Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships – Nashville

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships – Nashville

🔹 Company: Intersport

🔹 Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

🔹 Category: Sports, Sales

🔹 Date Posted: July 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Work-from-home (must be located in Nashville)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Generating revenue through strategic partnerships and sponsorships
• Leading the APP's presence in Nashville
• Prospecting, pitching, and closing six- and seven-figure sponsorship agreements
• Managing a team of sales and marketing professionals
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver executional excellence

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of sales experience and a strong network in the Nashville marketplace. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in closing high-value sponsorship agreements and experience managing and mentoring junior-level staff.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Generate revenue for the APP through strategic partnerships and sponsorships

✅ Lead the APP’s presence in Nashville, serving as the face of the organization in the market

✅ Prospect, pitch, and close six- and seven-figure sponsorship and media agreements with clients and agencies nationally

✅ Manage a team consisting of a Manager, Strategic Partnerships (sponsorship and hospitality sales) and a Coordinator, Partnership Marketing (sponsorship management/servicing)

✅ Work effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver executional excellence

ASSUMPTION: The Executive Director will be responsible for hiring and training select team members, with a focus on goal setting, feedback, and constructive guidance.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years’ full-time experience in sponsorship, hospitality, and/or media sales

Required Skills:

• Proven success in selling six- and seven-figure sponsorship agreements
• Strong understanding of the sales process with a passion for pitching and closing new business
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key clients and agencies nationally, regionally, and locally
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills with high-level presentation ability
• Flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively in an entrepreneurial environment
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the sports industry
• Familiarity with pickleball or other sports

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong client-direct/agency network of sponsorship marketing decision-makers in the Nashville marketplace.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 to $175,000 (includes sales target bonuses)

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, and parental leave benefits
• 401(k) with company match for qualified employees

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience in the Nashville market. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail, specifically sporting goods and apparel

Company Size: Medium (51-200 employees)

Founded: 1968

Company Description:

• The INTERSPORT Group is among the world’s leading sporting goods retailers, with a turnover of over EUR 14 billion in 2024 and more than 5,400 specialist sports stores in 42 countries.
• IIC-INTERSPORT International Corporation is the brand management and purchasing company of the INTERSPORT Group.

Company Specialties:

• Sporting goods
• Apparel
• Sportswear
• Retail
• Digital
• Product development
• Footwear

Company Website: www.intersport.com

ASSUMPTION: Intersport's extensive experience in the retail industry and strong global presence may provide unique opportunities for growth and learning in this role.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive (Senior-level management role)

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief Revenue Officer

Work Arrangement: Work-from-home with a requirement to be located in the Nashville market

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow the APP's presence in Nashville and expand its reach in the region
• Opportunity to mentor and develop junior-level team members
• Potential to advance within the organization as the APP continues to grow and expand

ASSUMPTION: The Executive Director will play a critical role in shaping the APP's presence in Nashville and driving its growth in the region.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (work-from-home)

Office Location(s): Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Geographic Context:

• Nashville is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Tennessee
• It is known for its vibrant music and entertainment industry, as well as its growing tech scene
• The city offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week, with flexibility to work independently and collaboratively)

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement may provide a better work-life balance, but it also requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final round interview with key stakeholders
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales experience and track record
• Communication and presentation skills
• Network in the Nashville marketplace
• Leadership and management skills
• Cultural fit with the company and team

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of successful sponsorship sales and client relationships
• Research the APP and Intersport to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to discuss your sales strategy for the APP

ATS Keywords: Strategic Partnerships, Sponsorship Sales, Media Sales, Hospitality Sales, Business Development, Team Management, Client Relationships, Consultative Selling, Nashville, Tennessee

ASSUMPTION: The interview process may include a sales presentation or role-play to assess the candidate's ability to pitch and close sponsorship agreements.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• PowerPoint
• Word
• Excel
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The Executive Director will be expected to use various tools and technologies to manage their team and track sales progress.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for sports
• Customer focus
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Entrepreneurial and collaborative
• Results-driven and goal-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Intersport's performance-based culture and commit yourself and your team to the highest standards?
• How do you develop and maintain relationships with key clients and agencies in a competitive market like Nashville?
• How do you balance working independently and collaboratively in a remote work environment?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the company and team.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a remote team and maintaining productivity
• Balancing sales and management responsibilities
• Competing with established sponsorship agencies and direct clients
• Adapting to the unique culture and dynamics of the Nashville market

ASSUMPTION: The Executive Director will need to be proactive in addressing these challenges and finding creative solutions to drive success.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on the pickleball sport and the APP's specific market needs
• Compared to other sponsorship sales roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the pickleball industry and its key players
• Career path comparison: This role may lead to senior-level management or executive positions within the APP or Intersport

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in the sports industry and a strong understanding of the pickleball market.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic plan to secure sponsorship agreements for the APP Tour
• Creating and implementing a client retention strategy to maintain and grow existing sponsorship relationships
• Managing the planning and execution of APP Tour events, including securing venue partnerships and local sponsorships

ASSUMPTION: The Executive Director will be expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize their workload effectively.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the APP plan to grow its presence in Nashville and expand its reach in the region?
• What are the most successful sponsorship strategies that have been implemented by the APP or Intersport in other markets?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance for remote employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and shows that you have done your research.

📌 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 for this role
• Prepare examples of successful sponsorship sales and client relationships
• Research the APP and Intersport to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to discuss your sales strategy for the APP
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.