Director of Strategic Partnership

Summary:

The Director of Strategic Partnerships builds relationships with regional and national brands, turning them into long-term partnerships that drive revenue and value for T3 and its partners.

The Director will identify, package, sell, negotiate, and manage opportunities across T3, including signage, naming rights, digital media, events, programs, club and team sponsorships, apparel branding, and custom activations.

More than a sponsorship-sales role, this position connects business marketing and growth goals with T3's athletes, families, facilities, coaches, clubs, events, and programs to create value for both sides.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of corporate sponsors and strategic partners, developing relationships with senior marketing and business leaders.
• Create, package, sell, negotiate, and manage partnerships across T3 facilities, clubs, teams, events, programs, and digital platforms.
• Develop high-value opportunities such as naming rights, presenting sponsorships, apparel partnerships, and category-exclusive agreements.
• Create customized proposals, pricing, presentations, and agreements; negotiate multi-year partnerships and renewals.
• Build a repeatable sales process, including CRM pipeline management, inventory, pricing, revenue reporting, and renewal strategy.
• Own partner relationships and collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Clubs, Facilities, and leadership to deliver a strong partner experience.
• Represent T3 in the community and expand its corporate network.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven sales, negotiation, and business development skills, with the ability to originate and close significant B2B relationships.
• Executive presence and confidence building relationships with senior marketing and business leaders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, networking, and relationship-building skills, including comfort with prospecting and cold outreach.
• Strong understanding of business and marketing goals, with the creativity to turn them into compelling partnership opportunities.
• Strategic, organized, persistent, and detail-oriented, with the ability to execute, follow through, and manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and collaborative, with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to build a function in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and standard business software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in strategic partnerships, sponsorship sales, business development, sports business, advertising, media, marketing, hospitality, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success generating revenue, closing significant B2B relationships, negotiating agreements, and managing long-term partners.
• Experience building or managing partnership pipelines, pricing strategies, sales processes, or renewal programs preferred.
• Sports, youth sports, fitness, or entertainment experience is a plus.
• Northeast Ohio business relationships are highly valued; regional or national corporate relationships are a strong plus.