in marketing, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful strategies in B2B or B2C environments, including strategic decision-making, overseeing large or complex accounts, and managing high-profile partnerships in sports, entertainment, or similar industries.
• Degree in related field or equivalent work experience preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas and data into actionable strategies and plans.
• Strong collaborator with highly effective relationship and partnership skills. Proven history in managing relationships with key stakeholders (internal, partners, agencies, suppliers, executives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence senior leadership
• Focus on delivering measurable outcomes, with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
  CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS: This position may require the individual to have access to confidential records and information. To successfully perform this position, confidentiality of the information with which the individual has contact must be maintained.

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

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting and moving boxes etc.
• The ability to sit at a desk for long periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office for regular office hours

The Minnesota Vikings are committed to creating and sustaining a culture for you. Whoever you are, we are an organization that embraces and empowers people of all backgrounds and experiences and incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the foundation of everything we do. We are proud to have a culture that empowers our people to harness their uniqueness to develop their full potential as a contributor to the success of the organization and the communities we serve. The Minnesota Vikings are an equal opportunity employer, and we continue to commit to creating equitable opportunities by ensuring that our place can be anyone’s place

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is responsible for, but not limited to, development of marketing strategy, planning and executing of comprehensive marketing plans that enhance the value for corporate partnerships and deliver against their goals, as well as drive revenue growth and elevate brand visibility. Specifics include:

• Strategic Marketing Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive and integrated marketing strategies that align with the Minnesota Viking’s vision and objectives, leveraging market research and data analytics to drive partner results and engagement, brand visibility, and revenue growth.
• Partnership Activation Leadership: Transform sponsorships strategies into immersive fan experiences. Leverage assets such as U.S. Bank Stadium and TCO Performance Center to create interactive touchpoints, including on-site activations, digital engagements, and exclusive events. Collaborate with partners to align activation strategies with brand objectives, ensuring measurable impact and enhanced fan engagement. Continuously evaluate activation effectiveness through data-driven insights, optimizing future initiatives to maximize return on investment and strengthen brand affinity.
• Merchandising and Licensing Strategy: Drive our strategic partnership with Fanatics, delivering a best-in-class retail and e-commerce experience, offering Vikings fans premium merchandise, exclusive collections, and seamless shopping across digital and three in-venue retail locations.
• Team Leadership: Provide strategic leadership to the partnership marketing team by setting clear goals, fostering a culture of accountability and recognition, and mentoring team members to achieve professional growth. Implement performance management practices, facilitate ongoing training and development, and promote a collaborative environment that encourages idea sharing and continuous improvement.
• Partnership Development: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with corporate partners, understanding their business objectives and delivering tailored marketing solutions that provide mutual value.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal departments, including Premium & Guest Experience, Events, Revenue, Legal, Finance, Vikings Entertainment Network and Brand Marketing (among others), to ensure cohesive and effective partnership strategies.
• Asset Management: Oversee the management of key assets inventory, including at U.S. Bank Stadium and TCO Performance Center, ensuring optimal utilization to maximize revenue opportunities and fulfill partnership agreements and objectives.
• Performance Metrics & Data Analysis: Make data-driven decisions by establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of partnership marketing initiatives. Collaborate with business analysts to gather relevant data and insights that highlight partnership effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets related to partnership marketing activities and fulfillment, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.
• Negotiation Preparation and Strategy: Lead the development of negotiation strategies by thoroughly researching partner objectives, market conditions, and organizational goals. Prepare comprehensive negotiation plans that aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic direction and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of industry trends and market dynamics to inform strategic decisions and identify new opportunities for partnership growth.
• Event Participation: Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and meetings to foster relationships with key stakeholders and promote partnership opportunities.
• Resource Allocation: Establish guidelines for resource allocation, team structure, and ongoing account management to optimize team efficiency and effectiveness and provide best practices to the organization.
• Technology Utilization: Leverage tools and influence the Partnership Solutions technology stack, including CRM systems and analytics platforms to maximize partnership effectiveness and streamline operations.
• Game Days, Travel & Event Representation: Work game days and special events to engage with partners, provide top-tier service, and enhance the overall fan experience.
• Sales Process Involvement: Participate in the sales process by ideating on new marketing strategies, assets and plans as well as supporting sales meetings, reviewing proposals, and budgeting for fulfillment costs to ensure successful partnership implementations.
• Leadership Alignment: Work closely with VP, Partnerships & Premium Experiences and CMO to maintain a continuous knowledge of project status in order to stay on schedule and identify potential issues and/or opportunities within or related to the various projects and deliverables.

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

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting and moving boxes etc.
• The ability to sit at a desk for long periods of time