Director of Sponsorship Sales and Service

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

Director of Sponsorship Sales and Service

OUR ORGANISATION:

The Brandon Wheat Kings are a proud member of the Western Hockey League, who, in turn, is one of three leagues within the Canadian Hockey League system. Located in Brandon, Manitoba Canada, the Wheat Kings has a strong history of being a leader in Major Junior Hockey (the primary feeder system to the National Hockey League) winning the league championship as recently as 2016.

The Wheat Kings were purchased last year by local businessperson, Jared Jacobson, who is now leading the charge to upgrade the Wheat Kings organization to be prepared for doing business in the 21st century. Within this upgrade will be a new position dedicated to driving sponsorships sales and service (which is the second highest source of income for the organization behind ticket sales).

POSITION SUMMARY:

Sponsorships is a multi-billion-dollar industry crossing all levels of sports. Modern sponsorships are multifaceted programs including components such as signage, broadcast elements, complex promotions, activation elements and hospitality opportunities among other key components that help the corporate sponsor drive their marketing, advertising, and sales initiatives. To oversee this program, the Wheat kings are looking for an initiative-taking, detail-oriented, organized person with excellent communication skills and a desire to learn the sponsorship business from the ground up. The person in this position will work with internal departments and external stakeholders to provide partners sophisticated sponsorship programs and high-end service, brand expertise and marketing insights while advancing the goals of the Corporate Partnerships department and the organization. Successful candidates in this field have prior sponsorship experience or have worked in a sales environment such as radio or television advertising or in advertising or marketing departments where client acquisition and retention are key elements. To ensure success, the Wheat Kings have retained a professional sponsorship consulting firm to oversee the installation of the program and to assist the new employee to make sure the initiative is a success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work directly for the president of the team and the consulting firm to develop and execute the sales, retention, planning and fulfillment of partners’ contractual elements.
• Oversee the development and delivery of effective and measurable sponsorship platforms for all partners by managing expectations, communicating timelines, and ensuring contractual asset fulfillment.
• Review promotional concepts, including evaluation and approval of promotional programs, rules, artwork, and in-market supporting media. Coordinate all these aspects internally and externally.
• Lead the efforts to create final proof-of-performance, mid-season, and end of season recap decks and to collaborate with partners to set goals, track performance and adjust as necessary to maximize performance.
• Design and execute to achieve the highest level of ROI for the client as possible.
• Identify and conceptualize ideas for existing and potential corporate partners.
• Lead other special projects and events as requested by leadership.

SOUGHT AFTER EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION ELEMENTS INCLUDE:

• 5 -7 years of relevant work experience.
• Some years of university level education in business, sports administration, marketing or another related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the field.
• Previous activation and account management experience with a professional sports team and/or sport marketing agency.
• Strong personnel management, communication, time management and organizational skills with proven ability to multi-task and manage projects on strict deadlines.
• Creative problem solver with the ability to quickly understand brands and partners’ business models and how to grow their business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including PowerPoint) and sales CRM systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and written with proven ability to correctly use punctuation and grammar and self-proof copy.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment; manage multiple tasks with the ability to reprioritize and shift priorities quickly.
• A high degree of personal integrity and consistently put the interests of the organization first.
• Be unafraid to pick up the phone and call clients and prospects and be at the highest level of preparedness and professionalism in person and on the phone.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays required.
• This position may require the individual to have access to confidential records and information meaning a high level of confidentiality of the information with which the individual has contact must be maintained.
• Professional business attire and appearance.
• As we are a small organization, candidate may need to help with some physical elements including setting up displays, hanging signs, moving boxes or other fulfillment requirements as needed to supply exceptional customer service.

Interested candidates should submit their resumes to the following:
humanresources@jandggroup.ca
Attention: Sponsorship Team

EEO STATEMENT:
The Brandon Wheat Kings are committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of licensure, including a clear driving abstract, upon hire, depending on the nature of the position.