Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships – San Diego

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships – San Diego

🔹 Company: Intersport

🔹 Location: San Diego, CA

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Sports & Entertainment

🔹 Date Posted: July 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (must be located in San Diego)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

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

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proven track record in sales, with a focus on sponsorship, hospitality, and media sales. The ideal candidate will have a strong network in the San Diego marketplace and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Generate revenue for the APP through strategic partnerships, focusing on sponsorship, hospitality, and media sales

✅ Lead the APP's presence in San Diego, acting 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 and grow a team of strategic partnership professionals, including a Manager, Strategic Partnerships and a Coordinator, Partnership Marketing

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver executional excellence and ensure the successful execution of APP events and initiatives

ASSUMPION: The Executive Director will be expected to work closely with the Chief Revenue Officer and other senior leaders within the organization to achieve revenue targets and drive growth for the APP.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of 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 and a passion for pitching and closing new business
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, agencies, and decision-makers in the San Diego marketplace
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the sports industry
• Fluency in Spanish

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in sales, with a focus on sponsorship, hospitality, and media sales. They will also possess strong communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key clients and decision-makers in the San Diego 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 requirement. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail (Sports & Entertainment)

Company Size: Medium (51-200 employees)

Founded: 1968

Company Description:

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

Company Specialties:

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

Company Website: http://www.intersport.com

ASSUMPTION: Intersport offers a wide range of products and services, with a strong focus on the retail sector. The company's extensive experience and global presence make it a competitive employer in the sports and entertainment industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief Revenue Officer

Work Arrangement: On-site (must be located in San Diego)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance within the Strategic Partnerships team or explore other opportunities within the organization
• Chance to grow and develop a team of strategic partnership professionals
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the APP's revenue and growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to advance within the Strategic Partnerships team or explore other opportunities within the organization. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a strong desire to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site (San Diego, CA)

Office Location(s): San Diego, CA

Geographic Context:

• San Diego is the second-largest city in California and the eighth-largest city in the United States
• The city is known for its mild year-round climate, beautiful beaches, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities
• San Diego is home to a thriving sports industry, with numerous professional and amateur sports teams and events

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines and achieve revenue targets

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, on-site environment and be willing to put in the necessary hours to achieve success in this role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager and a member of the HR team
• Final interview with the Chief Revenue Officer and other senior leaders within the organization
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales skills and experience
• Relationship-building and networking abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and strategic thinking
• Cultural fit with the organization and team

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and accomplishments
• Prepare examples of your past sales successes, focusing on six- and seven-figure agreements
• Research the APP and Intersport to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Be prepared to discuss your network in the San Diego marketplace and how you plan to leverage it to achieve success in this role

ATS Keywords: Sponsorship sales, hospitality sales, media sales, strategic partnerships, business development, team management, client relationships, consultative selling, mentoring, communication, presentation skills, sales process, networking, PowerPoint, Word, Excel

ASSUMPTION: The hiring team will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a proven track record in sales, with a focus on sponsorship, hospitality, and media sales. They will also be evaluating the candidate's communication skills, relationship-building abilities, and cultural fit with the organization and team.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, Prezi)
• Sales enablement tools (e.g., LinkedIn Sales Navigator, DiscoverOrg)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proficient in using CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other sales enablement tools to manage their pipeline, track their progress, and close deals efficiently.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for sports and active lifestyle
• Customer-centric mindset
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Results-driven and competitive
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable and resilient
• Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a genuine passion for sports and an active lifestyle?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
• Do you thrive in a results-driven, competitive atmosphere?
• Are you a strong team player with excellent communication and collaboration skills?
• Are you adaptable, resilient, and committed to excellence in your work?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will possess a strong cultural fit with Intersport, demonstrating a passion for sports, a customer-centric mindset, and a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and integrity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team of strategic partnership professionals with varying levels of experience and expertise
• Balancing the demands of sales targets and revenue growth with the need to maintain strong client relationships
• Adapting to the dynamic and evolving sports industry
• Competing with established and emerging players in the sponsorship and media sales landscape

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to navigate these challenges effectively, leveraging their sales experience, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking to achieve success in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on the sports and entertainment industry, with a specific emphasis on pickleball and the APP Tour
• Compared to other sponsorship and media sales roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with a rapidly growing sport and make a significant impact on its revenue and growth
• Career path comparison: This role provides an opportunity to advance within the Strategic Partnerships team or explore other opportunities within the organization, with the potential to move into senior leadership positions as the APP continues to grow and expand

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other sponsorship and media sales positions, its focus on the sports and entertainment industry and the unique opportunity to work with a rapidly growing sport set it apart from other comparable roles.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic partnership plan for a major pickleball tournament, including securing sponsorships, hospitality packages, and media coverage
• Negotiating and closing a seven-figure naming rights agreement with a global sports brand for the APP Tour
• Creating and implementing a client retention strategy to maintain and grow existing sponsorship relationships

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges that the Executive Director may face in this role, requiring a strong combination of sales, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the APP's long-term vision for growth and expansion, and how this role fits into that plan?
• How does the APP differentiate itself from other sports organizations, and what unique opportunities does that present for sponsors and partners?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will my success be measured in that timeframe?
• How does the APP support the professional development and growth of its employees, and what opportunities exist for advancement within the organization?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does that manifest in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you gain a deeper understanding of the role, the organization, and the team, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether this opportunity aligns with your career goals and personal values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://intersport.applytojob.com/apply/rOXCoYCcOM/Executive-Director-Strategic-Partnerships-San-Diego
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and accomplishments, with a focus on six- and seven-figure sponsorship agreements
• Prepare examples of your past sales successes, focusing on your ability to prospect, pitch, and close deals
• Research the APP and Intersport to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Be prepared to discuss your network in the San Diego marketplace and how you plan to leverage it to achieve success in this 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.