Sr. Associate Marketing Manager – Brand Partnerships

Brand Partnership Manager

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE.

Position Overview:

You will play a key role in developing and executing brand partnership strategies that enhance brand relevance and support business objectives across Polaris. Working within the Central Branding and Partnerships team, you will manage partner relationships, lead activation efforts, and identify opportunities to maximize the value of strategic partnerships. You will collaborate across multiple business units to ensure partnership initiatives align with brand goals, operational best practices, and customer engagement objectives.

You will also help advance the Partnership Center of Excellence through process consistency, measurement, and continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to influence high-visibility partnership programs, work across a broad range of stakeholders, and drive meaningful brand impact through strategic collaborations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, project management, and execution of partnership activations, including communications, content development, promotional opportunities, hospitality programs, and on-site experiences.
• Own fulfillment of partnership commitments, including vehicle support, product support, hospitality, promotional activities, and other contractual obligations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, influencers, creators, agencies, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Polaris business units and brand teams to identify, extend, and leverage partnership opportunities that support brand and retail objectives.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities by assessing audience alignment, brand fit, activation potential, and overall business value.
• Lead the intake, evaluation, and response process for partnership inquiries and sponsorship opportunities across the organization.
• Develop strategic recommendations for prospective partnerships and support prioritization decisions with leadership.
• Establish goals, performance measures, and reporting approaches to optimize partnership effectiveness and business impact.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to secure, transport, and manage vehicles and other brand assets used in partnership programs.
• Champion Partnership Center of Excellence initiatives through consistent use of processes, tools, best practices, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide partnership, activation, and event-related expertise and recommendations to stakeholders across the organization.
• Support marketing initiatives associated with partnerships, sponsor ships, and broader brand opportunities, including paid and earned media efforts.

Desired

Competencies:

• Collaboration:
  
  You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
• Communication:
  You clearly convey information, ideas, and expectations to diverse audiences, adjusting your message to ensure understanding and alignment.
• Planning & Organization:
  You manage time, resources, and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and deliver consistent results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in marketing, including event, trade show, partnership, and/or sponsorship management.
• Demonstrated success in critical thinking, execution, organization, accountability, relationship management, and delivering results.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing agencies, vendors, and external partners in a collaborative and effective manner.
• Ability to work cross-functionally, navigate differing priorities, and build productive working relationships.
• Understanding of paid and earned media planning and management.
• Interest in or experience with outdoor-oriented brands and consumer marketing.
• Travel up to 25% of the time.
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