Corporate Partnership Account Executive

Corporate Partnership Account Executive

The Akron RubberDucks (Double-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians) are searching for a Corporate Partnership Account Executive to grow our existing corporate account list and drive revenue by creating and closing profitable corporate sponsorship partnerships. This role focuses on prospecting, pitching, closing, and building long-term relationships with corporate partners, while working closely with the partnership activation team to ensure fulfillment. This hands-on role will report to the Director, Corporate Partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, a proven ability to communicate at all levels within an organization and a track record of sales success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prospect and cultivate new business relationships with local and regional companies to sell sponsorship, signage, and media assets
• Develop and present customized partnership proposals that align sponsor goals with RubberDucks assets (in-stadium signage, digital/social media, promotions, hospitality, radio/broadcast, etc.)
• Meet or exceed individual and team revenue goals on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to closing deals.
• Developing and implementing sponsorship packages that attract new clients and cause previous clients to renew and/or upgrade their sponsorship relationship.
• Develop a deep understanding of the company's products/services to effectively communicate value propositions.
• Maintain accurate pipeline and account records in the team's CRM
• Negotiating contract terms and pricing within organizational guidelines
• Collaborate with the activation/service team to ensure smooth handoff and delivery of sold assets
• Attend games and team events to entertain prospects and service existing clients
• Represent the RubberDucks at community and networking events to build the local business pipeline
• Stay current on market trends, competitor offerings, and sponsorship best practices across Minor League Baseball and other local sports/entertainment properties

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2 years of experience in B2B sales, account management, or business development is preferred; experience in the sports industry is a plus.
• Proven track record of, or strong aptitude for, cold-calling, prospecting, and closing new business
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze current business opportunities and implement recommended solutions.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g Salesforce) and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work diverse hours during peak season is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Self-motivated, resilient, and goal-driven with a strong work ethic

NOTE: All of the essential functions of this position are not necessarily described in this description. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.