Seattle University is a highly selective, independent, Catholic, Jesuit institution adjacent to downtown Seattle, and is seeking a dynamic and experienced athletics department professional to serve as its Director, Corporate Partnerships.
Located on Capitol Hill, one of Seattle's most vibrant neighborhoods, Seattle University is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and currently enrolls more than 7,400 graduate and undergraduate students within nine schools and colleges. Seattle University is among the most diverse independent universities in the West: 40 percent of its students are from ethnically diverse backgrounds and students come from 77 nations and all 50 states. Seattle University employs approximately 1,500 faculty and staff and has an annual operating budget of over $210M.
The university's athletic program fields 20 Division I intercollegiate teams (9 men's and 11 women's) and is comprised of more than 350 student athletes. The Redhawks, Seattle University's athletic teams, compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in all sports and have an excellent track record of achievement both on the field and court and in the classroom. In the five years with the WAC, the Redhawk teams have a combined 31 WAC conference titles, including both team and individual championships.
GENERAL PURPOSE As a member of the external affairs team, the Director, Corporate Partnerships will play an integral role in prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and retaining corporate sales and contributions directly related to Athletics. Additionally, this position will provide leadership and oversight that drives new and organic revenue, attendance, innovative partnerships, and sponsorships that create memorable and exciting fan experiences.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general guidance and direction of the Senior Associate Athletic Director, External Affairs.
RESPONSIBILITIES Corporate Sales (65%) Generates strategic prospecting and partnership sales for increased investment utilizing all Athletic assets and university opportunities to build successful sponsorships.
Creates and maintains valuable athletics' inventory for all partnership marketing and advertising and works closely with the marketing, communication and fan engagement teams to ensure partner activation and fulfillment enhances the fan, alumni, donor, and student experience, while also creating a home-field advantage for student-athletes.
Working with the Senior Associate Athletic Director, External Affairs and university counsel, organizes, negotiates and communicates partner agreements and contractual obligations with partners, campus partners and Athletics' staff for corporate sponsorship and multimedia marketing relationships.
Develops sales materials, presentations, proposals, recaps, and agreements for all sales' activities throughout the annual sales' cycle.
Additional responsibilities at the direction of the Senior Associate Athletic Director, External Affairs, as needed.
Ticket Revenue, Marketing and Attendance (20%) In coordination with the external team, develops revenue, partner and group attendance goals, as well as comprehensive strategic plans for revenue generation.
Plans and executes partnership activation with the marketing and fan engagement team to ensure an exceptional fan experience at ticketed events. Secures co-branded giveaways and professional trade to be used for promotional activities for games, tournaments and events.
Administration and Budget (15%) Provides leadership and teamwork that fosters an environment conducive to a positive student-athlete experience.
Manages the corporate sales budget, invoicing, renewals, and account receivables. Responsible for all administrative work to produce sales' reports, spreadsheets, forms, and presentations.
Qualifications
Training and Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required in marketing, business, sports marketing, sports administration or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of combined professional experience in marketing, promotions or events. Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign). Strong leader and mentor skills, particularly with college students. Must be able to work a flexible schedule; evenings and weekends are required. Compliance with the rules and regulations of Seattle University, the NCAA, Western Athletic Conference and any other governing body of importance to the University.
Preferred Qualifications Experience working in Division I college athletics department.
Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 50 acres in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. More than 7,400 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within nine schools and colleges. U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges 2017" ranks Seattle University 8th in the West among universities that offer a full range of masters and undergraduate programs. Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.
In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals whose differing backgrounds, beliefs, ideas and life experiences will further enrich the diversity of its educational community.
Application Instructions
Applicants are also strongly encouraged to attach an electronic cover letter and resume when applying. Persons who need assistance with the recruitment process may contact the Office of Human Resources at: 206-296-5870. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
