Sponsorship Manager

Diadem is a performance sports brand built for competitive players who refuse to settle. From elite junior tennis players breaking onto the national stage to competitive pickleball athletes pushing the boundaries of the sport, Diadem is committed to equipping the next generation of champions with the gear — and the support — they deserve. Our sponsorship program is a cornerstone of that commitment. Role Overview We are looking for a driven, well-networked Sponsorship Manager to grow and manage Diadem's athlete sponsorship portfolio. Your primary focus will be identifying, signing, and developing relationships with high-potential junior tennis players across the country. Secondarily, you will build out our emerging pickleball sponsorship roster, identifying talented players who align with the Diadem brand. You will be the face of Diadem to the athlete community — equal parts talent scout, relationship builder, brand ambassador, and program operator. Key Responsibilities Identify and evaluate high-potential junior tennis players (ages 10–18) through tournament circuits, rankings (UTR, USTA), academies, and coaching networks. Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective junior athlete partners at the regional and national level. Negotiate and execute sponsorship agreements, including equipment allocations, apparel packages, and performance-based incentives. Build and nurture ongoing relationships with sponsored athletes, their families, coaches, and academies. Attend key junior tournaments and industry events (USTA Nationals, sectional championships, ITF juniors) to scout talent and represent the Diadem brand. Collaborate with the marketing team to feature sponsored juniors in content, social media, and campaigns. Track athlete development and manage sponsorship renewals, upgrades, and transitions as players advance. Maintain a comprehensive sponsorship database including contract status, equipment fulfillment, and athlete performance metrics. Secondary: Pickleball Sponsorship Build Diadem's pickleball sponsorship program from the ground up, targeting competitive amateur and emerging professional players. Research and identify pickleball players who align with the Diadem brand across APP, PPA, and MLP circuits as well as the amateur competitive circuit. Develop sponsorship tiers and partnership structures tailored to the pickleball community. Represent Diadem at major pickleball events, tournaments, and expos to establish brand presence and identify talent. Collaborate with the product team to gather athlete feedback and ensure sponsored players have the right equipment for their game. Grow Diadem's visibility and credibility within the pickleball community through strategic athlete partnerships. Program & Operations Manage the end-to-end sponsorship lifecycle: prospecting, outreach, negotiation, onboarding, fulfillment, and renewal. Work closely with Operations to ensure timely equipment and apparel delivery to all sponsored athletes. Develop and report on KPIs including roster size, athlete retention, social media reach, and sponsorship ROI. Represent Diadem at trade shows, expos, and industry events as required. Qualifications Required 3+ years of experience in sports sponsorship, athlete relations, talent management, or sports marketing. Deep knowledge of the junior tennis landscape, including USTA structure, UTR ratings, tournament circuits, and player development pathways. Established network within the junior tennis community (coaches, academies, parents, tournament directors). Proven ability to identify and sign talent — you know a future champion when you see one. Strong negotiation and contract management skills. Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, both written and verbal. Self-motivated with the ability to manage a large portfolio of relationships independently. Willingness and ability to travel for tournaments and events (estimated 25–35% travel). Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Preferred familiarity with the professional and competitive pickleball landscape (APP, PPA, MLP, DUPR ratings). Prior experience at a sports brand, tennis equipment company, or sports agency. Experience working directly with junior athletes and their families. Proficiency with CRM tools and sponsorship management software. A background as a competitive tennis or pickleball player is a plus — having played or coached college tennis is strongly preferred. What We Offer Competitive base salary commensurate with experience. Performance bonuses tied to roster growth and sponsorship metrics. Health, dental, and vision benefits. Travel budget for tournaments and events. The opportunity to shape a growing program and leave a real mark on the next generation of tennis and pickleball champions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Diadem Sports