📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, Brand Marketing
🔹 Company: Excel Sports Management
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Spectator Sports
🔹 Date Posted: June 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading brand marketing strategies for a key corporate client in the fashion industry
- Managing women's professional basketball portfolio, including league, team, and talent management
- Overseeing partnership management and activation, ensuring brand alignment
- Building and maintaining positive client relationships, enhancing partnerships, and increasing opportunities for Excel
- Collaborating with clients, agencies, and vendors to bring ideas to life and manage sponsorship programming initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative mindset, with a strong understanding of sports marketing and a passion for the fashion industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the day-to-day management of Excel’s Brand Marketing client’s sponsorship activation and marketing initiatives, with a focus on the fashion industry, managing women’s professional basketball portfolio inclusive of league, team and talent management
✅ Lead relationships with the league’s partnership and activation teams and provide oversight across the broader team & talent portfolio ensuring seamless integration and brand alignment
✅ Build and maintain positive client relationships that result in enhanced partnerships and increased opportunities for Excel
✅ Interact daily with clients, their internal creative team and all appropriate agencies to bring ideas to life, maintain consistent storytelling, and manage sponsorship programming initiatives
✅ Lead the direction and development of integrated marketing strategies including developing creative platforms and new consumer engagement activations ranging from VIP events, styling moments, gifting and game day activations, to content campaigns, and tentpole moments
✅ Provide portfolio analysis, identifying relevant opportunities that yield strategic recommendations for clients
✅ Oversee the creation and implementation of materials that support individual sponsorship initiatives, including the development of creative elements, preparing marketing activation presentations and other materials to be distributed to clients
✅ Build, sustain, manage, and reconcile budgets, along with providing client budget updates along each step of the process
✅ Manage direct reports, ensuring flawless client-service and a second-to-none agency experience
✅ Manage internal resources and vendors to ensure the highest standard of work is consistently delivered
✅ Attend and participate in staff events which may include some nights and weekends
✅ Travel to client events as necessary
✅ All other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Experience: 10+ years of direct experience in sponsorship marketing or brand marketing strategy and activation at a brand, property, or agency
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of sports marketing (women’s sports is a plus) and account management with brands that have investments across sports
- Background and/or a passion for fashion, with an eye for cultural moments, styling, and storytelling
- Passionate about creative ideation including bringing fresh ideas and collaborative energy to the table, developing, and finishing the job all the way through
- Willing and eager to go above and beyond, help his/her teammates, coachable, curious, inquisitive, flexible, and multi-faceted
- Curious brand marketer that has multi-channel experience across a variety of different disciplines
- Ability to self-start and work within a small team and dynamic organization
- Exceptional communicator (written and oral) who overdelivers and strives to impress everyone around him/her with work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond
- Strong sense of ownership, ensuring goals are met and high-level standards are upheld
- Able to think strategically, creatively, and problem-solve independently (and in groups)
- Excellent time management and ability to multitask effectively in fast-paced environments
- Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word and the technical/computer skills to create and deliver client presentations
- Goal-oriented, results-driven and able to maintain composure under pressure
- Able to communicate and connect effectively and personably, recognizing the need to adjust communication style according to the audience
- Proactive and productive, recognizing opportunity and implementing procedures to achieve better job efficiencies
- Driven to increase industry knowledge and work to stay ahead of the curve
- Uncompromised ethics, integrity, and discretion with company and client information
- Engages in internal activities (team building, events, off-sites, etc.) and embraces internal culture
- Ability to travel frequently and work nights, weekends, and holidays
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a well-rounded individual with a strong background in brand marketing, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $160,000 - $185,000 per year
Benefits:
- Eligible for benefits and discretionary bonus
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a senior director role in brand marketing, with experience level and location taken into account.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Excel Sports Management is a leading sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands, and marquee properties. They focus on team chemistry, collaboration, strong relationships, valuable networks, and ambitious ideas to deliver innovative solutions that keep their clients and agency ahead of the curve.
Company Size: Excel Sports Management has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment where applicants can have a significant impact and grow within the organization.
Founded: Founded in 2002, Excel Sports Management has over two decades of experience in the sports management industry.
Company Description:
- Excel Sports Management is an industry-leading management and marketing agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands, and marquee properties.
- Established in 2002, Excel is based in New York City and has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and London.
- Their success is rooted in their people, high character reputation, and commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace.
Company Specialties:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Baseball
- Talent Marketing
- Consulting
- Corporate Partnerships
- Football
- Entertainment
- Hospitality
- Speakers
- Marketing
- Client Service
Company Website: http://www.excelsm.com
ASSUMPTION: Excel Sports Management is an established and well-respected agency in the sports management industry, with a strong focus on client relationships and innovative solutions.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring extensive experience and a strategic mindset.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Director, Brand Marketing will report directly to the company's leadership team and work closely with clients, agencies, and vendors.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of working remotely for specific events or client meetings.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a senior-level role, there may be opportunities for career advancement within the company, such as moving into a leadership or executive position.
- Excel Sports Management's diverse client base and global presence provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
- The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the sports industry offers continuous learning and adaptation opportunities.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their skills, take on more responsibilities, and advance their career within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Excel Sports Management has multiple offices across the United States and internationally, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Office Location(s): New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and London
Geographic Context:
- New York City, where the main office is located, is a major global hub for sports, entertainment, and fashion industries.
- The city's vibrant culture and diverse population provide ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- New York City offers a competitive job market, with many sports agencies and brands based in the area.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, with the possibility of working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed for client events or projects.
ASSUMPTION: The diverse office locations and global presence of Excel Sports Management provide ample opportunities for travel and exposure to different markets and cultures.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with company leadership
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand marketing and sports industry knowledge
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in brand marketing, sports marketing, and the fashion industry
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your skills and experience related to the key responsibilities of the role
- Prepare examples of successful brand marketing campaigns or initiatives you've led in the past
- Research Excel Sports Management's clients and industry presence to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its market position
ATS Keywords: Brand Marketing, Sports Marketing, Fashion Industry, Sponsorship Activation, Client Relationship Management, Integrated Marketing Strategies, Creative Ideation, Budget Management, Team Management, Women's Professional Basketball, League, Team, Talent Management
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit with the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the brand marketing industry and can be learned or improved upon with experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Team Chemistry: Excel Sports Management values collaboration, strong relationships, and a positive work environment.
- Ambitious Ideas: The company encourages innovative thinking and pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional results for clients.
- High Character Reputation: Excel Sports Management is committed to maintaining a strong reputation in the industry and upholding ethical standards in all aspects of its business.
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced: The sports industry is constantly evolving, requiring employees to adapt quickly and stay ahead of the curve.
- Collaborative: Excel Sports Management values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to deliver the best results for clients.
- Client-focused: The company prioritizes client relationships and ensuring client satisfaction in all aspects of its business.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments, and are you comfortable working in a startup-like culture?
- Are you able to balance multiple projects and deadlines, and do you have strong time management skills?
- Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining positive client relationships, and are you able to manage client expectations effectively?
ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is essential for success in this role, as it requires strong collaboration, adaptability, and a client-focused mindset.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic industry, with constant changes and tight deadlines
- Balancing the needs and expectations of clients, agencies, and vendors, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills
- Travel requirements for client events and meetings, which may impact work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the fashion industry and women's professional basketball, requiring specific knowledge and experience in these areas.
- Compared to other brand marketing roles, this position offers a more specialized focus and the opportunity to work with high-profile clients in the fashion and sports industries.
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in sports marketing, brand management, or executive leadership within the company or related industries.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in brand marketing within the fashion and sports industries, with potential for career growth and development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive brand marketing strategy for a key corporate client in the fashion industry, including creative platforms, consumer engagement activations, and tentpole moments
- Managing the sponsorship activation and marketing initiatives for a women's professional basketball league, including league, team, and talent management
- Overseeing the creation and implementation of materials that support individual sponsorship initiatives, including creative elements, marketing activation presentations, and other materials to be distributed to clients
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and creative nature of the role, requiring strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of brand marketing and sports industry trends.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to brand marketing and sports industry trends, and how this role fits into the broader strategy?
- How does Excel Sports Management support the growth and development of its employees, and what opportunities exist for career advancement within the company?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does the company collaborate with clients, agencies, and vendors to ensure seamless integration and brand alignment across sponsorship initiatives?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in these areas?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a proactive approach to understanding the role, the company, and the industry, and shows a strong interest in the position.
📌 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 in brand marketing, sports marketing, and the fashion industry
- Prepare examples of successful brand marketing campaigns or initiatives you've led in the past, demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Research Excel Sports Management's clients and industry presence to show your understanding of the company and its market position
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application 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.
