Director, Partnership Development

At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is representative of our community and where all employees feel they belong and can reach their full potential. We are Canada’s preeminent leader in delivering top quality sport and entertainment experiences and one of North America’s leading providers of exceptional fan experiences. We are the parent company of the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Basketball Association’s Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League.

MLSE owns and/or operates all the venues our teams play and train in, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. We also provide fans in Toronto with incredible live music and entertainment events, as well as exceptional culinary experiences through our restaurants (e11even and RS) and clubs (Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub and Platinum Club). Through MLSE Foundation, we have invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities since 2009 and with MLSE LaunchPad, we provide a place where youth facing barriers use sport to recognize and reach their potential.

We achieve all of this through our Common Purpose - to unite and empower our employees to create extraordinary moments for our fans and each other. Come be a part of the team.

MLSE is looking for an experienced partnership sales leader to help drive the growth and development of new partnerships for the organization. The Director of Partnership Development should be an experienced negotiator, with a proven track record of prospecting, developing, and selling impactful and innovative partnerships. They should be passionate about being part of a team and an experienced people leader who is eager to train up-and-coming partnership team members within the organization. Reporting to the Senior Director, Global Partnerships, this role will focus on the development of new partnerships for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, and Argonauts.

We are looking for a creative, energetic and driven leader with the ability to execute business development strategies effectively. Your talent for identifying and engaging contacts in various industries, generating a substantial number of prospects, and forming partnerships that drive MLSE's revenue targets is essential. You bring an uplifting energy to every task and thrive in a fast-paced environment that presents new challenges every day. Your dedication and commitment to learning are evident in your adaptable approach and interest in receiving and providing actionable feedback from colleagues and direct reports. With excellent communication and presentation skills, you lead conversations with clients and build positive relationships. You take responsibility, show initiative, and remain solutions-focused to consistently deliver impactful results while thinking strategically.

• Continually reimagine the status quo and build breakthrough marketing partnerships for prospective new partners.
• Lead the partnership development process from the initial touchpoint through contract execution.
• Start conversations with prospective partners (clients and agencies) to learn their goals and budget; capable of establishing positive relationships with senior clients, including C-level executives.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering an environment of continued growth and development.
• Contribute expertise in the ideation phase; design personalized partnership proposals that exhibit deep understanding of clients' businesses and MLSE's remarkable value.
• Lead presentations and negotiate partnerships through conclusion of contract phase.
• Take charge of an internal working team of cross-functional experts, guiding them through the development and sales process, which involves building advocates for new partnerships and uncovering fresh opportunities within Global Partnerships and across MLSE.
• Use data and research tools to identify prospects in new sectors, showcasing how MLSE's values and properties align with their target markets and what we value.
• Gain a detailed understanding of the partner or prospect's business and competition. Build partnerships to meet their objectives and increase affinity for MLSE's teams in the market.
• Identify and handle important issues; adapt to changing plans and strategies; find solutions with internal team when conflicts arise.
• Stay current with all facets of the dynamic marketing mix, including digital, social media, experiential, print, and broadcast; equipped with creativity and innovative ideas.
• Help lead long-term department initiatives and projects.
• Achieve revenue targets, and provide regular status reports.
• Lead with inclusive behavior, seeking to understand how others view and experience the world.
• Build, develop, and maintain excellent relationships, up to the executive level – both internally and externally.

Please note that we acknowledge you may not possess all the qualifications mentioned. If you have other relevant expertise and experience, we encourage you to share it in the "Message to the Hiring Manager" section of our online application.

• Post-secondary degree or diploma, preferably in a business-related field.
• 8-10+ years of partnership development and sales or related and meaningful experience.
• Preferred proficiency in brand marketing and coordinated partnerships.
• Proven prospector with a track record of securing meetings.
• Experienced people leader who has managed, trained, mentored, and recruited individuals in partnership/sales functions.
• Self-motivated to set and chase ambitious goals, works well with minimal supervision.
• A positive, winning approach, incorporating integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Deep understanding of new media and a desire to stay current on emerging digital platforms.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships both internally and externally.

Apply by: November 3, 2024

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

At MLSE, we are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email accommodations@mlse.com. Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.

#LI-DNP