📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Partnership Marketing
🔹 Company: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE)
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Spectator Sports
🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading a diverse portfolio of integrated partnerships
- Cultivating positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Achieving business results for partners through strategic planning and execution
- Managing a high-performing team and driving a strategic vision
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic, client-centric marketing leader with a passion for sports and culture, as well as strong leadership and team management skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead an extensive and diverse portfolio of integrated partnerships
✅ Cultivate and nurture positive relationships with internal and external senior stakeholders
✅ Lead a team of high-performing individuals with account management responsibilities spanning multiple properties and venues
✅ Achieve business results for our partners by establishing and implementing key performance indicators
✅ Analyze data and offer insights to optimize partner programming and campaigns
✅ Demonstrate a solutions-oriented approach to leadership
✅ Take the lead in discussions related to retention and renewal across the Toronto Maple Leafs partnership business
✅ Contribute to new business goals and revenue strategies
✅ Actively participate as a key member of the Global Partnerships leadership team representing the Toronto Maple Leafs vertical
✅ Engage proactively as a member of an MLSE cross-functional leadership team dedicated to the Toronto Maple Leafs business
✅ Assume responsibility for budget management and margin accountability in the Toronto Maple Leafs partnership business
✅ Lead initiatives related to culture setting, employee development programs, talent evaluation, and broader corporate priorities
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Possession of a post-secondary degree or diploma, with a preference for qualifications in marketing or a business-related field.
Experience: Demonstrated 8-10+ years of significant and relevant experience in marketing, client service, strategy, and/or partnership marketing.
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of building and leading highly effective, diverse teams of 5+ individuals over a span of 4+ years
- Aptitude for presenting strategic insights, exhibiting thought leadership, and delivering clear communication
- Strong proficiency in negotiation and contract management
- Accomplished in written communication and adept at delivering impactful presentations
- Extensive experience in developing and managing complex, integrated budgets
- Proficiency in financial forecasting and setting revenue growth targets
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain professional relationships, both internally and externally
- Exceptional ability to multitask and manage evolving priorities effectively
- Proven capacity to perform well under pressure
- Availability to work evenings and weekends as necessary
- Possession of a positive growth mindset, emphasizing integrity, confidentiality, and discretion as appropriate
- Inclusive and empathetic leadership style, consistently seeking to understand diverse perspectives and experiences
- Proven ability to excel in executive-level relationships, both internal and external
- Competence in formulating and executing a strategic vision
- Responsible, accountable, and solutions-focused; capable of delivering on commitments and taking initiative
- Driven by the satisfaction of clients, with a strong client-centric orientation
- Inclination to think strategically on both a broad and detailed level in both planning and execution
- Capable of evaluating and guiding the work of the team effectively
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the sports industry or related fields
- Familiarity with the Toronto Maple Leafs and MLSE properties
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role, candidates with relevant experience in marketing, partnership marketing, and team leadership are strongly encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Industry standard for a Director-level role in Toronto's sports industry is CAD 150,000 - 180,000 per year. This estimate is based on market research and comparable roles in the region.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision care
- Retirement savings plan with company matching
- Employee discounts on tickets, merchandise, and food & beverage at MLSE venues
- Access to fitness facilities and wellness programs
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
Working Hours: Full-time, with the expectation to work evenings and weekends as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Spectator Sports. MLSE is Canada's preeminent leader in delivering top-quality sport and entertainment experiences, operating in a highly competitive and dynamic industry.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. MLSE is a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: MLSE was founded in 1994, with a rich history and strong brand presence in the Toronto market.
Company Description:
- MLSE is the parent company of the National Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Basketball Association's Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer's Toronto FC, and the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts
- MLSE owns and operates all the venues its teams play and train in, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre
- MLSE also provides fans in Toronto with incredible live music and entertainment events, as well as exceptional culinary experiences through its restaurants (e11even and RS) and clubs (Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub, and Platinum Club)
Company Specialties:
- Owner and operator of professional sports teams and venues
- Marketing, sales, and partnership management
- Ticketing and membership services
- Event planning and execution
Company Website: http://www.mlse.com
ASSUMPTION: MLSE is a well-established and respected organization in the sports industry, with a strong brand and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to its fans.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director. This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Sr. Director, Partnership Marketing and Media Integration.
Reporting Structure: The Director, Partnership Marketing will lead a team of high-performing individuals with account management responsibilities, as well as contribute to the broader Global Partnerships leadership team and the Toronto Maple Leafs business leadership team.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the expectation to work evenings and weekends as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a VP or SVP role within the Global Partnerships or broader MLSE organization
- Opportunities to lead and contribute to strategic initiatives and projects across the organization
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within a large and dynamic organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: MLSE's headquarters is located in downtown Toronto, with a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 50 Bay Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a population of over 2.9 million, offering a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities
- The city has a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters
- Toronto is well-connected by public transportation, with the MLSE headquarters located near several subway and bus stops
Work Schedule: Full-time, with the expectation to work evenings and weekends as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at MLSE is fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and results-driven performance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with key stakeholders
- Final round 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 MLSE's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with partnership marketing, team leadership, and strategic planning
- Demonstrate your passion for sports and understanding of the Toronto Maple Leafs and MLSE properties
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Partnership Marketing, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Management, Budget Management, Data Analysis, Negotiation, Contract Management, Client-Centric, Sports Industry
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using industry-standard marketing, data analysis, and project management tools to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Inclusion
- Accountability
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
- Results-driven and performance-oriented culture
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external?
- Do you have a strong client-centric orientation and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with MLSE's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career with the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse portfolio of partnerships and stakeholders
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with evolving priorities
- Balancing the demands of the role with personal and family commitments
- Navigating the competitive sports industry and maintaining a strong market position
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to manage the challenges and demands of a senior leadership role in a dynamic and competitive industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on partnership marketing within the sports industry, with a specific emphasis on the Toronto Maple Leafs and MLSE properties
- Similar roles in other industries may have a broader focus on marketing, sales, or business development
- Career paths in this role may include progression to VP or SVP-level positions within the Global Partnerships or broader MLSE organization
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and aspirations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic marketing plan for a key partner, driving measurable business results and enhancing the partner's brand presence within MLSE properties
- Leading a team to negotiate and secure a multi-year partnership agreement with a major brand, delivering significant revenue growth and enhancing the partner's visibility and engagement with MLSE fans
- Managing a team to execute a high-profile event or activation, showcasing a partner's brand and delivering exceptional experiences for fans
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they align with the responsibilities of this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Global Partnerships leadership team and the broader MLSE organization?
- How does this role contribute to the overall success of the Toronto Maple Leafs and MLSE properties?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the partnership marketing team, and how can this role address them?
- How does MLSE support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in senior leadership roles?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I best contribute to their successful execution?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and alignment with MLSE's values and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link by June 15, 2025
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for phone or video screening and in-depth behavioral and situational interviews with key stakeholders
- Research MLSE, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the broader sports industry to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
