Lead Sponsorships Strategist

The Lead Sponsorships Strategist leads the strategy, planning, and execution of high-profile, consumer-facing sponsorships that drive brand awareness, fan engagement, and business growth opportunities. You will manage relationships with assigned partners, agencies, and key stakeholders to maximize the value of sponsorship investments and ensure alignment with strategic priorities. You will leverage insights to develop integrated strategies, optimize sponsorship assets and benefits, and drive performance against business objectives and key performance indicators. You will provide leadership and direction to ensure sponsorship and brand experiences are executed effectively and deliver meaningful impact for the business. You will report to the Senior Manager, Sponsorships, Partnerships & Events.

In this flex office/home role, you will be expected to work a minimum of 10 days per month from Madison, WI 53783

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply and should review the internal mobility guidelines in the hybrid policy reference guide for more information on potential relocation. 

We will not consider candidates who require current or future sponsorship for this position

Primary Accountabilities

• You will partner with Marketing Sponsorships leadership to establish and develop the vision for the unit’s strategy. You will work closely with marketing leadership and creative agency partners to develop and design high-profile marketing sponsorship strategies. 
• You will research and compile trends on the effectiveness of the sponsorship marketing strategy and programs to make any necessary changes to improve effectiveness. 
• You will consult with marketing leadership to assess needs and determine objectives for high-profile partnership activations to ensure effective and impactful experiences. 
• You will contribute to the evolution of the portfolio, shaping marketing goals and objectives for future growth. 
• You will lead projects, project teams and/or specifics project phases of high-profile initiatives, with large investment profiles.  You will be accountable for ongoing activities or objectives, i.e. content production. 
• You will provide overall leadership portfolio management for high-profile marketing sponsorships, including executive summaries, activation recaps, data analysis, budget development and management, with recommendations targeting customers, markets, product opportunities and strategies.  
• You will lead the planning, implementation and management of high-profile marketing sponsorship activations to ensure alignment with the overall marketing strategy and divisional KPIs. 
• You will research and analyze metrics from sponsorship activations, digital campaigns, and community support initiatives to measure against KPIs and optimize as needed. 
• You will communicate sponsorship results with marketing leadership and key partner contacts. 
• You will collaborate with marketing leadership and Creative Agency Teams to bring high-profile sponsorships and experiential activations to market. You will also work with agency partners, Sourcing and Procurement, and Legal to ensure accurate contract agreements. 
• You may be required to complete other assignments or participate in projects based upon skills, achievements, or experience. 

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Education Requirements

• Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support, or service. 
• Demonstrated experience effectively executing high level executive communication and presentations. 
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex marketing concepts to all levels of management.  
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects.  
• Extensive knowledge and understanding with marketing concepts, strategies, sponsorships, practices & tools. 
• Demonstrated experience overseeing high-level and larger scale sponsorships and events. 
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and analytical thinking. 
• Demonstrated experience in data informed planning and decision making. 

• Travel requirements ​​​up to 25% 

Additional Qualifications

• Experience supporting a Marketing Sponsorship budget process
• Experience delivering executive-ready presentations
• Experience analyzing KPIs and presenting actionable insights

#LI-Hybrid