Director of Partnerships Activation & Strategy

Summary

Description

CLIMB WITH US. Denver Summit FC is Colorado’s professional women’s soccer club, proudly holding the distinction of being the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th franchise. Our unwavering mission is to cultivate the preeminent professional soccer club globally, achieved through deep and meaningful engagement with Denver’s dynamic and multifaceted communities. The Denver Summit FC team, set to begin play in the 2026 season, is comprised of a robust and dedicated ownership group led by Rob Cohen, alongside a collective of impassioned local and national investors. This blend of local roots and broad support underscores our dedication to both Colorado and the wider soccer community.

Nature of Work:
The Director of Partnerships Activation & Strategy will be a key member of the Partnerships team, supporting strategic development and managing brand partner relationships for Denver Summit FC. The Director will oversee the onboarding and activation of brand partners throughout the lifecycle of their engagement with the organization. This role involves day-to-day project management and will continue to expand in scope, offering opportunities to contribute to overall business growth. The Director is responsible for managing the activation team, developing overall partner activation strategy and custom ideation for the club.

Examples of work performed:

• Develop and implement processes and best practices to improve activation and sales efficiency while fostering a positive and innovative team culture.
• Lead the development and execution of customized activation plans for brand partners, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, contractual obligations, and internal standards.
• Monitor and share relevant developments in the sports and entertainment industry.
• Perform extensive company and executive research to support strategic brand engagement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for brand partners during activation, managing communications, timelines, deliverables, and troubleshooting issues to maintain satisfaction and program integrity.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams—including marketing, creative, operations, and event staff—to ensure seamless execution of partnership activations.
• Track and report on activation performance metrics, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.
• Manage asset delivery and approvals, ensuring timely execution and adherence to quality standards.
• Develop post-activation recaps and case studies to highlight ROI and showcase successful outcomes.
• Oversee a team of two coordinators who will provide strategy and activation support to partners and sales staff.
• Identify opportunities to enhance partner visibility and engagement through experiential marketing, digital campaigns, and community initiatives.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills, with a strong focus on task execution and meeting deadlines.
• Participate in events, promotions, client entertainment, game-day activations, and other activities as required.
• Build strong peer-level relationships, contribute to a collaborative team environment, and positively represent Denver Summit FC across all engagements.
• Willingness to travel and work across multiple time zones as needed.

This description is a summary only and highlights the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change based on business needs. The Company reserves the right to add or remove duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Typical Office Conditions

Qualifications:
Minimum:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Sports Management, Sales, Marketing, or related field 
• 5-7+ years of experience in sports / entertainment (or similar), experience in partnership activation, marketing, women’s sports, or sales preferred. 
• Proven track record in successfully working with and navigating internal and external stakeholders.
• Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with C-level executives and senior leadership.
• Excellent presentation, communication, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to work in partnership with the sales team to meet challenging sales objectives in a high profile, competitive marketplace.
• Self-starter with ability to network and create relationships while working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Creativity to develop strategic and purpose-driven solutions.
• Self-motivated with entrepreneurial spirit and attention to detail.
• Superior computer skills including a high level of macOS, Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, and various creative and web-based software.
• Experience managing a small team of direct reports.
• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred:

• Experience activating multiple partnerships with a professional sports organization.
• Ability to acquire or produce and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet company vehicle driving standards.

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to maintain positive attitude and demonstrate professionalism
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality 
• Ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently & in a group setting and demonstrate good judgement skills
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing 
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and adapt to changing environments

Compensation:

• Base salary range $90,000-$100,000 per annum 
• Eligible for annual discretionary bonus

Benefits Include:

• 15 Paid Company Holidays
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• And more!

Equal Employment Opportunity
Denver Summit FC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
 

Job Questions:

1. What is your desired annual salary (USD) for this position?

2. If hired, will you be able to furnish proof of your eligibility to work in the U.S.?

3. Are you 18 years of age or older?

4. Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Marketing, Sales Marketing or related field?

5. Do you have 5-7+ years of experience in the sports, entertainment or a related consumer-facing industry?

6. Have you managed activation for multiple large partners?

7. Do you have experience managing other employees?

8. Have you worked in professional sports?