Account Manager, Partnerships

Tampa Bay Lightning; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional sports organization in Tampa is seeking an experienced Account Manager, Partnerships. The role involves managing corporate partnerships, delivering strategic marketing solutions, and ensuring client satisfaction. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and over 6 years of experience in sports marketing or client relations. This onsite position may require extended hours including events, and will involve working in dynamic environments. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication, project management skills, and a strong customer service focus.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in marketing, activation, consulting, or client-focused roles in sports or entertainment.
• Creative, enthusiastic, with excellent communication skills.
• Proven ability to deliver results and achieve company goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage partnership marketing and activation revenue through partner relationships.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on partnership marketing initiatives.
• Lead renewals with customized presentations for partners.

Skills

Customer service focus

Sales skills

Project management

Oral and written communication

Strategic solution orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, advertising, or sports management

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

CRM experience

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Account Manager, Partnerships role at Tampa Bay Lightning. The Vinik Sports Group Partnerships Department is responsible for the strategic planning, sales, partnership marketing, activation, retention and growth for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Benchmark International Arena. In this role you will manage all aspects of strategic planning, ideation, consulting, implementation and retention of assigned marquee corporate partner sponsorship accounts, driving win/win solutions for partners, fan experience and VSG.

Responsibilities

• Manage partnership marketing & activation revenue through partner relationships, delivering best-in-class partnership marketing and activation platforms.
• Oversee day‑to‑day management, activation and development of assigned VSG partners (championship, jersey patch, naming rights).
• Act as corporate marketing consultant to partner contacts, developing and delivering measurable sponsorship platforms.
• Plan, execute, track and report all contractual elements of assigned partners (media assets, in‑market promotions, in‑arena activation, hospitality, experiential, community programs).
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on strategy and fulfillment of partnership marketing initiatives.
• Apply partnership knowledge (objection handling, value proposition, negotiation) to renew and grow sponsorship business.
• Lead renewals with customized presentations highlighting unique selling propositions and benefits to meet partner goals.
• Measure sponsor platform effectiveness using tools such as YouGov, Nielsen, Blinkfire Analytics, internal studies.
• Contribute directly to overall company and department revenue goals through renewals, upsells and new business development.
• Maintain and grow partner relationships at all levels through regular touchpoints (status calls, partner activation summit, pre‑season planning, season check‑ins, post‑season recap).
• Serve as extension of partners’ brand, understanding industry landscape, business objectives, challenges and opportunities.
• Manage internal and external partner expectations on processes, timelines, approvals, and deadlines.
• Ideate innovative sponsor platforms to achieve business objectives and solve unique challenges.
• Provide vision and leadership on special projects and within the Partnerships department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Game/Event Responsibilities

• Game/event night responsibilities: Yes
• Approximate number of events worked per year: 35‑45
• Set up Ford Thunder Alley activation signage, execute intermission activations, and engage clients throughout the game.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, advertising, sports management or similar from a four‑year college or university.
• 6+ years of experience in marketing, activation, consulting and client‑focused roles in sports, entertainment, advertising, brand or consulting agency.
• Demonstrated moral character, self‑less decision making, and strategic solution orientation.
• Creative, enthusiastic, excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Superior customer service focus and sales skills.
• Strong project management skills (organization, time management, planning).
• Proven ability to deliver results and achieve company goals and objectives.
• Effective client, inter‑departmental relationships, managing multiple contacts and projects.
• Organizational mindset: organization first, department second, individual third.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint; CRM experience a plus.
• Diverse market and work experience preferred.

Working Conditions

• Efficiently and effectively work in office and arena environments that can be exciting, loud and distracting.
• Onsite role; flexibility to work a minority of time remotely.
• Extended hours including late nights, holidays and weekends as needed.
• Lift/carry/move up to 25 lbs.
• Work in cold indoor temperatures.
• Commute to venues throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area and travel U.S. for up to one‑week at a time.
• Work in crowded areas with equipment and people.