Director, Partnerships (Sailing)

Who We Are: 160over90 is an award-winning global marketing agency which forges stronger human connections and creates shared moments where people feel something real. With 800 thinkers, doers, and makers across every cultural corner of the world, the agency offers a full-service, channel-agnostic approach and a deep connection to the people, places, and properties that drive the conversation of tomorrow. 160over90 works with leading brands including AB InBev, Amazon, Coca-Cola, DP World, Macy's, Marriott International, McDonald's, Verizon and Visa. 160over90 is part of WME Group, a global representation business comprising the world's leading talent, intellectual property and brands.

The Role and What You'll Do: First and foremost, you're serially curious; about brands, about people and the world around us. How all of it is changing and evolving. You're plugged into culture; Interested and inspired by the now and next. Simply put, you love to ask (and understand) why. You appreciate the value of others. Because we ask our leaders to inspire and nurture teams. To power the collective that gets us to bigger and better; that gets us to wow. When in doubt, you do. Because you value courage over comfort...and because you always give a damn. About the client, the agency, the people and the work.

Responsibilities:

• Sponsorship Strategy & Management: Develop and implement comprehensive sponsorship strategies to support brand objectives within the Sailing industry. Identify, negotiate, and manage global sponsorship opportunities with sailing rights owners, athletes, and associations. Evaluate sponsorship proposals and assess potential ROI and alignment with brand and company strategic pillars. Manage sponsorship budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost control.
• Partnership Development: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key partners, event organizers and governing bodies. Develop strategic partnerships to expand brand presence and engage new audiences. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and senior leadership executives to leverage commercial opportunities within the business ensuring efficient use of assets and inventory. Represent the business as a senior liaison between retained agencies and the client across all things Sailing.
• Event Management: Oversee the planning and execution of sailing related events, including sponsorship activations, partner events and associated content pieces. Ensure seamless execution of events through IAT, ensuring timely planning and budgeting. Monitor event performance, conduct event de-briefs and ensure reporting is shared within client eco-system including the commercial working group and across the sports partnerships team.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Develop KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate the success of sponsorships and partnerships. Prepare regular reports for senior management on the impact and ROI of sponsorship and partnership activities. Use data-driven insights to refine strategies and optimize future initiatives.

You Have These:

• 10+ years of experience in sponsorships, partnerships, PR, and communications, preferably within the sports industry.
• Solid and demonstrable experience in elite sailing preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully managing global sponsorships and partnerships.
• Strong network within the sailing industry, including relationships with associations, athletes, and media.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering ROI on sponsorship investments.
• Ability to travel internationally as required.

We'd Love If You Also Have These:

• Strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant marketing tools.

How we work: WME Group is at the center of sports, media, entertainment, and fashion and is a largely relationship-based business. To foster an environment of collaboration, develop our future talent, and build on relationships across leadership, peers, and teams, we work from the office 4 days per week. We see immeasurable value internally and throughout the core of the businesses we support.

Don't meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

160/90 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that encourages applications from qualified, eligible candidates from all backgrounds and life experiences regardless of race, gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.