Director - Partnerships

Position:
Director - Partnerships - TSE

Department: Corporate Partnerships

Reporting Relationship: Reports to Sr. Director of Partnerships

Status: Full-Time (Exempt)

Position Summary

The Director, Partnerships is a pivotal position responsible for driving new business growth across Tepper Sports & Entertainment properties. This role requires a proven, high-character sales leader who can generate leads, drive meaningful revenue, manage contract negotiations, and foster exceptional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. With a strong emphasis on building relationships and leveraging sales expertise, the Director, Partnership will play a central role in shaping the future of partnership landscape across the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC and Bank of America Stadium.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently locate new sales opportunities for both the Panthers and Charlotte FC
• Renew and grow partnerships with current TSE partners
• Leverage and build a network of qualified sales leads for corporate partnerships
• Consistent, thoughtful sales outreach to develop value-adding relationships to well-prospected brands and industry categories.
• Independently develop sales proposals for partners and prospects clients, in collaboration with the internal stakeholders
• Manage the creation, negotiation and execution of partnership contracts.
• Deep category research and strategy development
• Client hosting on game, match and event days
• Ongoing account progress reporting via team CRM software
• Meet or exceed established new business and renewal revenue goals on an annual basis.
• Assist, as needed, in the development, coordination, and implementation of game or event day activities.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum of (5) five years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated success in a business development role for a sports and/or entertainment organization.
• Proven experience in corporate partnership sales, preferably within professional sports or entertainment industries.
• Strong understanding of revenue generation strategies, including sponsor ships, premium inventory, and branded activations.
• Ability to lead end-to-end sales processes, from prospecting and pitching to negotiation and contract execution.
• Ability to manage high-value accounts and maintain long-term, executive-level relationships.
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, with great attention to detail.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and prospecting tools to manage performance and pipeline.
• Experience collaborating with internal departments such as marketing, legal, finance, and venue operations.
• Knowledge of league-level sponsorship guidelines and compliance (e.g., NFL, MLS).
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and game days
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, sports management, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Must be productive and thoughtful in work style, with strong sense of urgency and excellent organizational skills.
• Holds a team-first attitude with courteous, professional, and effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and CRM management tools, including KORE and Tableau reporting.
• Must pass pre-employment screens

Essential Competencies:

• Strong relationship building skills.
• Ability to execute within a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Clear communicator with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Sound judgment, accountability, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting at desk and computer for long periods of time
• Periods of standing, walking
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time

Work Environment

• Professional office environment with time spent in stadium/venue settings as needed, including exposure to inclement weather; travel to off-site partnership events may be required.

Tepper Sports & Entertainment is an equal opportunity at-will employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.