Manager, Franchise Partnership Development

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager, Franchise Partnership Development is responsible for creating and selling integrated corporate partnerships for the Cleveland Monsters (AHL), Cleveland Charge (NBA G League), Rock Entertainment Sports Network and other Rock Entertainment Group Franchise Properties, with the ability to sell through the portfolio of REG properties, including Tennis-in-the-Land (WTA 250), Pickle-in-the-Land, and other Rock Entertainment Group Franchise properties.

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Franchise Corporate Partnerships, the Manager, Franchise Partnership Development constantly relates to the client as a business advisor, economist, advertising counselor, and marketing/merchandising coordinator. The position is based on salary, commission and bonus potential. The Manager, Franchise Partnership Development is expected to work special events and a portion of the home games, as well as normal business hours. The goal of the Manager, Franchise Partnership Development is to achieve an overall Corporate Partnerships individual goal for the Franchise team (Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, and REG), as well as help the Franchise teams hit overall revenue goals. On occasion the Manager, Franchise Partnership Development will have the opportunity to integrate the Cleveland Cavaliers into Franchise partnerships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet or exceed established goals set yearly for new business.
• Establish and grow existing and new partners for the Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, and other Rock Entertainment Group Franchise Properties by selling: signage; print; community relations; hospitality; promotions; and digital assets.
• Prospect new business clients via:
  • Investigative appointments- gathering information about the prospective company.
  • Discussions with key decision-makers- learning their needs.
  • Effective presentations-satisfying their needs through integrated solutions.
  • Dynamic programs-developing new and exciting promotions.
  • Managing obstacles-reacting to and overcoming problems or objections.
  • Accurate closing-executing contract, billing, and collecting revenue.
• Follow-up—implementing all aspects of the partnership while working daily or as needed with the partner services area to ensure all of the following
  • Follow-up on all deadlines, making sure all materials are on time.
  • Assist and direct the implementation of promotions, develop POP displays, and arrange prizes.
  • Ensure proper traffic of all media.
• Coordinate details of partner group nights; i.e. book dinners, arrange speakers, coordinate personnel.
• Act as a liaison between partner and Community Relations Team for player/announcer appearances.
• Ensure that all AHL, NBA G-League, Rock Entertainment Sports Network, and team regulations are properly adhered to.
• Entertain and nurture relationships with current and prospective clients through the various means available.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in business, sports management, communications, marketing, or a closely related field. 
• Sports/event marketing experience is required.
• 1+ year of experience in sports partnerships sales, media, and/or direct sales is preferred.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• A strong sense of professionalism.
• A burning desire to grow a career in the business of sports.

ABOUT ROCK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP:

Rock Entertainment Group was formed in 2021 as the umbrella entity of sports and entertainment properties with the Dan Gilbert Rock Family of Companies. It includes the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, AHL Cleveland Monsters, NBA G League Cleveland Charge, Rock Entertainment Sports Network, and Tennis in the Land (Women’s Tennis Association Event). They also operate Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, as well as Cleveland Clinic Courts, the Cavs training and development center in nearby Independence, Ohio. As the unified brand platform, Rock Entertainment Group formally links multiple sports, venues, music, and content properties together to better position them collectively for collaboration, growth and new opportunities, while relentlessly creating amazing experiences for fans, teams, partners, stakeholders and thousands of staff members across the full spectrum of properties.