📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Partnerships Manager
🔹 Company: IMG
🔹 Location: NY - New York 247 Centre Street (Frieze)
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Spectator Sports
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-08
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Securing and growing revenue for Frieze’s US fairs
- Generating significant global sponsorship deals for Frieze’s global portfolio of events and media
- Identifying, developing, and securing new sponsor and partner relationships
- Managing specific sponsor accounts and ensuring smooth delivery of contractual benefits
- Representing Frieze in face-to-face and online meetings with key sponsors and advertisers
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, sales-driven individual with a strong network in relevant sectors and excellent communication skills. Experience in the art world is desirable but not mandatory.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Secure and grow revenue for Frieze’s US fairs in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago
✅ Generate significant global sponsorship deals for Frieze’s global portfolio of events and media from brands based in the US
✅ Play a leading role in generating new business via sponsorship sales in the US
✅ Represent Frieze, The Armory Show, and EXPO Chicago in New York and across the US in sponsor-related meetings and at events
✅ Take a leading role in managing specific sponsor accounts, ensuring smooth delivery of all contractual benefits
✅ Manage and negotiate sponsorship contracts
✅ Develop sponsorship pitch proposals for clients to win new business
✅ Build strong relationships with new partners
✅ Liaise with other teams internally at Frieze to plan and execute sponsored spaces at the fair, advertising campaigns, and other partner benefits
ASSUMPTION: This role involves international travel to attend EXPO Chicago and Frieze fairs and may require flexibility and longer hours.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in sales, marketing, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Experience delivering complex and ambitious projects, both at physical events and digitally
- Impeccable organizational and administration skills
- Demonstrated sales experience
- Experience in client-facing roles
- A portfolio of contacts at a decision-making level – ideally within the following sectors: technology, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, watches and jewelry, beauty
- Strong presentation skills
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
- Experience of managing a wide range of activities and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure, with high attention to detail
- Proactive and enjoys problem-solving
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of the art world
- Marketing and social media experience
- Experience working with luxury brands and/or major sponsors
ASSUMPTION: While knowledge of the art world is desirable, it is not a strict requirement for this role. Candidates with strong sales experience and a relevant network are encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 annually
Benefits:
- Health Care
- Retirement
- Vacation
- Paid Time Off
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility and longer hours often required
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior-level sales role in the New York area. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Spectator Sports, with a focus on art fairs and events
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration
Founded: IMG was founded in 1994, with Frieze joining the IMG network in 2019
Company Description:
- IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media, and fashion, dedicated to creating unparalleled experiences for fans, athletes, brands, and partners
- Frieze is the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art, comprising magazines, art fairs, and a permanent space in London
- IMG ARENA, a division of IMG, harnesses the power of official sports data to deliver unmatched fan-centric experiences
Company Specialties:
- Sports and events management
- Media and content creation
- Fashion and lifestyle branding
- Data and technology solutions for sports and betting operators
Company Website: www.imgarena.com
ASSUMPTION: IMG's diverse portfolio of businesses offers candidates the opportunity to work in various industries and roles, providing ample room for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role, reporting directly to the Head of Partnerships, US
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Partnerships, US, and works closely with other internal teams, such as marketing, events, and operations
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional international travel required
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a leadership role within the partnerships team or other departments within IMG
- Expanding the portfolio of sponsorship deals and growing revenue for Frieze’s US fairs
- Developing expertise in the art world and building a strong network within the industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand the portfolio of sponsorship deals and grow revenue for Frieze’s US fairs.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a modern and collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 247 Centre Street, Frieze, NY - New York
Geographic Context:
- New York City offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and events
- The office is located in the heart of Manhattan, providing easy access to public transportation and various amenities
- The city's dynamic arts and culture scene provides ample opportunities for networking and professional development
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility and longer hours often required, including international travel
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork. Candidates should be comfortable working in a busy, high-pressure environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screening to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
- In-depth interview with the Head of Partnerships, US, focusing on sales experience, network, and art world knowledge
- Final interview with senior leadership, focusing on long-term strategic fit and career aspirations
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales experience and track record of success
- Network within relevant sectors and the art world
- Presentation and communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant sales experience, network, and any art world knowledge
- Prepare examples of successful sponsorship deals or projects you've worked on in the past
- Research Frieze and IMG to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
ATS Keywords: Sponsorship, Sales, Partnerships, Art World, Luxury Brands, Client Relationships, Event Management, Marketing, Global Deals
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess candidates' sales experience, network, and cultural fit. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong track record of success in sales and a deep understanding of the art world and relevant sectors.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for sales and marketing professionals. Candidates should be comfortable using CRM software, presentation tools, and project management platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for sports, events, and fashion
- Commitment to excellence and innovation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and respect for all
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on success
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of clients and partners?
- Do you have a passion for sports, events, and/or fashion, and a commitment to excellence?
ASSUMPTION: IMG values candidates who are passionate, committed, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and a collaborative mindset.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple sponsor accounts and ensuring smooth delivery of contractual benefits
- Generating significant new business and growing revenue for Frieze’s US fairs
- Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight deadlines
- Occasional international travel and flexibility in working hours
ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role are primarily related to the fast-paced nature of the work environment and the need to generate significant new business. Candidates should be comfortable working in a high-pressure environment and have a proven track record of success in sales.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Sponsorship Manager or Senior Business Development Manager in the sports, events, or entertainment industries
- However, this role is unique in its focus on the art world and the opportunity to work with high-profile events and brands
- Career progression may include moving into a leadership role within the partnerships team or other departments within IMG
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other senior-level sales positions, its unique focus on the art world and high-profile events and brands sets it apart. Candidates should consider their interest in the art world and the opportunity to work with prominent clients when evaluating this role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Securing a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with a global technology company for Frieze’s US fairs
- Managing the delivery of contractual benefits for a luxury watch brand, including branding at Frieze events and exclusive client experiences
- Developing a strategic sponsorship pitch for a leading alcoholic beverage brand, focusing on Frieze’s global portfolio of events and media
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges associated with this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how they would approach similar projects.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader partnerships strategy for Frieze and IMG?
- What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the partnerships team or other departments within IMG?
- How does IMG support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company culture like, and how does this role contribute to that culture?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the long-term strategic fit of the role and the company culture. Candidates should use the interview process to gather information and make an informed decision about the opportunity.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant sales experience, network, and any art world knowledge
- Prepare examples of successful sponsorship deals or projects you've worked on in the past
- Research Frieze and IMG to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
