Senior Director, Global Brand Partnership (Sales)

ESL FACEIT Group - EFG; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading esports organization is searching for a Senior Director, Global Brand Partnership Sales to lead the global commercialization of flagship properties. This role involves building and converting a high-value pipeline of international brand partners while securing significant sponsorship agreements. Candidates should have 8-10 years of experience in sponsorship sales, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for digital culture, alongside a robust network within the industry. Travel is required for client meetings and live events.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in sponsorship sales or brand partnerships.
• Leadership in closing deals of 7-8 figures.
• Fluent English; additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead global commercialization of EFG’s flagship properties.
• Build and manage a pipeline of brand partners.
• Act as a strategic advisor to brands.

Skills

High-level sponsorship sales experience

Strategic thinking

Elite presentation and negotiation skills

Deep global network in brand partnerships

Passion for digital culture

Job description

NOTE: This position is open only to applicants who are currently residing and authorized to work in the United States. Candidates must have valid, unrestricted work authorization at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Please note that we are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas, now or in the future.

EFG (ESL FACEIT Group) we create worlds beyond gameplay where players and fans become community. We pride ourselves in having a corporate social responsibility which is that “IT’S NOT GG, UNTIL IT’S GG FOR ALL”. We are passionate about the culture we foster that ultimately helps to create and shape the world of esports, gaming tournaments, leagues, events and holistic ecosystems staged for our millions of players, fans and heroes.

Senior Director, Global Brand Partnership Sales, you will lead the global commercialization of EFG’s flagship properties by building and converting a strong pipeline of international brand partners and securing high-value, multi-million-dollar sponsorship agreements. Leveraging your senior network across brands and agencies, you will guide partners through the full lifecycle from strategic outreach and concept development to negotiation and closing, while collaborating with internal teams to design bespoke programs that deliver measurable value for partners and drive long‑term revenue growth for EFG.

You will lead the charge in monetizing EFG’s premier products— such as IEM, ESL One, DreamHack, and many more global live events—while developing bespoke, 7‑8 figure initiatives that captivate our community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pipeline & Revenue Growth: Build and aggressively manage a robust pipeline of prospective brand partners. You will leverage your existing C‑suite network and EFG’s internal leads to drive high‑value, pan‑national, or global deals.


• Strategic Deal Making: Lead the full partnership lifecycle—from initial outreach and creative concepting (with support of our creative team) to complex contract negotiations and final closing.


• Brand Consultation: Act as a strategic advisor to brands and agencies, educating them on the EFG vision and providing data‑driven solutions that meet their marketing KPIs through our digital and live platforms.


• Bespoke Program Design: Collaborate with internal creative and product teams to design unique, \"7-8 figure\" sponsorship programs that ensure brand authenticity and long‑term partner satisfaction.


• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to EFG’s commercial roadmap and GTM strategy, identifying market trends and competitor movements to maintain our position as a market leader.


• Collaboration: Work seamlessly with the global EFG team (online and offline) to ensure the integrated development of strategic visions and high‑level execution.

Who You Are:

• Proven Closer: You have a solid track record of consistently driving 7‑8‑figure revenue and achieving positive outcomes in a global or pan‑national sales environment.


• The Networker: You bring a deep, established global network of senior brand decision‑makers and agency leads (preferably across Europe and the US).


• Strategic Thinker: You are a structured thinker with the ability to map out a strategic plan for each partner, using data, ROI, and ROO measurement practices to drive profitability.


• Passion for Digital Culture: You have a genuine passion for gaming, creators, and digital entertainment, staying ahead of trends in brand communication.


• Resilient Self‑Starter: You possess an entrepreneurial mindset—tenacious, motivated by targets, and capable of working independently while being a world‑class team player.

Requirements:

• Experience: 8–10+ years of experience in high‑level sponsorship sales, brand partnerships, or sports/media marketing.


• Communication: Elite presentation and negotiation skills in English; proficiency in other languages (German, French, Spanish) is a strong plus.


• Mobility: Readiness for international (approx. 5%) and national (approx. 35%) travel to attend live events and client meetings

Hypothetical Role Breakdown:

• Pipeline Development & Relationship Management: 60%


• Strategic Program Design & Proposal Creation: 25%

Firmly rooted in our values, EFG is an affirmative action employer that celebrates being an equal opportunity workplace. Our unwavering commitment to fair employment extends to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, marital status, gender identity, or Veteran status.