Director of Corporate Partnership Services

Floor Interior Services Corp; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, is seeking a Director of Corporate Partnership Services. This key position is responsible for overseeing sponsorship fulfillment, activating corporate partnerships, and managing relationships with corporate partners to ensure their satisfaction and retention.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in sponsorship activation and a Bachelor's degree. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this dynamic role. The position includes travel and variable hours, reinforcing the commitment to providing exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in corporate partnerships or a related field.
• Experience within intercollegiate athletics preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational skills and project execution.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of sponsorship fulfillment and activation for corporate partners.
• Develop and implement customized activation plans.
• Coordinate contractual sponsorship benefits and ensure commitments are fulfilled.

Skills

Customer service excellence

Relationship management

Project execution

Marketing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

Position Summary

The Director of Corporate Partnership Services reports directly to the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Revenue, Philanthropy and Partnerships. This position serves as the primary administrator responsible for sponsorship fulfillment, corporate partner activation, advertising execution and relationship management. The successful candidate will ensure corporate partnership agreements are executed effectively while delivering exceptional service and measurable value to LR Athletics corporate partners.

This position will work collaboratively with athletics staff, campus partners and external stakeholders to maximize sponsor engagement, retention and satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of sponsorship fulfillment and activation for Lenoir‑Rhyne Athletics corporate partners, providing day‑to‑day support for the comprehensive corporate partnership and sponsorship program.
• Coordinate and execute all contractual sponsorship benefits, including signage, digital advertising, video board assets, hospitality opportunities, social media promotions, website advertising and game‑day activations.
• Ensure all sponsorship commitments are fulfilled accurately and on schedule through proof‑of‑performance tracking and reporting.
• Develop and implement customized activation plans that maximize value for corporate partners while enhancing the fan experience.
• Assist with sponsorship renewal efforts by providing partner recaps, performance reports and activation recommendations.
• Maintain comprehensive records of sponsorship inventory, fulfillment schedules, contractual obligations and partner communications.
• Collaborate with marketing, communications, operations and external staff to ensure successful delivery of sponsor benefits, particularly in conjunction with game‑day presentation activities.
• Assist with identifying and developing new sponsorship inventory and activation opportunities.
• Support Bears Club events, fundraising initiatives and special events as assigned.
• Work diligently to foster an atmosphere of sportsmanship, NCAA compliance, professionalism and respect among staff, coaches and student‑athletes.
• Demonstrate a commitment to fiscal integrity and budget management.
• Assist the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Revenue, Philanthropy and Partnerships with corporate sponsorship sales initiatives and revenue‑generation strategies.
• Recruit and supervise student workers and interns.
• This position will require travel and working variable hours, including nights and weekends. Other duties as assigned by the department's senior leadership team.

Qualifications

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, account management, marketing, event management, sales or a related field preferred. Experience within intercollegiate athletics preferred. Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.

Demonstrated excellence in customer service, relationship management, organizational skills, and project execution. Must possess strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

Established record of success in the key administrative functions of sponsorship fulfillment, corporate partnership activation, account management, event execution and customer relationship management.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Non‑Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy

Lenoir‑Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non‑conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, LR has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.