Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

This Director of Partnerships position will be responsible for generating revenue from local, regional, and national companies through the sale of integrated sponsorships and naming rights partnerships for the Total Mortgage Arena and the Bridgeport Islanders.  This position will serve as the department head for local operations and be responsible for managing a team of sellers, driving revenue through both partnerships and premium seating.  Compensation will consist of base salary plus sales commissions. This position will be responsible for achieving measurable financial results.

This role pays a yearly wage of $90,000 to $110,000.

Benefits for FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays).

This position will remain open until Oct 31, 2024

• Work with VP of OVG Global Partnerships (East region) to develop a strategic plan to drive revenue for the venue and team.
• Collaborate with New York OVG team, including the NY Islanders, to cross-sell Bridgeport assets to established OVG partners in the region.
• Responsible for establishing new marketing partnerships to achieve annual revenue goals.
• Conduct cold calls as a way of securing appointments to sell to new prospects.
• Analyze specific marketing needs of prospects based on partner objectives, market strategies, category potential, activation potential and financials.
• Support and work closely with regional management and on-site local management.
• Effectively present proposals in front of individuals and large groups.
• Develop meaningful business relationships with existing and potential sponsors.
• Motivate, manage, and engage the local sales team (currently two individuals).
• Significantly grow the team/venue’s corporate sales and premium seating business.
• Work closely with the Operations and Marketing teams to ensure that current clients receive superior service and fulfillment of each contract.
• Develops sales action plans to ensure hitting budget goals.
• Prospect, sell, cultivate, and maintain the corporate sponsorships for the venue in both new and renewal business.
• Oversee and/or execute all aspects of corporate partnership fulfillment.
• Develop relationships with brands in region for potential synergy across OVG portfolio.
• Develop relationships with other OVG venues in the region for potential synergies with corporate partners and prospects.
• Work with outside agencies to get all corporate partnerships signage created and placed.
• Create annual recaps for corporate partners, when applicable.
• Service all corporate sponsorships through various means including direct contact, newsletters, corporate partner gatherings, etc.
• Create new client initiatives to better serve the corporate partners.
• Design of sales proposals and presentations for potential corporate partners.
• Work and attend events, promotions, and OVG360 Corporate Sales events.

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent training & experience.
• 7+ years of sales experience with emphasis in major league team sports, larger market media (TV, radio) and/or sponsorship sales.
• Proven track record of developing and managing highly strategic corporate partnerships; Strong prospecting, analytical, presentation and communication skills.
• Proven success in establishing and meeting challenging sales objectives in a high profile, competitive marketplace.
• Comfortable managing tight deadlines and meeting aggressive sales goals and expectations.
• Strong professional relationship skills; Ability to establish and maintain long-term strategic relationships with corporate clients, direct reports and co-workers.
• Must be a skilled negotiator with the ability to effectively represent the standards and philosophy of the department.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Experience with Salesforce/KORE (CRM) is preferred
• Able to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings.
• Must be highly self-motivated and adept at working both independently and as part of a team.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work nights, all events, weekends, events and holidays as required.

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.