Director, Client Strategy

Play On is looking for a highly creative, growth-minded Director of Client Strategy to lead development and execution of sponsorship and brand partnership strategy for the company’s National Ad Sales division. With a focus on strengthening the Max Preps brand inmarket, this player-coach will shape our brand story and marketing materials, build sponsorship opportunities, guide research and insights, andoptimizeclient execution workflows.

The Director will managea teamof strategists, setting priorities, developing talent, and ensuring strong strategic output. Reporting to the SVP, National Ad Sales, the ideal candidate will be a strong storyteller with deep brand partnerships experience who canoperatecross-functionally to help drive revenue across Max Preps and the broader

PlayOnportfolio including

GoFanand NFHS Network.

Partnership Strategy – Lead development and evolution of Max Preps’ GTM strategy informed by research, analytics, marketplace insights, and creative storytelling

Sponsorship Development – Oversee productization of existing and net-new editorial content and franchises into compelling sponsor ships for brand partners

Research & Innovation – Guide the research and insights agenda with the Director, Research & Analytics, translating audience data into differentiated pitches and marketplace storytelling

Sales Collaboration & Client Execution – Collaborate with Sales leadership to influence pipeline, prioritize strategic opportunities, and ensure exceptional pre- and post-sale execution

Team Leadership & Development – Manage, coach, and develop three Client Strategists and the Director, Research & Analytics, fostering ownership, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning

Provide strategic and team leadership for GTM development across Max Preps and the broader

PlayOnportfolio, whileremaininghands-on with priority opportunities and client narratives

Partner cross-functionally to develop proactive and reactive sponsorship opportunities and tentpole calendars thatleveragemultichannel content / editorial

Oversee creative development and ongoing management of media kits, marketing materials, templates, and pitch decks, ensuring quality and consistency across team output

Set priorities,allocate resources, and coach the Client Strategy and Research & Analytics team to deliver high-quality work that supports in-market pitches and storytelling

Build andoptimizepre- and post-sale workflows that champion speed, efficiency, clear ownership, and exceptional client service

Lead ongoing analyses tied to brand ethos, marketplace story, audience insights, and supporting marketing materials with the Director, Research & Analytics

Inform and influence decisionspertaining to production, deal margin, marketing initiatives / events, resource allocation, and more

Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years sales marketing, integrated marketing, and/or client strategy experience

Demonstrated track recordof building creative sales materials, compelling brand stories, and strategic partnership recommendations

Creative “big picture” mindset paired with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach that can shape GTM strategy and move work from concept to execution

Demonstrated people-management experience witha track recordof coaching high-performing teams, setting priorities, and developing talent

Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment and align stakeholders around broader business and revenue outcomes

Organized, strategic thinker who can balance multiple priorities and take concepts through execution for brand partners

Interest in and enthusiasm for high school and broader sports marketplace

Proficient in Figma Slides, , PowerPoint, Keynote, and other design / presentation tools (e.g.Canva)

Understanding of the digital landscape including Display, Video, Audio, Social, Branded Content, Events, Data/Targeting, Ad Measurement, and more

We believe in transparency and meeting candidates at eye level. We know that money isn't everything - but it is important. For this role, we have determined a compensation range of $180,000 to…