Partnerships Development Specialist

Partnership Development SpecialistP3R, the engine behind Pittsburgh's most transformative sporting events including DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend, is seeking a Partnership Development Specialist. This role will report to the Director of Partnerships and will play a vital role in driving sponsorship revenue and cultivating strategic partnerships that support P3R's events, programs, and mission.Key Responsibilities:Partnership Sales & Business DevelopmentExecute all aspects of the sales process to drive revenue through corporate partnerships.Prospect, cultivate, and secure new business opportunities, with a strong emphasis on sponsorship sales.Conduct discovery meetings with prospective and existing partners to identify objectives and develop customized sponsorship solutions.Negotiate partnership agreements and sponsorship packages that align with organizational goals and partner needs.Identify, solicit, and secure new and existing sponsors to meet and exceed annual revenue targets.Design and deliver professional sales presentations, sponsorship proposals, and partnership materials.Develop annual sponsorship kits, recaps, and activation overviews for prospective and current partners.Research industry trends and recommend innovative sponsorship opportunities that enhance partner value and organizational growth.Partnership Activation & Relationship ManagementEstablish, maintain, and strengthen relationships with all current sponsors and partners.Take a solution-oriented approach to developing and executing sponsorship activation plans.Work closely with the Partnerships Team to execute partner branding, activations, and event marketing initiatives throughout the year.Ensure all sponsorship deliverables are fulfilled accurately and on schedule.Monitor and coordinate sponsorship payment requirements, as applicable.Collaborate with the Partnership & Events Sales Coordinator to develop and grow expo vendor relationships throughout the year.Serve as a key point of contact for assigned partners, ensuring exceptional customer service and account management.Team Collaboration & Event SupportWork collaboratively with the Partnerships Team to achieve department goals and organizational OKRs.Manage assigned partnership projects from conception through completion.Participate in brainstorming sessions and strategic planning initiatives across the organization.Attend and support all P3R events, ensuring successful sponsor activations and partner experiences.Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.Proven sales, business development, or sponsorship experience.Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.Strong written and verbal communication abilities.Excellent organizational and time management skills.Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Proficiency in Google Workspace and Canva.Valid driver's license.Preferred QualificationsExperience working in sponsorship sales, partnership marketing, sports marketing, event management, or nonprofit fundraising.Strong customer service and client relationship management experience.Experience creating and presenting sponsorship proposals and sales presentations.Demonstrated success in new business prospecting and revenue generation.Event management and partner activation experience.Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.Enthusiastic, proactive professional with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders.Experience working with diverse teams, partners, and community organizations.Attendance at P3R-owned and managed events is an essential function of this position. This includes, but is not limited to, race weekends, expos, community outreach events, and other organizational activities. Event schedules may require early mornings, evenings, and weekends.P3R is an innovative full-service event management organization, specializing in transformative sporting events and exhilarating experiences that unite. Our clients (like the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the National Senior Games Association, just to name a few) trust us to bring every aspect of operational excellence to their special events. From operations planning, permitting, and execution to meaningful sponsorships, creative marketing and advertising, and engaging public relations, P3R is the region's premier sporting event and experience expert. As part of our nonprofit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming.