Partnership Sales Director

At this organization, we do things a bit differently. We're not your typical sports franchise pouring all our focus into the playing stage. We're about uniting to push the culture forward, challenge the status quo, and accomplish things most didn't think was possible! Whether you're blazing trails in ticket sales, creating for our brands, or using your passion to elevate our vision, your contributions will always shine bright. Together, we are on a journey where chasing greatness is constant and breaking new grounds is a norm.

This position will be responsible for the strategic development of high-valued platforms, local & national prospecting, and generating new and incremental revenue through the sale of team-controlled corporate partnership inventory. This is a senior sales role and does not have leadership or people management responsibilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions

• Researching, prospecting, and ultimately selling new partnerships for the Timberwolves, Lynx, T-Wolves Gaming and Target Center.

• Sustain a high level of sales activity so as to drive a successful sales process.

• Leverage local network and overall networking ability to develop local, regional, and national relationships that will lead to long-term, sustainable partnerships.

• Coordinate and deliver corporate partner presentations plus all related items including collateral materials, video resources, etc.

• Work closely with the Partnership Marketing team to ensure contract fulfillment.

• Manage a protected list of corporate prospects to maximize the sale of fully integrated partnerships.

• Work closely with the Business Intelligence department to effectively utilize all research vehicles such as YouGov, Nielsen, and other organizational tools.

• Utilize CRM tracking tools and existing sales processes to track progress toward preset goals.

• Work game days to entertain existing and potential clients.

• Meet and exceed sales goals for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, T-Wolves Gaming and Target Center (with special attention on net revenues) in all major categories.

 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.

• Computer skills required: experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) is preferred.

• Knowledge of CRM is preferred.

• Ability to work well on a team and independently.

• Ability to manage specific processes and tasks in the department under supervision.

 

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.

 

Minimum of five (5) years of sales experience required; corporate advertising, media or other Partnership sales preferred.

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

This job operates in a professional office environment. Office hours are typically Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM-5:00PM. In addition to working office hours, staff may be required to work Timberwolves and Lynx home games as well as external events, including charity and networking events. Hours may include, nights, weekends, and holidays. The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. This job also operates in a sports arena, which includes bleachers/steps as well as moderate levels of noise.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information with others both in person and over the telephone. The employee frequently is required to remain in a stationary position, as well as operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone. Staff may occasionally ascend and descend bleachers/steps and traverse around the arena both on event days and non-event days. Staff will frequently move boxes of merchandise and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Position will require travel to external events.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy 

Proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination and booster will be required prior to your start date. 

 

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx are an equal employment opportunity organization. We care deeply for all our employees, products, and community! 

 

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives reflect our nature as a Pack. Each one is defined by our collective strength and effort to move everyone forward. Through DEI, we speak up against social injustices, marginalization, and oppression, provide equal opportunities, embrace the differences of others, and create an environment where everyone feels accepted and welcome. Together, we empower each other to be champions of change, help put those around us in a position to win and use our voices for good.

 

We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot prove this, we will give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) to resolve the issue before any action might be taken against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.