Reports To: VP, Properties
Location: A1 Office - Laguna Hills, CA
Direct Reports: N/A
Role OverviewThe Director, Properties leads the strategy, sponsorship sales, and execution of the events Athletes First produces throughout the year - including tentpole moments around the NFL calendar (Combine, Draft, Super Bowl, Pro Bowl), client and partner hospitality, foundation and charity events, and other firm-wide activations. Reporting to the VP, Properties, the Director owns the full event lifecycle: concept development, sponsor outreach and deal-making, logistics and on-site production, vendor management, budget ownership, and post-event reporting.
Key Responsibilities & Duties - Own the planning and execution of Athletes First's event portfolio, including NFL Combine, Draft, Super Bowl week, corporate events, Pro Bowl, client hospitality, foundation/charity events, and other firm activations.
- Develop the annual events calendar, strategic plan, and budget in partnership with the VP, Properties and firm leadership.
- Source, pitch, negotiate, and close event sponsorships across categories (apparel, CPG, beverage, auto, finance, tech, hospitality, etc.); manage sponsor pipelines, proposals, and contracts.
- Build and maintain relationships with brand partners, agencies, and vendors; serve as the day-to-day point of contact for sponsors before, during, and after each event.
- Lead end-to-end event production: venue sourcing and contracting, run-of-show, vendor management (catering, AV, production, security, transportation, talent), permitting, insurance, and on-site logistics.
- Develop and own event budgets; track spend, manage reconciliation, and deliver against revenue and margin targets for each property.
- Ensure flawless execution of sponsor deliverables - signage, branding, activations, hospitality, content rights, and post-event reporting.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with agents, marketing, communications, content, and operations teams to align events with client priorities and firm-wide goals.
- Manage event timelines, project plans, and critical paths; anticipate risks and proactively problem-solve under tight deadlines.
- Lead on-site event execution, including staffing plans, vendor walk-throughs, sponsor activation, talent management, and real-time troubleshooting.
- Deliver post-event recaps, sponsor reporting, ROI analysis, and recommendations for future events.
- Identify new event concepts and revenue opportunities that strengthen Athletes First's brand and create value for clients and partners.
- Represent Athletes First at industry events, league functions, and partner meetings; travel as required around the NFL calendar.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree required; concentration in Sport Management, Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field preferred.
- 7+ years of experience in event production, sponsorship sales, sports marketing, or experiential - agency, property, league, team, or brand-side experience all considered.
- Demonstrated track record of selling and servicing event sponsorships, ideally in sports or entertainment, with experience closing five- to seven-figure deals.
- Proven ability to manage large-scale events end-to-end, from concept through on-site execution and post-event reporting.
- Strong network of brand marketers, sponsorship agencies, venues, and event vendors.
- Deep understanding of the NFL calendar, key industry moments, and the broader sports and entertainment events landscape.
- Exceptional project management skills; able to manage multiple complex events and competing deadlines simultaneously without losing detail or composure.
- Experience building and managing event budgets, P&Ls, and sponsor reporting.
- Strong negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills; polished presence with senior brand and league contacts.
- Cool-headed under pressure with a true operator's mindset - willing to roll up sleeves on logistics, last-minute changes, and long days on-site.
- Proficiency with project management, CRM, and event tools (Asana/Monday, Salesforce/HubSpot, Cvent or similar) and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace.
- Discretion and professionalism handling confidential client, partner, and financial information.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively and work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, around the NFL calendar and key event windows.
- Passion for sports and live events, with a commitment to the firm's mission of doing the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons.
What We Offer - Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Flexible PTO
- Exposure to the highest levels of professional sports and a front-row seat working alongside elite NFL athletes, coaches, and front office executives
