The Director of Sponsorship and Events defines and leads the execution of company events to establish a visible/experiential community presence designed to support the Company’s overall strategic goals and marketing plan. In addition, this position drives the strategic approach to company sponsorships, with focus on nurturing and strengthening legacy events, while establishing a new runway and platform for future opportunities - that are banner-relevant and supportive of our company mission. The Director establishes sponsorship guidelines and oversees sponsorship proposals accordingly. Utilizing supporting resources internally and externally to optimize efficiencies, the Director ensures that all events and sponsorships are key business drivers that directly impact brand awareness and business revenue.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Works directly with Executive leadership to develop and document the criteria for the company sponsorship and events to ensure effective and professional communication (both internally and externally)
Manages relationships with vendor partners/sponsors, negotiates partnerships/events and develops win-win relationships
Accountable for the creative and strategic direction, execution, budget and performance objectives of all internal and external events, including the production of corporate meetings, conferences and trade shows
Develops a distinct Banner strategy for company events, consumer events and sponsorships/partnerships
Maximizes consumer awareness for consumer events; partners with Marketing to ensure all events are supported in advertising, social media and other forms of communication
Partners with shopper marketing/consumer promotion teams for on-premise event execution support, when relevant as needed
Ensures that "key outcomes" and budgets are achieved and measured as to the success of each event
Utilizes supporting resources internally and externally to optimize efficiencies of each event
Plans Annual Event and Sponsorship Calendar
Develops banner and overall criteria for company sponsorships and events
Establishes budgets and negotiates events/sponsors
Oversees vendor relationships
Leads annual and ongoing sponsorships/events budgeting process
Evaluates, filters, and acts as main point of contact for vendor solicitations
Provides supervision of all event planning and operations staff and vendor partners
Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong working understanding of various marketing media to ensure sponsorship needs are integrated across all banners and regions
Ability to deliver Center Of Excellence-like thought leadership in sponsorships, event marketing and meetings by assessing best practices, connecting them to our business, and using engaging ways to inspire associates
Ability to execute all sponsorships/events with excellence.
Ability to create and communicate new ideas through influential communication and competence
Command of research techniques and analysis to ensure excellent stewardship of valuable resources
Strong team leadership with energized actions and ability to motivate staff.
Strategic thinker/visionary and ability to connect tactic to strategy and measure success/improvement
Demonstrated ability to excel in collaborative environment, showing strong business partnership to other disciplines within the organization
Expertise in crisis management
Education: Four year college degree (or equivalent knowledge gained through formal education, specialized training, or additional job experience)
Experience: Eight years of relevant leadership experience, including extensive planning/strategy experience in developing sponsorships and producing events for major corporations; strong experience with “best practice” or “best in class” organizations exhibiting execution of company strategies.
Physical: Basic office and store environment: ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, stoop, use stairs, reach, pull and lift objects
Other: Frequent travel required
