Director, Partnership Marketing (UFC & Zuffa Boxing)

About the job

Who We Are:

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.

Position Summary:

TKO is seeking a Director of Partnership Marketing to join our Global Partnerships team, assigned with managing and executing UFC & Zuffa Boxing brand partnerships. This executive will ensure a best-in-class partnership marketing experience for our top-tier brand partners, serving as a true consultative resource that will drive partner objectives. This person will have a proven track record of overseeing a team that manages the day-to-day relationships of brand partners including all programs and platform execution, strategy, planning, and creative development across departments. Further, the position requires a commercially minded individual that has experience generating revenue via renewing partnerships and developing integrated upsell and cross sell opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end management of commercial partnerships for UFC & Zuffa Boxing to deliver on partner’s brand and business goals.
• Lead strategic planning for all partners, identifying and prioritizing growth opportunities aligned with business objectives, while delivering consultative solutions leveraging the power of the TKO enterprise.
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders (including Marketing, Events, Community Relations, Media, PR, Brand, Legal, etc.), serving as cross departmental project lead to ensure alignment of partner programs with UFC & Zuffa Boxing initiatives.
• Act as on-site partnership lead at WWE events, including oversight of experiential integrations and partner experiences.
• Build and develop relationships with brand partner contacts, including client hosting at UFC & Zuffa Boxing events.
• Drive revenue by leading all renewals, upsells, and cross-sells for UFC & Zuffa Boxing while unlocking new revenue opportunities across the TKO enterprise.
• Support VP in in developing a high-performing consultative, insight-driven strategic marketing team.
• Champion a culture of innovation, thought leadership, and proactive partner management within the Partnerships Marketing organization.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of strategists and cross-functional contributors, fostering a growth mindset and collaborative environment.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in marketing strategy, consulting, commercial operations, or corporate development, ideally in sports, entertainment, or media.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and driving organizational change.
• Deep understanding of brand partnerships, marketing strategy, commercialization, and client service models.
• Strong commercial acumen, with proven experience negotiating and renewing long-term partnerships.
• Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience building and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or related field required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.