Mgr Athletics Partnership Activation

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Athletics Partnership Activation is responsible for the strategic leadership, execution, and oversight of all corporate partnership activation efforts within University of South Florida Athletics. This position serves as the primary relationship manager for corporate partners and their agencies, ensuring successful implementation, fulfillment, and optimization of partnership agreements. The role provides leadership to activation staff, drives revenue retention and growth through renewals and upsell opportunities, and ensures alignment between partner objectives and departmental priorities. 

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Serves as the primary liaison for assigned corporate partners, managing relationships and ensuring successful execution of integrated partnership agreements.

• Leads the development and execution of partnership activation strategies, including ongoing client engagement, performance tracking, and identification of new opportunities.

• Oversee the implementation and fulfillment of all partnership assets, including intellectual property rights, game day activations, digital/social media, print, hospitality, and special events.

• Direct and supervise full-time and part-time partnership activation staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development.

• Manages the partnership renewal and upsell process, including development of proposals, presentations, and end-of-year recap materials.

• Collaborates with internal stakeholders across Athletics and the University to align partnership deliverables with institutional priorities and partner marketing objectives.

• Develops and communicates timelines, creative requirements, artwork specifications, and implementation deadlines to ensure timely execution of partnership elements.

• Prepares, reviews, and processes documentation related to partnership implementation, activation tracking, and annual reporting.

• Oversees coordination of ticketing, hospitality, and event logistics for corporate partners at Athletics events.

• Ensures compliance with University policies, NCAA regulations, and contractual obligations related to corporate partnerships.

• Performs other duties as assigned to support the success of the Corporate Partnerships unit and broader Athletics department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of partnership activation strategies, marketing principles, and client service best practices.

• Ability to develop creative solutions that align partner objectives with organizational goals.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels internally and externally.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• High level of attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving ability.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in partnership marketing, activation, or related field.

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing staff, including performance oversight and team development.

• Proven ability to manage complex client relationships and deliver high-level service and activation execution.

• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in collegiate athletics, professional sports, or a related industry.

• Demonstrated success in partnership renewals, revenue growth, and client retention strategies.

• Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and activation campaigns.

• Familiarity with digital, social, and experiential marketing platforms.