Sr. Associate Marketing Manager - Brand Partnerships

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE. Position Overview You will play a key role in developing and executing brand partnership strategies that enhance brand relevance and support business objectives across Polaris. Working within the Central Branding and Partnerships team, you will manage partner relationships, lead activation efforts, and identify opportunities to maximize the value of strategic partnerships. You will collaborate across multiple business units to ensure partnership initiatives align with brand goals, operational best practices, and customer engagement objectives. You will also help advance the Partnership Center of Excellence through process consistency, measurement, and continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to influence high-visibility partnership programs, work across a broad range of stakeholders, and drive meaningful brand impact through strategic collaborations. Key Responsibilities Lead the planning, project management, and execution of partnership activations, including communications, content development, promotional opportunities, hospitality programs, and on-site experiences. Own fulfillment of partnership commitments, including vehicle support, product support, hospitality, promotional activities, and other contractual obligations. Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, influencers, creators, agencies, vendors, and internal stakeholders. Collaborate with Polaris business units and brand teams to identify, extend, and leverage partnership opportunities that support brand and retail objectives. Evaluate partnership opportunities by assessing audience alignment, brand fit, activation potential, and overall business value. Lead the intake, evaluation, and response process for partnership inquiries and sponsorship opportunities across the organization. Develop strategic recommendations for prospective partnerships and support prioritization decisions with leadership. Establish goals, performance measures, and reporting approaches to optimize partnership effectiveness and business impact. Coordinate with internal and external partners to secure, transport, and manage vehicles and other brand assets used in partnership programs. Champion Partnership Center of Excellence initiatives through consistent use of processes, tools, best practices, and continuous improvement efforts. Provide partnership, activation, and event-related expertise and recommendations to stakeholders across the organization. Support marketing initiatives associated with partnerships, sponsorships, and broader brand opportunities, including paid and earned media efforts. Desired Competencies Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives. Communication: You clearly convey information, ideas, and expectations to diverse audiences, adjusting your message to ensure understanding and alignment. Planning & Organization: You manage time, resources, and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and deliver consistent results. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Marketing or a related field. Minimum 4 years of experience in marketing, including event, trade show, partnership, and/or sponsorship management. Demonstrated success in critical thinking, execution, organization, accountability, relationship management, and delivering results. Strong written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills. Experience managing agencies, vendors, and external partners in a collaborative and effective manner. Ability to work cross-functionally, navigate differing priorities, and build productive working relationships. Understanding of paid and earned media planning and management. Interest in or experience with outdoor-oriented brands and consumer marketing. Travel up to 25% of the time. This position is not eligible for sponsorship. The starting pay range for Minnesota is $82,000 to $108,000 per year. Individual salaries and positioning within the range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. While individual pay could fall anywhere in the range based on these factors, it is not common to start at the high end or top of the range. To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing. We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE. At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture. At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generousmatching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment. About Polaris As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and Polaris GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. EEO Statement Polaris Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Applicants with a disability that are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, or otherwise need assistance or an accommodation in the recruiting process, should contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) #J-18808-Ljbffr The Branding Journal