VP, Strategic Partnerships

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About IMG Academy
Named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation in 2024, IMG Academy is the world's leading sports education brand, providing a holistic education model that empowers student-athletes to win their future, preparing them for college and for life. IMG Academy provides growth opportunities for all student-athletes through an innovative suite of on-campus and online experiences:

• Boarding school and camps, via a state-of-the-art campus in Bradenton, Fla.
• Online coaching via the IMG Academy+ brand, with a focus on personal development through the lens of sport and performance
• Online college recruiting, via the NCSA brand,providing content, tools, coaching and access to a network of 40,000 college coaches

Position Summary The VP, Strategic Partnerships reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer of IMG Academy and partners closely with the Chief Commercial Officer to drive new business opportunities. This position is responsible for driving long-term revenue growth through strategic partnerships. This is a pivotal role in cultivating and optimizing strong relationships with sponsors that align with IMG Academy's goals, while expanding the brand's visibility and influence.

This role will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership to lead the mutually beneficial sponsorship packages that enhance student experience and create innovative corporate partnerships to drive long-term value.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end operational management of the partnership program for the on-campus business, ensuring seamless execution, timely delivery, and effective alignment.
• Lead business revenue generation by securing complex, strategic partnerships, consistently identifying target brands, and establishing impactful client relationships that drive sustainable business growth.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans consistent with IMG Academy's business objectives, ensuring consistent market evaluation and trend analysis to assess performance against established goals.
• Identify and engage potential partners that align with IMG Academy's brand identity and long-term business objectives.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with high-value partners, leveraging key insights to secure lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships to enhance the business and brand equity.
• Serve as a senior representative of IMG Academy in negotiations with major partners, collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer to secure and finalize high-value sponsorship agreements that are impactful in elevating IMG Academy's position.
• Ensure all sponsorship and partnerships are in alignment with IMG Academy's brand and long-term business vision.
• Assess strategic fit of potential sponsors and work collaboratively with stakeholders to secure sponsorship that complement and elevate IMG Academy's reputation and brand.
• Utilize market research and data analytics to inform, refine, and enhance strategies, ensuring IMG Academy remains at the forefront of industry trends.
• Remain well-informed on the latest industry trends, emerging sponsorship categories, and opportunities, ensuring IMG Academy stays competitive and relevant in the evolving sponsorship landscape.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the strategic partnership team, fostering collaborative and high-performance culture that reflects IMG Academy's values.
• Work closely with Director of Strategic Partnership and account management team on detailed activation plans to ensure successful execution of contracts and drive ongoing engagement for renewal opportunities.
• Develop strong relationships with team members across the organization and create opportunities to raise awareness surrounding the value and impact of key partnerships.
• Manage all aspects of the contract negotiation process, working with legal to modify and finalize agreements.
• Possess a deep understanding of P&L structures and how to construct a partnership that optimizes both revenue and cost, maximizing ROI for IMG Academy.
• Provide regular forecasting and performance reporting to key internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency.
• Uphold all company policies, procedures, and business ethic codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the ongoing success and growth of IMG Academy's sponsorship program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Public Relations, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in sponsorship sales, partnerships, or business development with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in building and managing high-value sponsorships that drive business growth, elevate brand presence, and meet ambitious sales/revenue targets.
• Dynamic and visionary leadership with the ability optimizes resources, inspires teams, and foster collaboration with colleagues and senior executives to align objects and drives impactful business results.
• Exceptional negotiation capabilities and contracting expertise, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex contract and high-stake agreement.
• Deep understanding of sponsorship activation, strategic planning, and the end-to-end execution of partnership initiatives, with strong organizational skills to manage multiple high-priority projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interface with diverse audiences, present innovative recommendations, and foster alignment with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.
• Extensive experience overseeing sponsorship strategies within the sports and/or education sectors, with a proven track record of success.
• Proficient in leveraging advanced technologies and analytics platforms to drive sponsorship initiatives and measure impact.

Background Requirements:

• Requires a background check upon offer
• Requires a drug test upon offer

Benefits:
As a full-time member of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive offering listed below. Connect with your talent acquisition specialist to learn more about benefits for our part-time roles.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options
• 401k with an Employer Match
• Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Group and Supplemental Life & AD&D
• Gym Discount Program
• Pet Insurance
• Wellbeing Program
• and more!

Don't meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Get to know us better: www.imgacademy.com www.imgacademy.com/careers

IMG Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.