📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Brand Marketing
🔹 Company: Excel Sports Management
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Sports
🔹 Date Posted: June 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing brand marketing clients' sponsorship activation and marketing initiatives, with a focus on the fashion industry and women's professional basketball
- Building and maintaining positive client relationships to enhance partnerships and increase opportunities for Excel
- Leading relationships with team partnership and activation teams, ensuring seamless integration and brand alignment
- Developing and implementing sponsorship marketing strategies and activations on behalf of clients
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong account management skills, and a deep understanding of sports marketing, with a preference for experience in basketball, women's sports, or the fashion industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage the day-to-day progress of Excel’s Brand Marketing clients’ sponsorship activation and marketing initiatives, focusing on the fashion industry, managing women’s professional basketball portfolio inclusive of league, team and talent management
✅ Build and maintain positive client relationships that result in enhanced partnerships and increased opportunities for Excel
✅ Lead relationships with the team partnership and activation teams and talent portfolio ensuring seamless integration and brand alignment
✅ Interact daily with clients and all appropriate agencies/properties to manage sponsorship programming initiatives
✅ Provide portfolio analysis, identifying relevant opportunities that yield strategic recommendations for clients
✅ Manage client-vendor relationships and coordinate necessary activation deliverables on behalf of clients
✅ Create activation briefs, recaps, event itineraries and staff plans
✅ Plan and lead client status calls which include scheduling and preparing agendas or status documents
✅ Work with the team to develop integrated marketing and activation recommendations (social, digital, traditional media, experiential, PR, events, etc.)
✅ Manage 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
✅ Coordinate the acquisition of relevant results to be used in generating sponsorship recap reports
✅ Build, sustain, manage, and reconcile budgets, along with providing client budget updates along each step of the process
✅ Manage internal resources and vendors to ensure the highest standard of work product is consistently delivered
✅ Conduct desk research and analysis to gain a greater knowledge of businesses and industries in order to create the best opportunities for our clients
✅ 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 organizational skills, the ability to multitask effectively in fast-paced environments, and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and implementing procedures to achieve better job efficiencies.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Experience: 6+ years of direct experience in sponsorship marketing or brand marketing strategy 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
- Experience managing day-to-day relationships with clients, agencies, and vendors
- 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
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in basketball, women’s sports, and/or fashion industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the fashion industry and/or women's sports will have a competitive advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $95,000 - $115,000 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 the New York City Salary Transparency Law and may vary based on relevant experience, time in role, business sector, and geographic location, among other criteria.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Excel Sports Management is an industry-leading sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands, and marquee properties. Their success is rooted in their people, high character reputation, and commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace.
Company Size: Excel Sports Management has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment where applicants can expect a more personal work experience and the opportunity to make a significant impact.
Founded: Excel Sports Management was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in New York City with additional offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and London.
Company Description:
- Excel Sports Management is an industry-leading management and marketing agency that represents top-tier talent, blue-chip brands, and marquee properties.
- Their success is rooted in their people, high character reputation, and commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace.
- 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 Specialties:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Baseball
- Talent Marketing
- Consulting
- Corporate Partnerships
- Football
- Entertainment
- Hospitality
- Speakers
- Marketing
- and Client Service
Company Website: http://www.excelsm.com
ASSUMPTION: Excel Sports Management's industry focus and commitment to diversity and inclusion make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a dynamic and innovative work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in brand marketing and sponsorship management.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Brand Marketing will report directly to the head of the brand marketing department and will oversee a team of brand marketing specialists and coordinators.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of working remotely for certain events or projects. The position requires frequent travel to client events and may involve working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a director or vice president role within the brand marketing department
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as talent management or consulting services
- Opportunities to work on high-profile client accounts and contribute to the growth and success of the agency
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong track record of career progression and a clear vision for their long-term career goals within the agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Excel Sports Management's headquarters is located in New York City, with additional offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and London. The New York office is a modern, collaborative workspace that fosters creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10020
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major global hub for sports, entertainment, and fashion, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, dining options, and recreational activities.
- New York City has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cold winters.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with the possibility of working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to accommodate client events and projects.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and client expectations.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the head of the brand marketing department
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Account management and client relationship-building skills
- Creativity and innovation in brand marketing and sponsorship activation
- Industry knowledge and expertise in sports marketing, fashion, and women's sports
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your experience in brand marketing, sponsorship management, and the fashion industry.
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to develop and implement successful brand marketing strategies and activations.
- Research Excel Sports Management and the fashion industry to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its clients.
ATS Keywords: Brand Marketing, Sponsorship Marketing, Account Management, Client Relations, Fashion Industry, Women's Sports, Sports Marketing, Strategic Thinking, Creative Ideation, Teamwork, Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should focus on demonstrating their relevant experience and skills in their application materials and be prepared to discuss their approach to brand marketing and sponsorship activation during the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools, with a working knowledge of social media management platforms, CRM software, and design tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity and ethical behavior
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and creativity
- Excellence and high standards
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on client success
- Adaptable and flexible
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Excel Sports Management's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and managing your time effectively to meet deadlines and client expectations?
- How do you approach continuous learning and professional development in your current role, and how would you apply this to the Senior Manager, Brand Marketing position?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with Excel Sports Management's values and work style, with a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client relationships and sponsorship activations simultaneously
- Balancing the demands of client expectations with internal team dynamics
- Adapting to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the sports and entertainment industries
- Working with a diverse range of clients, each with their unique brand and marketing objectives
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategies for managing these challenges and maintaining a high level of performance in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the fashion industry and women's professional basketball, requiring a specific set of skills and industry knowledge.
- Compared to other brand marketing roles, this position offers the opportunity to work with high-profile clients and contribute to the growth and success of a leading sports agency.
- Career path progression in this role may lead to opportunities in talent management, consulting services, or other areas of the business, providing a broad range of growth opportunities.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in the brand marketing and sponsorship management fields to understand the unique aspects of this position and how it compares to other opportunities in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive brand marketing strategy for a major fashion retailer, including sponsorship activations, event planning, and social media campaigns
- Managing the brand marketing portfolio for a women's professional basketball league, including team and talent management, and creating innovative activation concepts to engage fans and drive revenue growth
- Collaborating with a cross-functional team to create a integrated marketing campaign for a sports apparel brand, combining digital, social, and experiential elements to reach a diverse audience
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their past work and provide examples of their ability to develop and implement successful brand marketing strategies and activations.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the brand marketing department, and how this role will fit into the team?
- How does Excel Sports Management support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the brand marketing department?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will my success be measured during this period?
- How does Excel Sports Management approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and employee development practices?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in these areas?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the company culture, and to demonstrate their fit for 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 and skills for this role, with a focus on your experience in brand marketing, sponsorship management, and the fashion industry.
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to develop and implement successful brand marketing strategies and activations.
- Research Excel Sports Management and the fashion industry to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its clients.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
