Partner Management, Global Partnerships

POSITION SUMMARY

The ideal candidate will be responsible for searching leads, evaluate prospects feasibility, lead a team in developing sales strategies, and convert prospects to partners. To proactively and aggressively grow NBA China’s sponsorship revenue, the position requires a mix of markets understanding, salesmanship and hands on operational ability in a competitive environment. In addition, the candidate shall manage some of the key partners’ relationship to maximize partner’s sponsorship value and to generate incremental revenue by upselling NBA assets. The candidate shall also lead the co-marketing initiatives with partners including but not limited to content, media, data-driven program and event to deliver the integrated NBA partnership value proposition. The candidate is expected to have experience in media sales, sports marketing and sponsorship industry. This person will work collaboratively with all NBA China departments, NBA headquarters and external prospects.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead in developing category/industry research, assist the team in building category strategy for future business development
• Evaluation on potential prospects, prioritize different prospects within each category
• Play a key role in sale/partnership strategy development and customized marketing solution development, will be major contact point with prospects at this stage, make sure understand prospects business/market needs clearly for the team to development the perfect solution
• Work with NBA China internal departments and other NBA offices, to remain current of ongoing actives within NBA; build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments
• Execute different aspects of internal and contracting process
• Oversee the fulfillment of partner contractual benefits, including event sponsorship, promotional obligations and media buys; develop and implement innovative and impactful marketing programs
• Taking lead on day-to-day partner activation process, including campaign development, media planning, creative approvals and event coordination
• Develop strong, respectful relationships and build credibility with appropriate partner contacts
• Provide partnership expertise in the comprehension of contractual elements and understanding of partners' marketing/business objectives, target audience and competitive landscape
• Identify and present upsell opportunities to further develop each partner's relationship with the NBA

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

• Native Mandarin, written and verbal fluency in English
• Strong bilingual presentation skills, including the ability to lead discussions with senior level partner contacts
• Business development skills including the ability to identify, present and close new business deals, upsell & renewal opportunities for partners
• Familiarity with NBA branding and assets
• Organizational skills combined with ability to multi-task and pay attention to details.
• Must have, and be able to exhibit, knowledge of Sales and Sports marketing.
• Ability to adapt to NBA culture and multi-national matrix organization in a high-pressurized, deadline oriented environment
• Passion for sales
• Proactive, driven, self-motivated, team-oriented, and outgoing
• Expertise in PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook

EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• Proven experience in sponsorship and/or advertising sales, understanding of media, prospecting, and negotiating.
• Experience in sales and key account management positions in sports marketing, media or advertising industries.
• 8-10 years in a sales related or applicable field.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND REQUIRED

• University Degree or higher