Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships - Detroit

Background
Location: work-from-home/must be located in the Detroit market
Type: Full-time permanent position
Division: Strategic Partnerships
Reports to: SVP & GM Local Market Revenue

Overview
The Association of Pickleball Players The APP Tour (APP) is dedicated to providing the best pickleball tournament experience for all. The APP owned by Intersport was founded in 2019 and serves professionals senior professionals and amateurs in the fastest growing sport in the country. The first and only tour officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball the 2026 APP Tour slate boasts 12 tournament stops in addition to Signature International and Collegiate Series events. The APP also prides itself on developing the next generation of champions through its Next Gen Series and other youth initiatives. You can view the 2026 Tour schedule here:

The Position
The APP is seeking to add a smart and driven Executive Director (ED) to its Strategic Partnerships Local Market Revenue team. The Executive Director will be responsible for generating revenue for the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and will be the leader of the APPs presence in Detroit . The right candidate will have proven success in a combination of sponsorship sales hospitality sales naming rights sales ticket sales and/or Pro-Am sales. Additionally the ED must have relationships with key clients nationally regionally and locally and have the ability to create new relationships among buyers and a strong client-direct/agency network in the Detroit marketplace. A candidate must possess a consultative selling approach and be able to detail success in having sold six and seven-figure sponsorship agreements.

Responsibilities
General

• Embody and reflect the APPs performance-based culture and commits him/herself and team to the highest standards for all work
• Work effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver executional excellence

Business Development

• Prospect pitch and close six- and seven-figure sponsorship and media agreements with clients and agencies locally regionally and nationally

Team Management

• Apply a genuine eagerness to mentor grow and learn from a diverse and talented team
• Play a lead role to recruit attract hire and ultimately train select team members with responsibility for goal setting feedback and constructive guidance
• Potential team will consist of:
  • Director Strategic Partnerships (sponsorship and hospitality sales)
  • Manager Strategic Partnerships (sponsorship and hospitality sales)
  • Manager Marketing (sales support/promotional efforts)
  • Manager Partnership Marketing (sponsor management/servicing)

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years full-time experience in sponsorship hospitality and/or media sales
• Strong understanding of the sales process with a passion for pitching and closing new business
• Ability to detail a history of having sold numerous six- and seven-figure sponsorship hospitality and/or media sales agreements
• Ability to develop new relationships with sponsorship and/or media buyers
• Must have a strong client-direct/agency network of sponsorship marketing decision-makers in the Detroit marketplace
• Experience managing training and mentoring junior-level staff
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills with high-level presentation ability
• Flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively in an entrepreneurial environment
• Proficiency in PowerPoint Word Excel

Salary and Benefits
The targeted salary range for this position is $125000 to $200000 and includes sales target bonuses.

This position includes medical dental vision parental leave benefits and 401(k) with company match for qualified employees.

The Association of Pickleball Players LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Required Experience:

Director

]]>