Grant Thornton is a collaborative, entrepreneurial firm on the move! As part of a dynamic, global organization of more than 47,000 people serving clients in more than 130 countries, we have the agility and focus it takes to be a leader
This position supports sports sponsorships and events within the firm’s portfolio of golf and baseball holdings, delivering impactful marketing, sales enablement and client engagement programs utilizing an array of partnership assets. This role is primarily focused on ensuring operational excellence, adhering to strategic programming, acting as a brand champion, achieving ROMI and a strong expertise within digital and social media in and around sponsorship platforms.
S/He will work collaboratively with a cross-functional internal team, agency/vendor(s), properties and the Sports Sponsorship Marketing lead to drive fulfillment of specific sports sponsorship programming. The position will entail project management work that is both strategic and tactical, and includes operational and hands-on responsibilities. The position requires a strong degree of organizational skills and people management.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Manager of Sponsorship Marketing will play a key role in delivering against firm-wide business objectives: revenue growth, increasing brand awareness and engagement, growth in our target market, digital and future focused go to market presence and engaging our employee base who are our most important asset.
S/He will collaborate with various stakeholders to deliver on-going programs and events both at the national and local level. Driving results, thinking differently, and developing new and creative ways to execute are key. Ensuring excellence in delivery through flawless execution and a high degree of sensitivity in dealing with senior level executives is critical. Strong Project Management skills required.
S/He will collaborate with the Sponsorship Marketing team and agency partners to deliver programs with respect to:
Activation
Assist in the development of fully integrated activation plans against all national sponsorships, including golf and baseball, inclusive of:
Client entertainment
Social and digital media including ideation, metrics, paid media, posting, content, thought leadership, editorial calendar(s), placement(s), etc.
Employee engagement programming
Management
Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for local markets as it relates to sports sponsorships
Assist with the day-to-day support for national sponsorships in conjunction with Sr. Manager and agency partners
Provide day-to-day property contract management
Liaise with internal digital team and agency to execute digital activation plans and tactics
Assist with the procurement of branded merchandise/premiums – obtain quotes, samples, and oversee production and delivery when needed for events
Assist with speaker/talent recommendations, pricing and availability for talent
Track all spending related to program budgets
Communicate on regular basis with key stakeholders within Grant Thornton and Sponsorship Marketing Team
Execution
Collaborate with agency partners on the development of detailed run of show outlines for all stakeholders prior to event execution
Develop executive briefing book, depending on size, level of event and stakeholders involved
Assist with pre-event site visits to ensure logistical flow and quality assurance
Provide on-site execution support in conjunction with agency and or event manager
Assist in the management of talent/appearances at event
Metrics and ROI
Assist with the tracking and measurement of sponsorships through oneView system on an on-going basis
Assist with the development of post event surveys
Assist with the development of post-event/season wrap up and debrief document
Grant Thornton Regional Support
Baseline knowledge of and support for Senior Manager and agency for:
Benefits evaluation & recommendations
Proposal evaluation and contract negotiation
Background research and development to provide informed POV
Contract considerations
Pricing/fees recommendations
Coordinate the execution of local program extensions from National sponsorships
Assist in development of activation plans and metrics against local sports sponsorships
Promote use of automated ticket management system for local ticket inventory
Core Competencies:
Strong understanding of loyalty programs and brand marketing.
Baseline knowledge of financial and accounting principles and concepts.
Passion for success - Highly motivated and results driven
Relationship Builder and Client Service Orientation – Exceptional client service and skill interfacing with C Suite, partners and other business executives. This role requires the ability to influence internal and external parties.
Sponsorship Marketing – Thorough understanding of the sponsorship marketing landscape with an emphasis on sports, particularly golf, baseball and the big four.
Project Management – Supreme project management skills; clearly demonstrate the ability to juggle competing priorities and work through issues. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Work well under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines.
Detail oriented – with a focus on achieving quality results and an exceptional eye toward detail and quality.
Process Management – Ability to think through challenges and solutions systematically, strong problem solving skills.
Communication – Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Conflict Resolution – When challenges arise, proactively makes suggestions for resolution to issues. Does not simply pass along the problem with no suggested solution.
Integrity – Strong business and interpersonal instincts, judgment and high integrity. Flexible team player who embraces challenges.
Change Enabler – Stakeholder management skills are essential.
Integrity – Strong business and interpersonal instincts, judgment and high integrity. Flexible team player who embraces challenges
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field.
5-7 years of sponsorship marketing experience.
Sound skill with Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Dynamics (oneView)); additional skills with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat a plus.
Well-honed brand and B2B marketing instincts in financial services sector preferred.
Deep understanding of the global sports, entertainment and lifestyle industry.