Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Partnership

Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Partnership at McCormick Place Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Partnership at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois Posted in 1 day ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY MPEA

| McCormick Place is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sr. Manager of Sponsorship & Partnerships to lead and execute a comprehensive strategy across the McCormick Place Convention Center and Wintrust Arena. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, this is a high-impact revenue-generating role responsible for the full sales lifecycle, from identifying and cultivating prospective partners and sponsorship opportunities to negotiating, closing, and activating integrated agreements. The ideal candidate is a strategic seller and relationship builder with a proven track record in sponsorship sales, partnership marketing, or business development within live events environments. Sales & Business Development

• Proactively identify and develop a robust pipeline of new corporate sponsorship and partnership opportunities across McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena.
• Lead the full sales cycle from initial outreach and needs assessment to proposal development, presentation, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Develop and present compelling, customized sponsorship and partnership proposals that align client marketing objectives with MPEA's portfolio of assets and audiences.
• Achieve and exceed annual revenue targets through the sale of integrated sponsorship packages, premium seating, and hospitality programs.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers
• Other duties as assigned. Partnership/Sponsorship Management & Activation
• Oversee the seamless implementation and activation of executed agreements, ensuring contractual obligations are fulfilled and partners receive exceptional service.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of corporate partners, facilitating renewals, upsells, and expanded agreements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, sales, and event management teams to deliver on partner commitments and maximize the value of each partnership.
• Conduct regular partner business reviews to assess satisfaction, measure ROI, and identify opportunities to deepen relationships.
• Under the direction of the Director of Marketing, oversee and manage the strategic relationship with the digital signage provider, including content coordination, performance optimization, and alignment of signage inventory with sponsorship and partnership objectives to maximize visibility, revenue, and attendee engagement across the convention center. Revenue & Inventory Strategy
• Develop and manage a comprehensive inventory of sponsorship and partnership opportunities across MPEA's assets, including signage, digital, premium hospitality, and experiential.
• Evaluate existing inventory and recommend new or enhanced sponsorship opportunities to maximize revenue potential.
• Negotiate agreements and premium seating/hospitality packages with prospective clients, ensuring competitive and strategic pricing. Reporting & Administration
• Maintain accurate records of all sales activities, pipeline status, and partnership agreements using CRM tools and internal reporting systems.
• Prepare and present regular sales performance reports, revenue forecasts, and partnership updates to senior leadership.
• Draft and review partnership contracts in coordination with legal counsel, ensuring accuracy and adherence to MPEA policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, partnership development, or business development in the sport/event sponsorship, advertising, or live events industry.
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding individual revenue targets in a competitive sales environment.
• Exceptional presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• A self-starter who values integrity, respect for others, and operates effectively as a team player.
• Strong proficiency with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be available to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.

NOTE:

Selection will be based on an evaluation of applicants' training, skills and experience. Pay $117,000-$127,000 Job Type Full-time Shift Schedule Flexible Work setting In person office environment

Benefits:

Dental Insurance Health Insurance Life Insurance Vision Insurance Long-Term Disability Insurance Deferred Comp & Matching PTO