Manager, Corporate Partnerships - #307162

Organizational Summary Charlotte 49ers Ventures is the official in-house revenue-generation and commercial enterprise of Charlotte Athletics, created to maximize growth opportunities and elevate the university's position in the rapidly evolving college athletics landscape. Operating with an entrepreneurial mindset, Charlotte 49ers Ventures oversees corporate partnerships, multimedia rights, premium hospitality, brand activation, and emerging NIL opportunities Position Summary The Manager of Corporate Partnerships is responsible for driving new corporate partnership revenue and supporting the overall growth of Charlotte Athletics' sponsorship portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, this position leads day-to-day partnership sales efforts, manages key corporate relationships, and develops customized sponsorship solutions that align with partner objectives and Charlotte Athletics' strategic priorities The Manager will focus on identifying new business opportunities, generating revenue through integrated sponsorship programs, and assisting in the activation and retention of existing partners. This role works collaboratively across Athletics and the University to maximize commercial opportunities associated with athletics events, digital platforms, NIL initiatives, community engagement, premium hospitality, and facility assets The successful candidate will be a results-driven sales professional with a proven track record of revenue generation, relationship management, and strategic business development
Essential Functions Revenue Generation & Business Development

• Generate significant new corporate partnership revenue through proactive prospecting, relationship building, and strategic sales efforts.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective corporate partners using CRM systems and industry networking opportunities.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit local, regional, and national companies for sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Lead the full sales process, including prospecting, discovery meetings, proposal development, presentations, negotiations, and contract execution.
• Consistently meet or exceed established annual revenue goals and activity metrics.
• Assist in the development of integrated partnership packages incorporating athletics, campus, digital, community, and NIL-related assets.

Account Management & Partner Retention

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned corporate partners, ensuring exceptional service and relationship management.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure fulfillment of sponsorship agreements and delivery of contractual assets.
• Support renewal strategies and identify opportunities for partnership growth and upselling.
• Monitor partner satisfaction and provide solutions that maximize return on investment.

Collaboration & Activation

• Work closely with marketing, communications, ticket sales, annual giving, fan experience, and operations teams to execute partnership initiatives.
• Assist with gameday and event-related sponsorship activation and hospitality programs.
• Support the development and implementation of creative sponsorship concepts that enhance fan engagement and partner visibility.

Reporting & Analytics

• Maintain accurate records of all sales activities, pipeline management, and revenue forecasting within the department CRM.
• Prepare regular reports on sales performance, prospect activity, partnership revenue, and inventory utilization for the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Revenue Strategy.
• Analyze sponsorship performance data and market trends to identify new revenue opportunities and improve sales effectiveness.
• Track fulfillment obligations and assist in measuring partnership outcomes and client success metrics.

University & Community Engagement

• Represent Charlotte Athletics in the Charlotte business community and at industry networking events.
• Build relationships with corporate leaders, alumni, and community stakeholders to expand partnership opportunities.
• Ensure all partnership activities comply with NCAA regulations, conference policies, University guidelines, and departmental standards.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of Charlotte Athletics' revenue generation objectives.

Required Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in sponsorship sales, corporate partnerships, business development, ticket sales, fundraising, or a related revenue-generating role.
• Demonstrated success achieving sales goals and generating new business revenue.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems and sales tracking tools.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as necessary to support Athletics events and business development efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NCAA Division I athletics and/or with collegiate rightsholders
• Knowledge of the evolving collegiate athletics landscape, including NIL and revenue-sharing initiatives.
• Familiarity with the Charlotte business community and regional sports market.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentive opportunities.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.