Brand Partnerships Manager

CityPickle is a dynamic and rapidly growing sport and lifestyle brand based in New York City. Our mission is to spread the joy of pickleball and put a paddle in the hand of every urban dweller. We specialize in operating both permanent, indoor pickleball clubs as well as high-profile, seasonal activations.

Position Overview:

As the Brand Partnerships Manager, your primary focus will be to strategize and source new brand partners for CityPickle and to execute and manage successful partnership and sponsorship initiatives. This is a dynamic role that secures and manages strategic brand relationships and cross-collaborates with multiple internal teams including Marketing, Business Development, Programming, and Operations to successfully fulfill partnership activations. You will report directly to the VP, Brand Partnerships and work closely with the Brand Partnerships Coordinator to execute partnerships.

Responsibilities include:

• Identify and qualify brand-enhancing prospects with whom to partner to drive revenue and amplify the CityPickle brand.
• Develop creative, brand-consistent decks, media and collateral to pitch CityPickle to potential sponsors and partners.
• Implement outreach to prospective contacts to initiate partnership discussions and build partnerships pipeline.
• Create compelling partnership proposals, negotiate sponsorship agreements, and close deals that align with both CityPickle’s and brand partner’s goals and objectives.
• Work collaboratively with CityPickle team members and external partners to manage brand partnerships and ensure deliverables are met.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Programming teams to ensure consistent messaging and promotion of partnerships (sponsored event descriptions, social media posts, newsletter mentions, creative assets, etc).
• Spearhead sponsorship-driven events including strategy and execution to drive revenue and amplify brand reach.
• Strategize growth marketing partnership opportunities with brand-enhancing community groups that drive new customer acquisition.
• Use visual assets and data to develop compelling presentations and case studies that showcase successful partnership outcomes and ensure renewals.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-4 years of experience in partnerships, sponsorships, sales, business development, or similar role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Management, Communications, or related field.
• Experience with Google Workspace, Slack, CRM platforms (ideally HubSpot) and creative platforms (ideally Canva).
• Bright energy, a collaborative spirit, integrity, and a drive for excellence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively network and collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Innovative thinker with a strategic mindset and a passion for creative problem solving.
• Excellent writing, pitch deck preparation, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Comfortable in a fast-moving, collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment.

Bonus Points For:

• Passion for the power of sports, especially pickleball, to create a healthy and happy lifestyle.
• Existing agency and brand-direct relationships across key categories (CPG, Financial Services, Insurance, Tech, AI, Entertainment, Automotive, Beverages, etc)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• A collaborative and innovative work environment with a mission-driven focus
• CityPickle is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Compensation:

• Base Salary: $90,000 - $100,000
• Eligible for discretionary bonus based on overall company and individual performance
• Final compensation is dependent on experience, skills, and other relevant factors

CityPickle is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply.