📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director - Consumer Sponsorship Marketing
🔹 Company: Mastercard
🔹 Location: Besiktas, Istanbul Turkey
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing regional sponsorship strategies
- Managing cross-functional teams and external partners
- Driving revenue growth through new business models and partnerships
- Overseeing event delivery and activation of sponsorship assets
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting the VP of Consumer Marketing and Sponsorships to identify gaps in sponsorship assets and build a passion-driven sponsorship strategy for the region
✅ Working closely with regional division leaders, central teams, and global sponsorship teams to generate new business models and revenue via FI and non-FI partners
✅ Developing and overseeing planning and innovative execution of onsite activation and event delivery of sponsorship events and associated partnerships
✅ Following consumer trends and driving content development to leverage synergies within marketing programs and platforms via sponsorship assets
✅ Collaborating with the Director of Consumer Marketing to integrate and maintain asset monetization via Priceless.com
✅ Managing asset monetization, budget, and payment processing for partnership investments
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience in working across cross-functional teams, managing cross-functional agency teams, and financial acumen
Required Skills:
- Proven success in project leadership
- Appreciation of all elements of the marketing mix
- Experience in team management and ability to influence non-directs
- Creative thinker - ability to harness elements of passion-based assets and access to develop innovative marketing platforms
- Demonstrated collaboration with different internal teams and with a proven track record of successfully partnering with external stakeholders
- Strong written and verbal communication/presentation skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the payments or financial services industry
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the payments or financial services industry may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the Marketing field in Istanbul)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee discounts on Mastercard products and services
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM), with flexibility for occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Mastercard operates in the global financial services and technology industry, focusing on digital payments and commerce
Company Size: Mastercard is a large, publicly-traded company with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects
Founded: Mastercard was founded in 1966 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry
Company Description:
- Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in over 200 countries and territories worldwide
- The company supports a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible
- Mastercard's technology and innovation, partnerships, and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses, and governments realize their greatest potential
Company Specialties:
- Global digital payments and commerce
- Technology and innovative mobile payment solutions
- Processing
Company Website: http://www.mastercard.com
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's global presence and extensive experience in the financial services industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to grow their careers in a dynamic and innovative environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Director level, reporting directly to the VP of Consumer Marketing and Sponsorships
Reporting Structure: The Director will oversee cross-functional teams, including brand, legal, digital, media, communications, and product teams, as well as external agency teams
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the primary office location in Besiktas, Istanbul Turkey. Occasional travel may be required for events and meetings
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the role's scope and impact based on performance and business needs
- Opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with teams across different regions
- Access to professional development and training programs offered by Mastercard
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on Mastercard's regional sponsorship strategy.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Mastercard's Besiktas office is a modern, professional environment with collaborative workspaces and state-of-the-art technology
Office Location(s): Besiktas, Istanbul Turkey
Geographic Context:
- Istanbul is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and diverse cultural attractions
- The Besiktas district is a bustling commercial area with easy access to public transportation and amenities
- Istanbul offers a high quality of life, with a mix of urban and natural environments
Work Schedule: Standard business hours with flexibility for occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The Besiktas office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to the city's many attractions and amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interviews with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Mastercard's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume, focusing on skills and experiences that match the required qualifications
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Sponsorship asset management, negotiation, project leadership, financial acumen, team management, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, consumer trends, event delivery, marketing mix, content development, stakeholder engagement, compliance, budget management
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the organization and the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Marketo, Google Analytics)
- Sponsorship management software (e.g., SponsorPoint, SponsorMyEvent)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the team's needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Do the right thing
- Stay curious
- Collaborate openly
- Invent everything
- Respect and trust
Work Style:
- Mastercard values a collaborative and inclusive work environment
- The company encourages innovation, creativity, and continuous learning
- Mastercard fosters a culture of accountability and results-driven performance
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Mastercard's core values, particularly 'Do the right thing' and 'Collaborate openly'?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a high degree of autonomy?
- Do you thrive in a culture that emphasizes continuous learning and innovation?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Mastercard's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and time management
- Working with external partners and agencies may present unique challenges and require strong negotiation and communication skills
- Occasional travel may be required, which could disrupt personal schedules and routines
- Mastercard's fast-paced and dynamic work environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and demands.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on regional sponsorship strategy and management for Mastercard
- Similar roles in other organizations may have a broader or more narrow scope, depending on the organization's size and structure
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding the scope of the position or moving into a more senior leadership role within Mastercard
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on Mastercard's regional sponsorship strategy and provides a strong foundation for career growth within the organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a regional sponsorship strategy to drive revenue growth and brand awareness
- Managing the planning and delivery of a high-profile sponsorship event, including logistics, vendor management, and on-site activation
- Conducting a comprehensive review of Mastercard's sponsorship portfolio and recommending strategic adjustments to optimize ROI
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, operational, and analytical aspects of the Director - Consumer Sponsorship Marketing role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of Mastercard's regional sponsorship portfolio and the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams and functions within Mastercard, both regionally and globally?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the sponsorship marketing function at Mastercard, and how can this role address them?
- How does Mastercard support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What is the company's long-term vision for the regional sponsorship marketing function, and how does this role contribute to that vision?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's curiosity, strategic thinking, and commitment to understanding the role and the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, focusing on the required qualifications and preferred skills listed in the job description
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit
- Research Mastercard's business and industry trends to demonstrate your understanding of the company and the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the opportunity
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
