Director, Commercial Partnerships

The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters - THE originators of basketball style, captured by dynamic athletes with unmatched skills and influencers of today's game. The team has showcased their iconic brand of basketball in over 124 countries and territories across six continents since 1926. Proud inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, their mission continues to advance the game of basketball and deliver exciting and interactive entertainment to the world. If you have ever seen a jump shot, slam dunk or a half-court hook shot, you have witnessed the creative moves made famous by the Globetrotters. The Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S.

For nearly six decades Herschend Enterprises, a family of companies focused on family entertainment has operated with the purpose to bring families closer together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating and today is considered the largest family-owned themed attractions corporation.

More than 10,000 employees work daily to create wholesome, immersive entertainment experiences with soul and depth. Experiences for every generation of the family. Sometimes thrilling. Sometimes lighthearted. Always distinctive. Our award-winning theme parks, entertainment and attractions aim to inspire happiness and family bonding.

Herschend Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The Harlem Globetrotters is seeking a Director of Commercial Partnerships who will be responsible for the strategic expansion and commercial growth for the Harlem Globetrotters branded business. The role will include the implementation of global sponsorships & licensing strategies, on-boarding high impact partners and deal management as major new verticals of business growth and revenues. The Director of Commercial Partnerships reports to the VP, Commercial.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Partnership Management : Cultivate and manage collaborative & productive relationships with ongoing sales partners across their strategy & implementation including but not limited to:

• Product development & launches
• Retail launches and expansion
• Sponsorship activations and project management
• Sales support materials
• Localized market expansion efforts

2. Lead Internal Cross-Functional Collaboration : across varied subjects and business vertical including:

Go to market launch campaigns against product launches and brand activations

• CSR initiatives
• PR & Press activity
• Paid Appearances
• International Promoters & local market initiative amplification

3. Drive Growth Opportunities : continuously vet and seek out new business and commercial partnerships that can broaden HG's network of high impact partners to support revenue targets

4. Performance Tracking and Reporting : review sales and data analytics to help inform and refine strategies, track against revenue targets and support with sales data, budgeting and commissions

5. Strategic Commercial Business Growth Support : inspire, support and project manage the preparation of strategy documents and key commercial growth projects

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree

EXPERIENCE

• 5+ year experience in commercial partnerships, licensing or business development
• Strong understanding of brand/IP and asset values
• Experience driving effective commercial partnerships through great relationship building & management with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels of an organization

SKILLS

• Good analytical mindset with experience using data to drive decisions and measure partnership performance
• Knowledge and interest in market trends, competitive landscape, and consumer engagement across broad demos & audiences
• Strong project management skills with the ability to execute partnerships efficiently, balancing speed with quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• A genuine interest in sports, branded media & entertainment
• Solid business instincts, critical and entrepreneurial thinker
• Self-starter with initiative, drive and commitment
• Excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills
• An energetic and enthusiastic team player
• Ability to work under pressure to tight sales targets and deadlines.