Director, Partnership & Service; Cincinnati

Overview

Cincinnati Open is an ATP Masters 1000 and a WTA 1000 tournament established in 1899. It is supported by partners including Western & Southern Financial Group, Credit One Bank, Procter & Gamble, Great American Insurance Company, Fifth Third, and Kroger. The 2025 event welcomed more than 285,000 fans from all 50 states and 65 countries and was viewed in 187 global markets.

The tournament supports local charities that focus on youth, families, education, health and wellness initiatives.

The Director of Partnerships and Premium Service is responsible for the strategy, execution, servicing, and revenue growth of all Cincinnati Open partnership and premium service programs. The role oversees partnership agreements, premium hospitality service offerings, and related activation and client service efforts. Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, the Director serves as the primary liaison between partners (and their agencies) and premium clients, internal Cincinnati Open departments, and event staff, and may directly manage select accounts as needed.

• Manage the Partnership and Premium Service Activation teams.
• Oversee existing corporate partnership relationships and revenue.
• Build, set, and implement the team’s strategy to deliver unmatched ROI for Cincinnati Open’s partners.
• Allocate resources, manage personnel, and provide departmental reporting and administration.
• Refine and re-establish team policies, processes, best practices, partner communications, and approach with stakeholders.
• Lead a fast‑growing activation team based in Mason, Ohio, fostering development and growth opportunities.
• Provide ongoing leadership, coaching, and development to achieve high performance and a strong culture.
• Collaborate with the Partnership Development and Premium Sales teams to fully understand partner and client objectives and unlock additional value each year.
• Work closely with the Premium Sales team to service high‑end premium clients.
• Co‑ordinate and manage partnership implementation and fulfillment, including IP rights, activation, media, hospitality, and special events.
• Assist in developing marketing proposals and presentations for new business and renewals.
• Act as a primary liaison for high‑level partners, implementing integrated partnership agreements.
• Engage clients through regular meetings, conference calls, and written correspondence.
• Drive incremental revenue through strategic upsell of existing partnerships.
• Maintain detailed planning records and manage budgets related to partnership execution.
• Prepare and communicate timelines, artwork, creative specifications, and implementation deadlines.
• Lead documentation and ROI tracking, providing customized year‑end partnership summaries.
• Help manage partner experiences before, during, and after the tournament.
• Represent the property professionally and positively, supporting the overall success of the Cincinnati Open.
• Travel as required for tournament events and client meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Seven to ten years of industry experience with five years of high‑level partnership activation experience at the director level or above, including people‑management experience.
• Expert time‑management skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines on multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent spelling, grammar, proofreading, and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, G‑Suite, KORE Software, Photoshop, and third‑party research tools.
• Expertise across digital and social media channels.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish solid relationships and manage expectations.
• Ability to set priorities and take action with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong attention to detail.
• Experience preparing, understanding, and monitoring activation budgets.
• Understanding of legal processes and ability to interpret complex partnership agreements.
• Flexibility to adapt quickly while maintaining high productivity.
• Willingness to work flexible and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events.
• High emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and desire to grow…