Partnership Sales Director

Minnesota Timberwolves; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus & commission eligibility

Job summary

Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis seeks a senior Corporate Partnerships professional to drive new business, secure high-value sponsorships, and build lasting brand partnerships across our venues. You will lead prospecting, deliver compelling pitches, manage key accounts, and leverage data-driven insights to maximize revenue while representing the organization at games and events.

This role requires a proven track record in sports sponsorships, exceptional communication, and a strategic,

Qualifications

• A proven track record in sales, with at least 5-10 years of experience in corporate advertising, media, or partnership sales, and at least 3 years with a sports team.
• Experience consistently hitting 7 figure numbers YOY with new business.
• At least 3 years of experience selling and generating new business.
• 3 years of experience in professional sports required, 5 years preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal with the ability to tell a compelling story.
• A strategic mindset and ability to think creatively about partnership opportunities.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to cultivate relationships at all levels.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• A team-oriented approach with the ability to work independently and drive results.

Responsibilities

• Lead prospecting, pitching, and securing corporate partnerships for the Timberwolves, Lynx, and Target Center.
• Drive a high level of sales activity to fuel a robust sales pipeline.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national brands to create innovative, long-term partnerships.
• Deliver compelling presentations and proposals, leveraging creative collateral and multimedia resources.
• Collaborate closely with the Partnership Marketing team to ensure flawless execution and fulfillment of partner agreements.
• Manage a curated list of priority prospects to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Utilize data-driven insights from tools like YouGov and Nielsen to inform strategic outreach and partnership value.
• Maintain accurate records and track progress using our CRM system.
• Represent the organization on game days and at key events, engaging with current and prospective partners.
• Consistently meet and exceed revenue goals across all major categories.

Skills

Sales leadership

Corporate partnerships

Prospecting

CRM proficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Why Join the Pack? We understand that to win championships, it starts with the people. We’re all teammates with a united focus on fostering an inclusive winning culture that empowers, values and recognizes each other. Because working together is how we do what’s right for the communities we live, work and play in. It’s how we innovate, learn and grow as individuals and as a group. And it’s how we elevate lives through the power of basketball.

Summary/Objective

We're looking for a dynamic, results-driven individual to help drive new business and build lasting partnerships across our teams and venues. As a key player in our Corporate Partnerships team, you'll take ownership of high-value platforms, identify and engage new prospects, and secure revenue-generating sponsorships that align with our brand and vision. This is a senior sales role focused on business development—without direct people management responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Lead the charge in prospecting, pitching, and securing corporate partnerships for the Timberwolves, Lynx, and Target Center.
• Drive a high level of sales activity to fuel a robust sales pipeline.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national brands to create innovative, long-term partnerships.
• Deliver compelling presentations and proposals, leveraging creative collateral and multimedia resources.
• Collaborate closely with the Partnership Marketing team to ensure flawless execution and fulfillment of partner agreements.
• Manage a curated list of priority prospects to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Utilize data-driven insights from tools like YouGov and Nielsen to inform strategic outreach and partnership value.
• Maintain accurate records and track progress using our CRM system.
• Represent the organization on game days and at key events, engaging with current and prospective partners.
• Consistently meet and exceed revenue goals across all major categories.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other

• A proven track record in sales, with at least 5-10 years of experience in corporate advertising, media, or partnership sales, and at least 3 years with a sports team.
• Experience consistently hitting 7 figure numbers YOY with new business.
• At least 3 years of experience selling and generating new business.
• 3 years of experience in professional sports required, 5 years preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal with the ability to tell a compelling story.
• A strategic mindset and ability to think creatively about partnership opportunities.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to cultivate relationships at all levels.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• A team-oriented approach with the ability to work independently and drive results.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field - or equivalent experience preferred.

Benefits & Compensation

• Sales Compensation: The base salary range for this exempt role will be: $110,000 with the opportunity for bonus and commission based on revenue generated. Total compensation & offer package will include the following:
• Benefits: Regular full-time employees have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, health saving accounts with an employer contribution, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, and life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. Additional benefits may include employer-paid short/long-term disability plans, generous fitness and well-being benefits, work-related reimbursements, and fully paid family/caregiver leave. Regular full-time employees start with 11 Holidays, at least 20 paid PTO days, 2 Volunteer days, and 4 Personal Holidays in each calendar year.

Where You’ll Work

This role is based in our professional office environment, with standard hours Monday-Friday (8:30 AM-5:00 PM). In addition to office hours, you'll be in the action during Timberwolves and Lynx home games, external events, and networking opportunities. Expect a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere where nights, weekends, and holidays may be part of the experience.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position will not have supervisory responsibility.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information with others both in person and over the telephone. The employee frequently is required to remain in a stationary position, as well as operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone. Staff may occasionally ascend and descend bleachers/steps and traverse around the arena both on event days and non-event days. Staff will frequently move boxes of merchandise and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Travel

Occasional travel to external events as needed.

Our DEI Commitment

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives reflect our nature as a Pack. Each one is defined by our collective strength and effort to move everyone forward. Through DEI, we speak up against social injustices, marginalization, and oppression, provide equal opportunities, embrace the differences of others, and create an environment where everyone feels accepted and welcome. Together, we empower each other to be champions of change, help put those around us in a position to win and use our voices for good.

E-Verify Statement

We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot prove this, we will give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) to resolve the issue before any action might be taken against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.