VP, Partnerships

Company: Legends
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 8, 2025

Job Description:

REPORTS TO: Legends and JMI Sports LeadershipLEGENDS & ASM GLOBALTwo powerhouse companies have joined forces to redefine excellence in sports, entertainment, and live events. Together, we combine unmatched expertise with a global reach, offering end-to-end solutions - from venue development and event booking to revenue strategy and hospitality.Legends brings a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise, and Attractions, working with top-tier clients to deliver exceptional experiences.ASM Global, the world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 350+ iconic venues stadiums, arenas, conventions centers and theaters.Our organization is committed to building an inclusive, innovative environment where differences drive solutions that benefit our team members, guests, and partners. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and accountability, we create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Are you ready to be part of the team that is transforming live entertainment? Join us to make legends happen!JMI SportsJMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company providing management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and highly regarded project management expertise to the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client's economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies that bring each client's vision to fruition. JMI Sports manages an impressive list of signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships including, the University of Kentucky, Clemson University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia and Columbia University (with Learfield IMG College), and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents several high-profile conferences including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Southern Conference, and the Patriot League. Additionally, JMI Sports serves as third-party sales representation for premier venues and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center and the Penn Relays. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, JMI Sports was founded by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres.THE PROJECTNorthwestern University and Ryan Field Foundation LLC have entered into a long-term partnership agreement with a Legends-JMI Sports joint venture to oversee corporate partnerships for the New Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics' multi-media rights opportunities. The New Ryan Field will be a state-of-the-art $850M sports and entertainment venue set to become a landmark for college football and Chicago. The project, with the majority funded by the Ryan Family without public investment, will set a new standard in college athletics, transforming the stadium model into a year-round community asset. Scheduled to open in 2026, the new Ryan Field promises to bring a world class student athlete, fan, and community experience to college sports. Once completed, it will not only host Northwestern football but also serve as the premier concert venue in the Chicago area as well as a leading destination for national events, youth sports championships, and additional opportunities, creating an unparalleled community hub, truly "Chicago's Big Ten Stadium."As the exclusive partner for Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics, the JV will be responsible for engaging national and regional businesses with a unique and integrated sponsorship platform centered on the premier facility in all of college football in addition to relationships with the world class University.THE ROLEThe Vice President, Partnerships will be responsible leading both the partnership sales team and the activation team tasked with conceptualizing, developing, securing, and fulfilling of key corporate and marketing partnerships. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, have an ability to balance multiple stakeholders, and has a proven track record in sales execution and leadership. The Vice President, Partnerships will report to key leaders from both Legends and JMI Sports.Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead sales and activation teams for all new Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics multimedia partnerships within guidelines established by Northwestern University
• Be trusted partner for Ryan Field Foundation LLC, Northwestern Athletics, JMI Sports, and Legends leadership serving as a key member of the team, assisting in establishing the office, recruiting, and training sales team.
• Be responsible for setting partnership processes and go-to-market strategies including sales materials, storytelling, asset packaging and implementation.
• Coordinate with Legends & JMI Sports broader sales teams to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of sales process.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams across finance, operations, and legal to position business for success.
• Work with campus and stadium procurement to source and optimize corporate partnerships.
• Research and identify industries and organizations to solicit for partnerships.
• Create detailed financial analysis of partnerships deals to demonstrate profitability.
• Secure and conduct sales meetings by leveraging relationships throughout the market and across the country.
• Negotiate and close partnerships deals and work with counsel through contract execution.
• Strategize, develop, and create partnership and marketing presentation templates and programs for sales team.
• Conceptualize and develop new revenue streams for the University.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesCarries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with all Legends & ASM policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty with energy and enthusiasm. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education and/or Experience
  • 10+ years senior-level, successful and creative partnership sales experience
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a sales team, including developing sales strategies, managing performance, incorporating ongoing education, and providing measurable results.
  • Knowledge of partnership programs, including content development and distribution for radio, television, websites, plus digital and social mediaSkills and Abilities
    • Understanding of media/advertising buys & partnership activation
    • Excellence in pitching, negotiating, and closing six and seven figure partnership deals.
    • Ability to develop creative proposals that meet and exceed potential partners' needs.
    • Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all levels internally and externally within a major University.
    • Ability to develop strong peer level relationships and work in a team-oriented environment.
    • Expertise in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, and negotiating creative solutions.
    • Multi-task in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to work solo or within a team atmosphere.COMPENSATIONCompetitive salary range between $175,000 - $275,000, commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.WORKING CONDITIONSLocation: Hybrid - Chicago, ILPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.NOTE:The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.Legends & ASM Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.Equal Opportunity Employer
      This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Keywords: Legends, Oak Park , VP, Partnerships, Executive , Chicago, Illinois