Manager, Partnership Activation
Do you want to be part of “The Next Major League?”
The National Lacrosse League (NLL), North America's premier professional lacrosse league, is looking to hire a Manager, Partnership Activation reporting to the Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations.
As the job title highlights, this individual will be responsible for implementing and executing all partnership activations for the NLL’s expanding roster of commercial partners, official NLL Authentics licensees, and the League’s reinvigorated e-commerce platform.
In addition, this role oversees the direct management of the NLL’s extensive value-in-kind program for each of the League’s franchises. This includes coordination and delivery of official NLL equipment, on-floor products, and other approved items necessary for NLL games.
Given the NLL’s Commercial Operations infrastructure, this individual will play a key role in the development of the annual revenue and marketing plan, the League’s ongoing team business operations initiative, and the annual NLL Awards platform.
Responsibilities
- Lead the partnership activation process from planning to execution, ensuring all deadlines and deliverables are met on time and within budget. Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for assigned partners, providing proactive communication and support.
- Manage event logistics, including set-up, staffing, and execution of the League’s special events, shows, and/or partner-related programming: coordinate with third-party vendors and agencies as needed to execute activations.
- Gain keen understanding of partners’ businesses, goals, and objectives to help frame partnership storytelling and build unique solutions to maximize the partnership value; play an integral role creating, planning, and executing partnership activation programs in line with partner goals and League objectives prior to official buy-in from the prospective partner.
- Manage the fulfillment of all contractual obligations, including broadcast inventory and integrations, in-venue signage and on-site activations, digital assets and social media campaigns, and hospitality programs.
- Lead regular status meetings with partners to review campaign progress, upcoming deliverables, and overall metrics, while providing ongoing analysis and recommended changes if warranted.
- Track and report on the performance of partnership activations, delivering post-event or season reports that demonstrate ROI (return on investment) and ROO (return on objectives). Use data-driven insights to refine activation strategies and recommend real-time and/or future improvements for partners.
- Manage the budget allocated for partnership activations and ensure optimal allocation and fiscal responsibility to achieve the desired impact within budget parameters.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key commercial partners and official licensees to ensure satisfaction leading to higher retention and renewal opportunities.
- Serve as the League’s liaison to all NLL Clubs and third-party entities supporting Clubs’ business growth, including but not limited to ticketing strategies, implementation of the League’s marketing programming (including via third-party partnerships),
- Manage the administrative operation of the NLL’s e-commerce platform in tandem with all relevant backend and technology partners and providers
- Work with Lacrosse Operations, team equipment managers, and other team personnel on VIK allotments.
- Coordinate with Brand & Creative to ensure partner branding is executed seamlessly across all platforms.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, sports management, business, or related field.
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience in partnership activation, account management, or client services, preferably in sports, entertainment, or a related industry; familiarity with ticketing, hospitality, and/or event logistics preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high-profile corporate partnerships and deliver on contractual obligations.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to a broad range audience with the league, clubs and senior executives, with the ability to build relationships across all levels.
- Proven track record of working with cross-functional teams to deliver successful campaigns and activations.
- Experience working with partnership assets across multiple platforms, including digital, social media, and in-venue activations.
- Proficient experience with Microsoft suite of products.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to track and report on key metrics.
- Must be able to work cooperatively in a team setting within all levels of the organization.
- Ability to walk/stand for extended periods of time in a variety of potential scenarios: activation events, lacrosse clinics, community events, etc.
Must be able to work non-traditional work hours as needed (evenings, weekends, etc.).
The NLL offers company paid medical insurance and participation in 401k. This position can work remotely.
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America's largest professional lacrosse league and welcomed more than 1 million fans for the second year in a row during the 2023-24 season. Founded in 1986, the NLL is comprised of 14 franchises across the United States and Canada, and recently unveiled its largest brand campaign ever, “
Welcome to The Next Major League™” and introduced its comprehensive grassroots initiative,
NLL UnBOXed™, that will expand the League’s footprint to more than 60 communities across North America by 2028.
When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you are interested or know someone who is, please send resume with cover letter and salary requirement to [email protected]. Please reference Manager, Partnership Activation.
The National Lacrosse League is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
