Partnership Executive Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

AC Grand Rapids is an MLS NEXT Pro expansion club set to launch in 2027. As a new pillar in the West Michigan sports landscape, the club is committed to building a best-in-class sporting and entertainment organization that reflects the pride, passion, and values of the Grand Rapids community. We are building an innovative and community-driven club that wins on and off the pitch.
Position SummaryThe Partnership Sales Account Executive will work under the direction of the Director of Partnerships to generate and close corporate sponsorship sales for AC Grand Rapids. This role is responsible for seeing a sponsorship sale through to completion, including developing pitches, negotiating deal points, addressing client concerns, and finding creative solutions to align brands with the club's assets. The Account Executive will ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual goals are met by employing various sales techniques, creating and maintaining new business relationships, and setting clear expectations for themselves and their accounts.
Primary Responsibilities
• Support all facets of the sales cycle, including prospecting, customer assessment, analysis, strategy, best practices, ROI modeling, industry research, competitive intelligence, marketing/sales proposals, and alignment to existing solutions.
• Lead the development of client proposals, sales presentations, and contract negotiations through to the closure of new or renewed business.
• Present business updates, new opportunities, and industry-driven initiatives to club leadership as needed.
• Identify and cultivate brands and marketing executives within targeted accounts who make event marketing and media decisions.
• Create and develop presentations for clients and potential clients, including creative concepts for pitches.
• Share revenue and profit-building ideas and opportunities with the partnerships team and other internal stakeholders.
• Create sales plans that are scalable for local, regional, and national programs.
• Support the development of complex sponsorship plans to address clients' strategic objectives and meet the club's revenue and brand goals.
• Support the process to identify new corporate partners and prospects by developing an understanding of emerging regional and national category opportunities.
• Work closely with the partnerships team to research and generate revenue leads via the internet, trade publications, newspapers, magazines, and other industry resources.
• Build a prospective client list of qualified accounts within assigned categories and territories.
• Execute effective corporate sales calls and presentations promoting the club's unique sales and marketing platforms to meet established sales objectives.
• Effectively use the club's CRM to maintain accurate records of all client and prospect interactions.
• Work in unison with the marketing, communications, ticketing, and community teams to implement department goals and integrate partner activations.
• Maintain an up-to-date awareness of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and sports trends, statistics, strategies, and activities.
• Assist with the development, coordination, and implementation of game day activities as needed.
• Provide the highest standards of customer service to every partner and potential partner.
• Perform other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 2-4 years of sponsorship support and/or sales experience.
• Sponsorship, exhibitor, or VIP hospitality sales experience within sports and/or entertainment.
• Existing relationships with marketing agencies, brands, and/or client contacts.
• Proven background in developing, closing, and maintaining relationships with brands and marketing executives.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce or comparable).
• Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and match days.
• Must be willing to travel when necessary.
• Must pass pre-employment screens.
Preferred Qualifications
• Proven track record of building successful partnerships and consistently securing investments with Fortune 500 organizations.
• Familiarity with the West Michigan corporate landscape.
• Experience playing or knowledge of the professional soccer landscape.