Strategic Partnerships Specialist

The Strategic Partnerships Specialist supports the daily management and execution of strategic partnerships with high-profile organizations including professional sports teams, universities, NIL, brand ambassadors and community institutions. The Specialist provides operational and tactical support to the Strategic Partnerships Department and plays a key part in ensuring our partnerships are executed smoothly, delivering maximum brand exposure, return on investment, and community impact.

What you will do here:

Partnership Support & Execution: Support the successful execution of strategic partnerships by overseeing and evaluating partnership activations, event logistics and promotional campaigns. Work cross-functionally with internal teams to execute partnership deliverables. Provide on-the-ground support at events and manage key partnership assets such as merchandise and tickets to maximize engagement and visibility.

Own the ticket management platform and program to manage employee raffle and associated communications. Manage initiatives with correlated tickets for events around internal giving and business development. Own any support related to tickets received through the program and rectify issues as needed. Manage any catering related to events as needed. Work directly with strategic partners to ensure management of ticket allocations. Provide Executive Management and/or Board Members with details related to ticketed events.

Gather, analyze, and interpret performance metrics of partnership activities and deliverables, and collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships team to drive insights and improvements. Own data insights for the Strategic Partnership group, ensuring data is accurate and usable, and action that data to enhance department strategic objectives. Manage relationships with third party data insights vendors. Develop internal and external communications and assist with data based reports and financial processes including invoicing and budget management.

Strategic planning, resource allocation, and partnership prioritization: Ensure smooth team operations by managing calendars, timelines, and logistics related to partnership initiatives. Support partner engagements through, scheduling events, materials preparation, and follow-up coordination.

Relationship Communication: Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partners by facilitating consistent and timely communication. Act to ensure partner needs are met, inquiries are addressed, and any issues are resolved efficiently.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

What you will need:

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, sports management, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and experience required.

2+ years of experience in partnership marketing, event coordination, brand marketing, community engagement, and/or sports property required.

Demonstrates strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Demonstrates high level of attention to detail and commitment to quality required.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite required.

Comfortable working occasional evenings or weekends as needed for events and activations required.

Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills with the ability to analyze issues, evaluate multiple options, and make well-informed decisions required.

Demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships and lead through influence with internal and external partners and prioritize action and results required.

Experience working with or supporting partnerships in sports, higher education, or non-profits preferred.

Familiarity with CRM systems and digital marketing platforms preferred.

Knowledge of the local Arizona market and community landscape is a plus preferred.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

For additional information about our organization, careers, and benefits visit: http://www.desertfinancial.com/careers.