About the UFL
The United Football League (UFL) is the premier spring football platform, formed by the merging of the XFL and USFL in 2024 under the combined ownership of RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson. The UFL has eight teams in Arlington (TX), Birmingham (AL), Detroit (MI), Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Memphis (TN), St. Louis (MO), and Washington D.C.
About the Position
The Sponsorship Senior Manager / Director* is a self-starter with partnership sales experience in sports at the league or team level. This individual should possess strong sales acumen and knowledge of sports and live entertainment. The key focus with this role is to develop and sell customized partnerships to brands with local interests that will help to achieve the revenue goals and fan engagement objectives of the D.C. Defenders and the UFL. Secondarily, the role will be expected to surface potential national brand leads based in and around the market. The Sponsorship lead will work with the Team Business lead and league Sponsorship leadership to support the strategic approach to driving long-term corporate partnership revenue for the UFL.
*Title will align with candidate experience.
What You Will Do
Delivering Sponsorship Excellence
Oversee local end-to-end sales process for all partnerships affiliated with the D.C. Defenders.
Build and manage sponsor pipeline, identifying corporate and institutional partners with a vested interest in the Greater Washington region and/or the D.C. Defenders target demographic.
Prepare and bring to market sponsorship proposals including compelling visuals and storytelling alongside proposed partnership assets.
Lead management of team sponsorship rate card and asset inventory.
Identify new ways of generating incremental revenue and/or delivering budget relief for the organization through partnerships.
Strategize and collaborate with sponsors, agencies, and internal stakeholders to create fully integrated partner marketing programs, aligning partner and UFL goals.
Maintain day-to-day relationships between sponsors (current and potential), internal departments, and outside agencies.
Attend local meetings and events relevant to sponsor interests and pipeline development.
Accountability and influence in renewals and revenue growth.
Ensure local sponsorship revenue goals are met on an annual basis.
Succeeding on Game Day
Work with game production, marketing, and venue staff to deliver all sponsor assets and activations on game days.
Ensure all relevant partner script copy, visual assets, and production notes are delivered across the organization by stated deadlines.
Liaise with Defenders Ticket Sales Director and concessions partner to seamlessly deliver all partner hospitality.
Effectively utilize game days as opportunities to host key partner stakeholders and potential new partners.
What you will bring
3-5 years working within the sports industry or with sports brands, including experience in sponsorship sales and activation, negotiation, research, analytics and media.
A strong understanding of the local team market, including key business contacts and influencers to best leverage local partnerships
Strong brand marketer with understanding of partner categories, business, and the sports/entertainment industry.
Have a client service mentality to support the development of long-term partner relationships.
Capacity for creative and innovative thinking.
Excellent sales, presentation, and communication skills.
Leader and self-starter with the ability to multitask.
Team player with strong cross-functional skills.
Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Additional Details
Work location: The location of this role must be in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The role is hybrid. The individual may work in a remote office and/or an office environment and will be expected to attend all team games and events.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability and willingness to work proactively at events sponsored by the UFL, partner organizations and other grassroot opportunities to promote the UFL team in the selected market and develop new business and fan relationships
Local travel to games, events, and meetings with access to a vehicle or transportation to take necessary supplies for activations.
Minimal Travel (<10% travel): May be required to travel out of market.
Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays required.
Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times.
Salary:
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience location is $80,000-$100,000. This role is also eligible for various benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life insurance, a 401 (k) plan, paid time off and other benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The UFL maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits and terminations.
