Director, Strategic Partnerships

About the Position

The Director of Strategic Partnerships reports into the Head of Strategic Partnerships. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring multitasking, decisive judgment, patience, professionalism, and collaboration. Key responsibilities focus on intersecting client strategy, NYRR brand strategy, and top‑notch client service in a fast‑paced, fluid environment. The Director will lead a partner portfolio, serve as a thought leader, and drive innovative, integrated ideas to solve partner business challenges.

• Responsible for the day‑to‑day management and long‑term strategic development of assigned accounts and projects, adding value and ensuring partners get the best results from sponsorship.
• Build trusted partner relationships and articulate NYRR’s point of view.
• Act as the “thought leader” between NYRR partners and internal teams, leading cross‑functional planning to achieve partner goals.
• Prioritize and set goals effectively.
• Collaborate to offer innovative solutions and drive alignment.
• Plan and conduct high‑level meetings, showcasing presentation skills.
• Create strategic documents leveraging insights and an innovative approach to growth.
• Manage financial aspects of partner relationships, including budgeting, tracking sponsorship payments, and conducting financial analysis.
• Liaise with the VP of Business Development on partner deals and renewal agreements.
• Attend partner events and sponsored races, oversee execution, and represent NYRR with partners.
• Effectively multi‑task and handle a wide variety of responsibilities, both client‑facing and administrative.
• Proactively lead departmental and organizational initiatives that align with NYRR’s growth plan.
• Represent the organization at external events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Mentor, motivate, and develop team members through coaching, training, and identification of growth areas.
• Effectively manage employee performance by communicating expectations and standards.
• Prepare goals and performance appraisals; work with senior management if performance does not meet standards.
• Encourage an environment of transparency, support, creativity, development, and growth.
• Showcase effective listening for impact.
• Delegate and distribute tasks and responsibilities appropriately.
• Ensure employees and staff adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Serve as a role model within the department and organization, providing leadership and creative problem‑solving.

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of account management or sponsorship experience, including agency or brand‑side marketing.
  • Ideal for an experienced senior manager who can expertly manage a robust portfolio of brands.
  • Experience successfully managing and developing multiple direct reports.
  • Experience executing special/live events.
  • Proven experience negotiating contract agreements.
  • Sales and sponsorship valuation experience preferred.
  • Previous exposure to quantitative and qualitative research.
  • CRM experience is beneficial.
• Education &
  
  Certifications:
  
  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field preferred.
• Other Requirements:
  • Ability to work occasional weekends or evenings.
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Operate on a hybrid schedule, two days per week in the NYRR office in NYC.
  • All staff are required to participate in the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon, and the TCS NYC Marathon.

• Demonstrated track record of success in strategic thinking for clients, including identifying, analyzing, problem‑solving, and responding to opportunities and challenges with the ability to translate into practical plans of action.
• Ability to manage complex relationships and handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
• Ability to establish effective interdepartmental relationships, manage multiple contacts and projects, and drive business.
• Collaborative and solutions‑oriented.
• Detail‑oriented and articulate; highly developed communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong project management skills focused on organization, time management, and planning.
• Ability to think…