VP, Strategic Partnerships

Background

Location: Hybrid work-from-home and The Fort once construction is complete (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Type: Full-time, permanent position

Division: Strategic Partnerships

Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer, APP/Ownership Group, The Fort

Overview

The APP and The Fort share a mutual vision to support the growth of pickleball and develop the sports talent at its core. This builds on the APPs reputation as the first and original USA Pickleball-sanctioned tour by now establishing a regular wide range of year-round programming opportunities tailored to pickleball players of all skill levels and ages. The APPs current plans for growth are highlighted by:

• Holding world-class, international pickleball tournaments and events for elite pros and amateurs
• Junior player development for U.S. and international students
• Programs for high-performance touring pros seeking structured, year-round training
• Opportunities for aspiring pickleball players from around the world to train, engage with other players and enjoy a vast array of resources at their disposal
• Serve as the official training home for the APP Next Gen National Team

The Fort will deliver an unmatched pickleball experience. The heart of The Fort is its pickleball club accompanied by:

• 43 professional courts and the worlds first dedicated pickleball stadium
• 14 weatherproof courts for play rain or shine
• Open and reserved play, clinics, leagues and tournaments for casual and competitive players
• Pro shop, locker rooms and fitness recovery center
• 4,000 square foot event center, and food and beverage options offering a blend of social and culinary delights that embody the South Florida lifestyle

Located within the 93-acre Snyder Park and adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, The Fort is scheduled to have its grand opening later this year, in time to welcome pickleball players to the APPs final Major of the 2024 season.

The Position

The APP and The Fort are seeking to add a smart and driven VP to its Strategic Partnerships and leadership team. The VP will be responsible for generating revenue for the The Fort. The right candidate will have proven success in sponsorship sales, relationships with key clients locally, regionally, and nationally and the ability to create new relationships among buyers. A candidate must possess a consultative selling approach and be able to detail success in having sold six, and seven-figure sponsorship agreements.

Responsibilities

General

• Embody and reflects The Forts and APPs performance-based culture and commits him/herself and team to the highest standards for all work.
• Work effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver executional excellence.

Business Development

• Prospect, pitch, and close six- and seven-figure sponsorship and media agreements with clients and agencies nationally

Team Management

• Apply a genuine eagerness to mentor, grow, and learn from a diverse and talented team.
• Manage and train select team members with responsibility for goal setting, feedback, and constructive guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• Minimum of ten (10) years full-time experience in sponsorship and/or media sales
• Strong understanding of the sales process with a passion for pitching and closing new business
• Ability to detail a history of having sold numerous six- and seven-figure sponsorship and/or media sales agreements
• Current key relationships with sponsorship and/or media buyers at clients and agencies nationally
• Ability to develop new relationships with sponsorship and/or media buyers
• Experience managing, training, and mentoring junior-level staff
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills with high-level presentation ability
• Flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively in an entrepreneurial environment
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, Excel

The Fort is an Equal Opportunity Employer