Job details

Director, Strategic Partnerships

About NYRR

New York Road Runners (NYRR) was founded in 1958 when a small group of passionate runners vowed to bring running to the people, and has grown from a local running club into the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire through running, aiming to empower people of all ages and abilities to improve their health and well-being through the power of running and fitness.

NYRR’s year-round offerings of races, community events, programs, and training resources provide hundreds of thousands of people with the motivation, know-how, and opportunities to start running and keep running for life. NYRR’s premier event, the famed TCS New York City Marathon, attracts the world’s top professional runners and committed amateurs alike, while also raising millions of dollars annually for charity and driving economic impact for New York City. NYRR is equally committed to the runners of tomorrow, passionately providing youth fitness programs that educate and inspire children in underserved communities in New York City, nationwide, and around the world.

Headquartered in New York City, NYRR is a 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, please visit www.nyrr.org.

At New York Road Runners, we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace by finding the best candidate for the job. We understand that skills come from a variety of different backgrounds. Checking off every single requirement on our job description is not necessary to apply. If you think you are a good fit and have a passion for the work we do, please submit your application. We are eager to learn about your experience and skills! You may be the right candidate for this or other open positions.

New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About the Department

The Strategic Partnerships & Runner Products Department consists of the Strategic Partnerships team, the Runner Products and Services team, and Professional Athlete Group.

The Strategic Partnerships team is responsible for developing revenue-generating partnerships from corporate and community-based organizations and managing those relationships. Partnerships vary from year-round engagement to specific races and events. They work closely with all of NYRR’s departments to develop programs that maximize revenue opportunities and ensure NYRR‘s partners’ objectives are being met. Our Licensing & Merchandising provides merchandising services, including staff clothing, weekly race premiums, and premiums for programs.

The Runner Products and Services team supports the training, racing and community experience of our runners⁠—through classes, seminars, and customized training programs, and tailored customer service. The Runner Services team is the information source for our runners, serving for a conduit of information and an advocate for NYRR's runner-first philosophy both online and at the NYRR RUNCENTER. Our NYRR RUNCENTER also offers programming and serves as a hub of resources for our runners year-round. NYRR’s Charity Programs include more than 500 Official Charity Partners whose runners raise over $40 million annually. NYRR’s ITO Program operates in 100+ countries, and across six continents, and brings more than 15,000 international runners across the finish line at the TCS NYC Marathon.

The Professional Athlete group (PAG) develops and oversees programming related to the participation of professional and elite athletes, including wheelchair athletes, in NYRR events and initiatives, working closely with athletes, agents, coaches and federations while developing and implementing the recruiting strategy for professional athletes to compete in NYRR events.

About the Position

The Director, Strategic Partnerships reports into the Head of Strategic Partnerships. This is a highly visible leadership position within the organization which requires multi-tasking, good and decisive judgment, patience, a high level of professionalism and collaboration. Key responsibilities are built upon the intersection of client strategy, NYRR brand strategy and top-notch client service in a high-paced, fluid environment. The Director, Strategic Partnerships will play an essential role leading a partner portfolio, and serve as a thought leader, driving innovative, integrated, ideas to solve our partner’s business challenges.

The Director, Strategic Partnerships is responsible for all areas of sponsorship delivery and overall relationship health. Candidates must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions. This person must be team-oriented and possess excellent problem solving, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. A key function of the role is leading internal and external cross-functional teams to deliver work that meets partner objectives and goals, including effectively managing a team of direct reports and delegating responsibilities with a growth mindset.

The Directors work together to foster a culture of growth and development with the team. They regularly demonstrate initiative in all areas of improving the management and growth of all partnerships, demonstrating a sense of ownership and the ability to manage independently.

Job Responsibilities (primary and secondary duties)

Responsible for the day-to-day management and long-term strategic development of assigned accounts and projects, adding value and ensuring the partner is getting best results from the sponsorship
Build trusted partner relationships and articulate organizational point of view
Serve as the “thought leader” between NYRR partners and NYRR’s internal teams, and lead cross-functional planning to achieve partner goals
Prioritize and goal-set effectively
Collaborate to offer innovative solutions to challenges and drive alignment
Plan and conduct high-level meetings effectively showcasing presentation skills
Create strategic documents leveraging insights and innovative approach to growth
Manage financial aspects of partner relationships, including assisting Department Head with budgeting process, tracking sponsorship payments and conducting financial analysis of current corporate and community partnerships
Liaise with Head of Business Development on partner deals and renewal agreements
Attend partner events and sponsored races, oversee execution and represent NYRR with partners
Effectively multi-task and handle wide-variety of responsibilities, both client-facing and administrative
Proactively lead departmental and organizational initiatives that align with NYRR growth plan
Represent organization at external events

Supervisory Responsibilities

Mentor, motivate and develop team members through coaching, training and identifying areas for growth
Effectively manage employee performance through communication of expectations and standards
Prepare goals and performance appraisals. Work with next level management (heads of or senior leader as applicable) when employee performance does not meet standards
Encourage an environment of transparency, support, creativity, development, and growth
Showcase effective listening for impact
Delegate and distribute tasks and responsibilities appropriately
Ensure employees and staff adhere to company policies and procedures
Serve as a role model within the department and organization, providing leadership and creative problem solving

Job Requirements

Experience

5+ years of account management, or sponsorship experience, which may include agency (integrated marketing) or brand-side marketing experience. This role is ideal for an experienced senior manager who can expertly manage a robust portfolio of brands
5+ years of experience successfully managing and developing multiple direct reports
Experience executing special/live events
Proven experience negotiating contract agreement
Sales and sponsorship valuation experience preferred
Previous exposure to quantitative and qualitative research - not in leading, but knows what they are, and how they work
CRM/Salesforce experience is beneficial

Education & Certifications

Minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field preferred; graduate degree is a plus.

Skills and Attributes

Demonstrated track record of success in providing strategic thinking to clients, including identifying, analyzing, problem-solving, and responding to opportunities and challenges with the ability to translate into practical plans of action
Ability to manage complex relationships and handle difficult situations in calm and professional manner
Ability to establish effective interdepartmental relationships, manage multiple contacts and projects, and drive business
Collaborative and solutions-oriented
Detailed-oriented and articulate; highly developed communication skills, both verbal and written, to communicate effectively and persuasively
Strong project management skills focused on organization, time management and planning
Ability to think strategically across multiple relationships and balance organizational and partner objectives
Passion for understanding partners’ business and being a trusted advisor in their day-to-day challenges
Highly motivated, self-starter with high energy and team spirit
Ability to craft presentations and present and pitch effectively
Excellent problem solving, decision-making and interpersonal skills
Confident leadership presence and professional demeanor
Can operate autonomously without guidance
Proactive approach to upsell opportunities and business development
Availability to work weekends and extended hours as needed
High-level Microsoft office skills (Excel, PowerPoint) required, Salesforce experience a plus
Passion for NYRR’s mission