Senior Manager Global Partnerships

Canadian Football League; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in Toronto is seeking a dynamic Sr. Manager, Global Partnerships to build and manage brand relationships. This role focuses on revenue generation and strategic growth. Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in marketing or business development, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven sales record, specifically within the sports industry. The compensation range is $90,000 - $125,000, and the role offers a hybrid work model, requiring occasional travel and flexibility in work hours.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in marketing, sponsorship, or business development.
• Established relationships in the sports and media industry in Canada.
• Self-starter, able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Proactively grow and maintain a robust partner list.
• Negotiate partnership agreements with CFL Media assets.
• Develop partnership marketing solutions tailored to client needs.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Sales acumen

Creative problem-solving

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/commerce/marketing

Tools

Digital and social media platforms

Job description

Position Title: Sr. Manager, Global Partnerships

Department: Global Partnerships

Status: Full‑time/Permanent

Reports to: Associate Vice President, Global Partnerships

Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid)

Company Description

The Canadian Football League is Canada's home for professional football. With over a century of rich history and nine member teams across the nation, the CFL provides world‑class entertainment and excitement to a passionate and dedicated fan base. A season‑long journey of unforgettable moments and must‑see‑TV broadcasts culminates in Canada’s largest single‑day sporting event – the Grey Cup, where the newly crowned champions earn the right to hoist the iconic emblem of Canadian football.

The CFL leads a global movement to grow and modernize the game. The league is committed to a global vision as it connects with fans around the world. It is transforming into a digital‑first sports league through an innovative, first‑of‑its‑kind partnership with Genius Sports to maximize fan engagement through data analytics, technological advances, and sports betting.

Just as important as its industry‑leading operations, the CFL proudly champions the values on which Canada was built – unity, diversity, inclusion, strength, and service to the community. The league is supportive of all peoples, cultures, and backgrounds, offering a respectful and inclusive working and playing environment, centered on acceptance and understanding. The CFL's successes are measured not only on the field and within its ranks, but also in its unparalleled impact in affecting positive change and bettering Canadian communities and lives.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and driven Sr. Manager, Global Partnerships to proactively identify, engage, and cultivate new brand and agency relationships and opportunities across a variety of categories. This role will be responsible for developing and maintaining a year‑round pipeline of qualified national prospects, with a strong focus on revenue generation and long‑term strategic growth.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in packaging‑up and selling‑through IP‑based partnership programming, with integrated media solutions designed to deliver against client brand goals and business objectives. The role requires a strategic thinker with strong sales acumen, creative problem‑solving and negotiation skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior‑level decision‑makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively prospect, qualify, grow, and maintain a robust partner list.
• Present CFL Ventures products and initiatives to Clients on an ongoing basis.
• Identify, develop and negotiate partnership agreements, leveraging all CFL Media & CFL Ventures assets.
• Assist AVP, Global Partnerships on budget forecast analysis and projections.
• Understand client needs and develop partnership marketing solutions that exceed their expectations.
• Work in conjunction with CFL Marketing, Content and Global Partnerships to develop and maintain customized sales proposals.
• Responsible for maintaining and evaluating current revenue along with anticipated revenue growth.
• Cultivate strategic client‑side + agency relationships to secure revenue growth opportunities and build credibility in the marketplace.
• Identify, understand and communicate trends within client markets and industries.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business/commerce/marketing or equivalent experience.
• Combination of 7+ years in a marketing, sponsorship and/or business development role.
• Established relationships and experience within the sports and media industry in Canada is a definite asset.
• Hunter mindset, with the ability to drive the sales cycle from initial prospect engagement through to contract negotiation and campaign execution.
• Working knowledge of media & sponsorship marketing with a specific focus on best practices and principles related to the sale and implementation of corporate partnerships and creative digital & experiential activations, including:
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Digital and social media platforms
• Brand activation and promotion across all key touchpoints (events, retail, multimedia) and key stakeholders (consumer, employee, trade)
• Working knowledge of other key marketing concepts and functions including Media (TV, Radio, Print, Digital, Mobile); brand strategy and positioning; marketing metrics (broadcast ratings, research in brand and promotion tracking)
• Self‑starter, curious and driven to excel.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• A creative thinker, strategic seller with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• A compelling communicator and presenter with strong written and verbal skills.

Expected Compensation

The expected compensation range for this position is $90,000 - $125,000, which includes base pay plus bonuses and variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position and should serve simply as a guide. The specific compensation offered may vary based on factors such as candidate experience, skills, budget, location.

Other Considerations

• Hybrid Model: The incumbent will be required to attend the office in accordance with the CFL Hybrid Work Policy. In addition, you are required to attend meetings and other business events at the office or other venues as business needs dictate.
• Work Schedule: Due to the nature of the business, the incumbent must be available and willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays, as required.
• Travel: Must be able to travel, as required. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Contact

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to: Insert Link

The Canadian Football League is an equal opportunity employer, and we are working to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities and people identifying as LGBTQ2S+.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The CFL may use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, and/or select applicants for an interview.

For additional information on the Canadian Football League, please visit our website at www.cfl.ca.