Job Description

Position Overview: 

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Vice President of Sponsorships is responsible for driving new business revenue and developing sponsorship programs. The VP of Sponsorships will create and sell, branded, high-impact sponsorship opportunities. Success will be measured by financial performance, specifically revenues and 
profits produced for the WCD and account growth. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the individual in this position will champion the value of the Wisconsin Center District brand and platforms to create revenue generating opportunities. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develops a pipeline of qualified sponsorship and media prospects and new revenue opportunities large enough to meet or exceed financial goals 
• Engages data, research, creativity, and sales acumen in order to develop unique and valuable sponsorship programs to top brands and partners 
• Creates and develops unique, customized sponsorship presentations to potential and current high priority clients to create new sponsorship deals or continue partnerships 
• Secures and conducts face-to-face meetings and presentations with key decision makers by leveraging professional relationships and by identifying and cultivating new prospects; pitches, negotiates, and closes sponsorships and work with legal counsel though contract execution 
• Monitors trends in the marketplace to ensure that the WCD’s services remain competitive 
• Works cross-collaboratively with Marketing, Operations, and other departments to ensure the ongoing stewardship of corporate partners and ensure proper delivery on all contracted benefits 
• Represents the WCD at key industry functions; networks within the industry to identify stakeholders and promote the WCD brand 
• Develops, tracks, and controls the annual sponsorship operating budget for purchasing, staffing, and operations; develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for sponsorship-based spending and initiatives 
• Serve as primary liaison with outside naming rights representative in developing partnership packages. Once secured, position will oversee integration and implementation of partner(s)’ sponsorship package
• Fosters a work environment that encourages a culture of innovative, respectful, goal-oriented, and ambitious high performance 
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned by management, to ensure the effective utilization of the company’s resources and to ensure customer satisfaction 

• A revenue-generating track record in prospecting, lead generation, and experience establishing and managing prospect databases 
• Exceptional communication skills; capable of clearly conveying the WCD vision and mission with the ability to influence, persuade, and engage potential clients/partnerships 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to look at the broader perspective as it relates to business strategy and use the data to create thoughtful recommendations
• Strong project management and organizational skills in which attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects on time is essential 
• Ability to work independently and efficiently; exercise initiative, resourcefulness and good judgement 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to navigate organizations to build relationships and garner support; ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams 
• Ability to read, write, and speak English; perform basic mathematical functions (add, subtract, multiply and divide) 
• Follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively with others in both oral and written form 

• Required
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in marketing, communications, business administration, or related field or equivalent number of years of experience 
  • Minimum of ten (10) or more years’ experience in sales, marketing, or sponsorships 
  • Minimum of five (5) years in a management capacity 
• Preferred 
  • Certified Venue Executive or Certified Venue Professional, as identified by IAVM 
  • Five (5) to eight (8) years of experience with a hotel, sports team, and/or convention center 

To apply for this job, send an email to info@marqueesearch.com. Please include the job title in your cover letter.