Partnership Activation Director

Dallas Wings; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas Wings is seeking a strategic Partnership Activation Director to lead the brand partner experience, driving activation strategy, partner communications, and revenue growth. You will collaborate with Marketing, Game Presentation, Communications, and Community Relations to deliver high-impact programs for marquee sponsors, while mentoring a team and ensuring exceptional partner satisfaction.

In this role you will own data-driven performance analytics, manage ambassador events and gameday

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sports Management, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in partnership management, activation, brand marketing or agency client services.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with CRM systems, sponsorship analytics platforms, and project planning tools (PowerPoint, Salesforce, Monday.com).

Responsibilities

• Lead Activation Strategy: Oversee the planning, execution, and optimization of all activation initiatives with account managers.
• Premier Partner Management: Serve as the primary liaison for marquee partners, developing customized experiences for long-term value.
• Client Success & Retention: Drive retention and renewal strategies by demonstrating ROI and growth opportunities.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor a high-performing team and ensure partner satisfaction.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with Marketing, Game Presentation, Communications, and Community Relations to implement programs.
• Data & Reporting Oversight: Use data analytics to track performance and support recap presentations.
• Revenue Growth: Identify upsell opportunities within existing partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship-building

Communication

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sports Management, Business

Tools

Salesforce

PowerPoint

Monday.com

Job description

Job Purpose: The Partnership Activation Director will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the Dallas Wings' brand partner experience. This individual will be responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of all partnership activations, ensuring best-in-class service, innovation, and results for our valued corporate partners. This person will drive integrated, high-impact activations that elevate both the partner’s brand and the Wings organization. This is a dynamic opportunity for a relationship-driven, strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced sports environment and is passionate about delivering excellence, exceeding partner expectations, and contributing to the long-term success of one of the WNBA’s most exciting franchises.

Primary Duties / Responsibilities

• Lead Partnership Activation Strategy: Oversee the planning, execution, and optimization of all activation initiatives working with account managers to ensure full delivery of contracted assets and alignment with partner objectives.*
• Premier Partner Management: Serve as the primary liaison for marquee partners (e.g., jersey patch sponsor, naming rights partners), developing customized experiences and ensuring long-term value and satisfaction.*
• Client Success & Retention: Drive retention and renewal strategies by demonstrating ROI and identifying growth opportunities for current partners.*
• Team Leadership & Development: Assist in mentoring a high-performing team, providing coaching, support, and professional development to ensure partner satisfaction and operational excellence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the internal point of contact for the Partnership Activation team, working closely with departments such as Marketing, Game Presentation, Communications, and Community Relations to bring partner programs to life.*
• Data & Reporting Oversight: Lead the utilization of data and analytics to track partnership performance, generate insights, and support compelling recap presentations.*
• Revenue Growth: Identify and execute upsell opportunities within existing partnerships to maximize revenue and deepen relationships.*
• Team culture: Support a collaborative, high-energy team culture through hands-on guidance, coaching and mentorship.
• Special Projects: Take ownership of additional initiatives and tasks as assigned by leadership to support the ongoing growth of the department.

Game Day Duties/Responsibilities

• Engage with prospects and partners during the Dallas Wings games and events.
• Responsible for preparing and executing in game activations for partners. *
• Direct activation team on gamedays. *
• Prolonged standing, walking and extended work hours.
• Must be available to attend all home games for Dallas Wings, as well as attend most community events. Games & events may take place on nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to: VP of Partnership Relations

Do Other Positions Report to This Position? _X_ No __ Yes

If so, what titles report to this position and how many of each? Seasonal gameday staff as needed for Wings.

Job Requirements

• Formal Education & Relevant Work Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sports Management, Business, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in partnership management, activation, brand marketing or agency client services.
  • Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams.
  • Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with CRM systems, sponsorship analytics platforms, and project planning tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Salesforce, Monday.com).
• Work Location & Hours: Work is performed in the office and/or at one of the arenas as determined necessary by the Company. Must be available to attend ALL home games for the Dallas Wings, as well as attend company events. Games & events may take place on nights, weekends, and/or holidays.*

Ideal Candidate Attributes/Competencies

• Be extremely detailed oriented and organized *
• Strong leadership and ability to perform under pressure during live events.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Passion for sports, entertainment, and creating meaningful brand experiences.
• Strategic thinking with hands-on technical proficiency.*
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain positive, productive and supportive working relationships.
• Be able to contribute to a team environment
• Be able to multi-task, work independently and handle creative feedback*
• Excel at managing multiple concurrent projects at once, be self-directed, work independently and handling creative direction/feedback.*
• Be able to easily adapt to situational changes
• Be able to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed*
• Be able to identify areas of opportunity and propose potential solutions while continuing to lead projects without interruption

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, walking and extended work hours.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Hearing, seeing, reading, writing, concentration, comprehension, and talking with clear speech.
• Planning, organizing, interpreting data, making decisions, problem-solving, and composure under deadlines/stress.
• Indicates essential functions of position

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.