JOB SUMMARY

VINIK SPORTS GROUP OVERVIEW

The Vinik Sports Group Partnership Department is responsible for the strategic planning, sales, partnership marketing, activation, retention and growth of the flagship property, Tampa Bay Lightning and AMALIE Arena, as well as the University of South Florida Athletics (football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball), and the Yuengling Center.

The Analyst, Partnership Strategy & Insights will support the strategy and insights vertical within the Partnerships Department. This role will act as a key support system for the Partnership Activation and Development teams, specific to the development and implementation of streamlined sales processes, the creation of sales collateral and pitch decks, and new asset and platform ideation. This role will act as a liaison to marketing, graphic design, digital & social, content, and business intelligence to ensure brand and team storytelling is leveraged to drive revenue through streamlined and effective cross-department communication throughout the sales process.

The Analyst, Partnership Strategy and Insights will also support with the implementation of the short and long-term business strategy goals of the department including but not limited to industry and category research projects, maintenance of the department’s CRM platform, inventory creation and management, and the development of go to market sales strategies.

The Analyst, Partnership Strategy & Insights will need to possess a positive attitude, solid work ethic, a strong sense of ownership, will be proactive in nature, possess the ability to think strategically, and uphold the highest professional standards. This unique hybrid role is best suited for both a creative and analytical mind versed in brand partnerships, marketing, storytelling and analytics.

GAME/EVENT RESPONSIBILITIES 

Game/Event Night responsibilities: Yes Approximate number of events worked per year: 15 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Process:

Be a conduit between the Partnerships, Business Intelligence, and the Marketing departments, bridging the gap between data and storytelling, to bring marketing initiatives and brand stories to life through innovative and creative partnership sales materialsWork closely with the new business development team, marketing, and department leadership to streamline the sales process, being the lead project manager starting with the RFP (request for proposal) and ending with the delivery of a finalized sales presentationDevelop sales collateral in coordination with the marketing and graphic design teams including general brand and team storytelling, case studies, custom audience alignment slides, pitch presentations, and moreCollaborate with marketing and partnerships to frequently refresh the Vinik Sports Group, Tampa Bay Lightning, Amalie Arena, and USF MMR "sales story", leveraging insights, analytics, and brand storytelling to articulate how and why a partnership will drive value for partner brands and prospectsProactively update yearly partnership deck templates, such as partnership recaps and asset playbooks, to support the activation team with turnkey and cohesive pre-season, mid-season, and end of season reporting solutionsCreate and maintain a creative request pipeline and calendar to ensure all sales pipeline materials are being built and updated in a timely manner Manage both internal and external partner and vendor expectations on processes, timelines, approvals, and deadlines

Go To Market Strategy:

Support in the development of data-backed go to market sales strategies, leveraging in-depth category and company analysis and benchmarking to support sales efforts around prospecting and pitchingAnalyze business/brand, category, consumer, and cultural trends that highlight opportunities for partners’ businesses and inform strategic outputWork closely with the Partnership Strategy and Partnerships Development team to identify revenue opportunities and monitor league and industry trends to detect opportunities for new sales prospectingParticipate in client meetings when necessary to support with ideation and the development of partnership proposalsAct as the key lead inventory manager for the partnerships team, ensuring available and sold inventory is accurately reflected in department reporting and CRM systemsEffectively manage available partnership inventory with the ability to provide timely insights and moment-in-time inventory reporting to inform strategic decision makingSupport in rate card analysis for new inventory opportunities, as applicable

Other:

Support organization CHARGE program with 25 hours of community service per yearPerform other duties, as assignedWork hand-in-hand with the Business Intelligence and Partnerships to support the departmental CRM infrastructure in Microsoft Dynamics and KORE

QUALIFICATIONS  

Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, advertising, or sports management (or similar field) from four-year college or university requiredMBA and/or master’s degree in Sports & Entertainment Management preferred, but not required3+ years of business experience, preferably from agency, brand, and/or sports industryCreative, enthusiastic, and excellent oral and written communication skillsStrong project management skills focused on organization, time management and planningDemonstrated ability to be strategic and solution orientedProficiency in Microsoft Office SuiteProficiency in graphic design suites preferred but not required (i.e. Photoshop, InDesign, etc.)Ability to understand, use, and present data while delivering recommendationsExperience in category and industry research, with a focus on developing go-to-market sales strategiesAbility to interface with colleagues, senior executives, and clients effectively and personably, recognizing the need to adjust communication style according to the audienceAbility to successfully collaborate and influence others in a flexible and dynamic environmentAbility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary

WORKING CONDITIONS

Ability to work efficiently and effectively in office and arena environment that can be exciting, loud and distracting This is an onsite role; flexibility to work a minority of time remotely. Ability to work extended hours including late nights, holidays, and weekends as needed Ability to work in cold/hot indoor and outdoor temperatures Ability to use hands and fingers on office and mobile technology Ability to listen and speak on phone, in meetings, and in one-on-one conversations Ability to work in areas that can become crowded with equipment and/or people Ability to move comfortable throughout the arena with minimal accommodations Ability to work comfortable around special effects including, but not limited to: haze, strobe lights, lasers, etc.   

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.