Account Manager, Host City Partnerships – FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto

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.

The Host City Partnerships team operates within the MLSE Global Partnership team and works as an agent of the City of Toronto, reporting to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat.  We are responsible for developing local (Toronto/GTA/Ontario) supporters and hospitality partners for the FIFA World Cup 2026, generating funds for the City to cover the costs associated with hosting the tournament.

As a Account Manager, Host City Partnerships – FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto, you will report to the Commercial Lead, Host City Partnerships – FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto and be tasked primarily with managing the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Supporters (our name for sponsors) who will be investing significant funds to market their brands to the football-loving community in 2025 and 2026, and support the city’s goal of leaving a lasting legacy beyond the World Cup.

Contract Length: Full-time Contract (21 months – January 2025 – August 31, 2026), Hybrid Work Environmentract Length: 

• Lead a portfolio of integrated partnerships; build strong and trusted business relationships with senior clients through regular and proactive contact – continually seeking to elevate the partnership.
• Collaboratively build creative, integrated marketing solutions that deliver against partner objectives and drive affinity for FWC26 Toronto.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to execute contractual obligation activations and fulfill all partner deliverables, including the review/approval process with the Commercial Rights leads at FIFA Canada and the FWC26 Toronto Organizing Committee.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media and agency partners to ensure the successful fulfillment of media commitments and obligations.
• Lead development of detailed partnership post-mortems after World Cup
• Provide thought leadership to partners during the ideation phase and throughout delivery, selling through creative thinking by appealing to reason and connecting the work back to strategy.
• Develop a deep and thorough understanding of the partner’s business and competitive environment to continually deliver against business objectives for both the partner and the City of Toronto.
• Develop, lead, and be accountable for individual partner budgets with monthly and year-end reporting requirements.
• Proactively identify and manage critical issues; demonstrate resilience and adapt to evolving plans and strategies; where conflicting issues on partnerships arise; and be able to find solutions along with the internal team.
• Stay current with all facets of the dynamic marketing mix, including digital, social media, experiential, broadcast, OOH and print; equipped with creativity and innovative ideas.
• Where required, support the broader Commercial Sales efforts of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Partnerships team at MLSE.

Note: Before reviewing the qualifications listed below, we want you to know that we understand you may not meet all the qualifications described and have other relevant expertise and experience.  We invite you to please share this with us in the "Message to the Hiring Manager" section of our online application. 

• Post-secondary degree or diploma within a business-related discipline preferred.
• 3-5 years of proven related and meaningful experience in marketing, strategy, partnership marketing, and/or account management.
• Solid comprehension of general marketing and partnership principles and a mindset for client service.
• Excellent project management skills, with track record for managing complex projects on time and on budget.
• Experience in managing/executing event activations
• Experience developing and managing budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with public speaking.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships both internally and externally.
• Creative self-starter, motivated by results and alert to change.
• Ability to see the big picture and strategize accordingly.
• Shown to perform well under pressure; handle multiple priorities at the same time.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as required/ when applicable.

Apply by: December 16th, 2024

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

As a part of our recruitment process AI may be utilized to: screen applications, assess qualifications, and enhance candidate selection. We remain committed to ensuring a fair and equitable hiring experience for all candidates.

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 [email protected]. Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered. 

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