The DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS will be responsible for identifying opportunities for, and leading all aspects of company-wide sponsorship activations with businesses around the world. They will be responsible for developing the global strategy as part of the project leadership team and supporting execution across numerous functions and in accordance with objectives and KPIs. They will be responsible for managing and continue development of the global Real Madrid strategy as part of the project leadership team and supporting execution across numerous functions and in accordance with objectives and KPIs.
The Director must be able to think strategically and provide thoughtful counsel to a broad range of internal and external contacts across all levels of management. The Director will supervise a variety of related agencies (sponsorship activation, branding) and management of internal client relationships to help execute communications programming.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Creates, develops and manages the corporate sponsorship marketing plan (short and long term)
Owns the strategy and execution of sport-specific marketing plans to generate advocacy from influencers and demand from consumers
Budget and financial management and oversight of programs
Ensures 360 Partnership management and the maximizing of contractual assets while reinforcing usage and compliance with brand standards.
Drive leadership for Abbott’s partnership with Real Madrid and the Real Madrid Foundation, in support of Abbott’s leadership in pediatric health and malnutrition, to include the following:
Work closely with workstream leads across Abbott brand marketing, global malnutrition and commercial, to drive partnership activations with corporate and global teams
Liaise with global teams in execution of local activations
Partner with business and GMEA Brand Expression to approve asset use for marketing and commercial materials according to Real Madrid and Abbott brand standards
Liaise with Real Madrid partnership and activation teams as appropriate
Track results of activations according to KPIs set out in the global strategy
Identifies other sponsorship opportunities that support and build understanding of Abbott across target audiences
Develops sponsorship criteria and identifies overarching brand positioning by audience and across the organization
Directs customer research to identify and define relevant and meaningful messages and positioning globally
Provides guidance on development of metrics to determine value and ROI
Manage the negotiation and partner with legal and procurement for the contract development of athlete, influencers and celebrity partnerships. Lead these relationships and work most contract execution
Develops strategic and tactical marketing recommendations for enterprise use
Identifies, assesses and implements programs, sponsorships and partnerships
Identifies and activates sponsorships, forums, or partnerships that help to build our corporate identity
Manages relationships, builds support and drives the short and long-term implementation plan and approach for programs funded
Works with all Abbott divisions and other functions to identify cross divisional sponsorship marketing opportunities to build the brand internally and externally
Partner with Abbott’s content and marketing teams to infuse corporate owned and social channels with content.
A bachelor’s degree in public relations, sports marketing, communications, business, marketing or related field is required.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE / TRAINING REQUIRED:
More than 12 years of experience in marketing, with at least 6 years in a high-level communications environment within a corporate / team environment or sports marketing agency preferred
Experience in both sports management and health care environment is preferred, but not required
Ability to speak, read, and write high level Spanish is required
Ability to travel internationally 50% or more annually
Able to achieve results within a rapidly changing, fluid and highly matrixed environment
Deep understanding of the current consumer and sports media landscape globally, including social influencers/advocates and working with high-profile/celebrity spokespeople
Candidates must have a track record of excellent professional writing, communication, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
Ability to and experience in thinking ‘outside the box’ when it comes to strategic product communications and creative
Experience working with and counseling senior management required
Positive, can-do attitude; ability and willingness to do what is needed to get a job done
Great sense of humor and ability to smile in the face of adversity