Director of Corporate Partnerships - Augusta Lynx (ECHL)The Augusta Lynx of the ECHL are looking for a self-motivated individual to guide their Corporate Partnerships Department. We're passionate about connecting brands to the Augusta community through innovative, results-driven partnerships. As the organization continues to grow, we're seeking a driven and experienced sales leader to lead corporate partnerships for the Augusta Lynx.
Position OverviewThe Director of Corporate Partnerships is responsible for leading the Augusta Lynx corporate partnership business, generating new revenue by developing, selling, and managing integrated sponsorship packages across Zawyer Sports properties, with a primary focus on the Lynx. This is a full-cycle sales and leadership role: you'll set partnership strategy, prospect and close high-value deals, manage a portfolio of key partners, and ensure long-term partner satisfaction and renewal.
This role is ideal for a motivated, strategic sales leader with a passion for sports, a proven track record in partnership or sponsorship sales, and the ability to build and lead a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities- Partnership Strategy - Develop and execute the annual corporate partnership sales strategy for the Augusta Lynx, including inventory planning, pricing, and category targeting.
- New Business Development - Proactively identify, prospect, and cultivate new corporate partnership opportunities through cold outreach, networking, referrals, and community engagement, with a focus on high-value and multi-year deals.
- Full-Cycle Sales - Lead the complete sales process from initial contact through proposal development, negotiation, and contract execution.
- Customized Proposals - Design creative, multi-platform sponsorship packages tailored to each partner's marketing objectives, incorporating dasher board and in-ice signage, in-arena and digital media, game-night activations, social media, community programs, and hospitality assets.
- Revenue Goals - Own and exceed partnership revenue targets on an annual basis as set by the Zawyer Sports Chief Revenue Officer and Market President.
- Team Leadership - Recruit, train, and mentor partnership sales and activation staff as the department grows, setting clear goals and holding the team accountable to results.
- Relationship Management - Serve as the primary point of contact for the team's top corporate partners, ensuring exceptional service and high renewal rates.
- Activation Coordination - Work with the partnership activation and marketing teams to ensure all contracted elements are fulfilled and deliver measurable value.
- Reporting & CRM Management - Maintain accurate records of all sales activity, pipeline, and partner data in the CRM, and provide regular revenue forecasts and reports to senior leadership.
- Market Intelligence - Stay current on industry trends, the competitive landscape, and the Augusta and greater CSRA business community to identify new partnership opportunities.
- Gameday Responsibilities - Attend Lynx home games and events to host, entertain, and strengthen relationships with corporate partners and prospects.
QualificationsRequired
- 5+ years of experience in corporate partnership, sponsorship, or B2B sales, preferably within professional sports, entertainment, or a related industry
- Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets, including closing large, multi-year partnerships
- Strong prospecting skills with experience building a pipeline and partnership program from the ground up
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver compelling presentations to C-suite executives
- Ability to craft customized, creative proposals that align with client marketing goals
- Experience managing or mentoring sales staff, or a clear readiness to lead a team
- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities at once
- Proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce or equivalent)
- Collaborative leader who also thrives working independently
- Enthusiasm for hockey and the Augusta community
Preferred
- Experience selling multi-property or multi-platform sponsorship packages
- Existing relationships within the Augusta/CSRA business community
- Experience with activation and fulfillment of partnership agreements
- Experience launching partnership sales for a new or relaunched team
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field
