Sales & Partnership Manager

Company Description

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Lincoln Stars is a Tier 1 Junior A ice hockey team and a key part of the community, providing unmatched, fun, and affordable entertainment. The club competes in the USHL, the only Tier I junior hockey league in the U.S., and has a strong legacy of developing players who move on to the NHL, including recent stars like Cayden Primeau, Zach Aston-Reese, and Ryan Poehling.

Lincoln Stars games offer local businesses and organizations an excellent opportunity to engage clients, reward employees, and grow their networks while enjoying an exciting hockey atmosphere.

Lincoln Stars is seeking a full-time Sales & Partnerships Manager to join the team on-site in Lincoln, NE. This role involves developing and managing strategic partnerships and corporate sponsor ships, identifying and securing new partners, and maintaining strong relationships with existing partners. Responsibilities include account management, contributing to revenue growth, developing innovative partnership opportunities, preparing and delivering presentations, analyzing performance metrics, and ensuring excellent service for partners throughout the season.

• Prospect and solicit new sponsorship and partnership opportunities across a variety of industries.
• Assist in developing sales presentations, proposals, and customized partnership packages.
• Support the VP in achieving revenue goals through consistent outbound sales activity.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop creative campaigns that integrate partner brands into team platforms.

• Coordinate the execution of sponsorship activations, ensuring all deliverables are met.
• Serve as a point of contact for partners, providing customer service and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Assist with preparing recap reports to demonstrate ROI and fulfillment of sponsor agreements.
• Track and maintain accurate partnership records in CRM systems.

• Oversee sponsor activations on game days, including signage, in-arena promotions, and hospitality experiences.
• Provide client hosting and service at home games and special events.
• Assist in coordinating community engagement events that include sponsor participation.

• Work closely with the VP to align strategies and ensure smooth execution of sponsorship initiatives.
• Provide regular updates on sales activity, pipeline progress, and partnership performance.
• Collaborate with ticket sales, marketing, and operations departments to maximize sponsor value.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of sales, partnerships, or sponsorship experience, ideally in sports, entertainment, or a related industry.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to generate leads and close deals.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and sales reporting tools.
• Flexible schedule — must be available to work evenings, weekends, and game days.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.