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 in market, this player-coach will shape our brand story and marketing materials, build sponsorship opportunities, guide research and insights, and optimize client execution workflows.

The Director will manage a team of 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 can operate cross-functionally to help drive revenue across Max Preps and the broader Play On portfolio including GoFan and 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 Play On portfolio, while remaining hands-on with priority opportunities and client narratives
• Partner cross-functionally to develop proactive and reactive sponsorship opportunities and tentpole calendars that leverage multichannel 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 and optimize pre- 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 decisions pertaining 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 record of 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 with a track record of 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
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• 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.…