The name may sound esoteric, but most of the time a Partnership Marketing Coordinator is basically liaison between company and partners. A partners in USL such as brands, sponsors or other organizations involved with the league. They ensure partnerships appear smoothly, create value and are beneficial for both USL itself and its partners.
For example, consider when a large beverage company signs on as the official provider of hydration for USL games. The Partnership Marketing Coordinator makes sure this company’s logos are visible on banners, their name gets mentioned in social-media campaigns related to matches participating in and any activations during games are in line with previously agreed-upon expectations.
Put another way, this job demands doing both the planning and legwork.
Main Job Descriptions for USL’s Partnership Marketing Coordinator
1. Relationship Management
One core to this role is the management of relationships. The coordinator is the company’s main person for established partnerships. In all such areas as regular check-ins, keeping the partners informed about progress and handling difficulties that arise, it is necessary to provide incentives and create trust between people.
For example:
Set up regular check-ins with partners to discuss deliverables, and make tweaks in response to their feedback, so that they feel happy about how things are going.
2. Executing Organizational Deliverables
Every partnership agreement makes precise requests—like a certain amount of social media mentions, or for one organization’s logo to be used at each event. See that these commitments are met. As brands pay large sums for partnership deals, the coordinator must at least be able to maximize the return on their payments.
Example:
If a shirt sponsorship deal demands that the brand’s name is printed all over shirts in proportion to levels of exposure—standard procedure in all product packaging—coordinator organization should be equal what it sponsors.
3. Coordination and Management of Marketing Campaigns
Working closely with marketing teams will form the main work of this position. Partnership marketing coordinators assist brand partners in implementing campaigns that are in line with their goals and also preserve as far as possible the style and character of the USL.
Example:
A fast-food sponsor running a fan guessing contest contest for free meals after a goal? The coordinator ensures that it is smartly run across social channels and at matches.
4. Reporting Partnership Returns for Sponsors
One component of maintaining solid connections is being able to clearly display results. Coordinators collect data on partnership campaigns, such as impressions made, links clicked by fans or what sort of things are taking place before matches start; then reports it all back to sponsors.
Example:
After a sponsored half-time show, the coordinator might report on stadium interaction numbers, how far posts reached in social media and fan reaction to that television commercial.
5. Trends Monitoring
If you want to stay at the cutting edge of partnership marketing, then be mindful of what may be coming. Coordinators have to stay current on new policy trends and online promotional tools, different fads among fans.
Example:
When a partner mentions any willingness to get involved with new ideas, they can then incorporate new trends like ‘Designated Influencers’ or ‘RA Fan Activations’.
Essential Skills for a Partnership Marketing Coordinator
– Communication and Interpersonal Skills
The basis of partnership marketing lies with relationships. Strong communication is the guarantee of effective delivery and make sure that partners remain satisfied.
– Project Management
Keeping coordinated across multiple deliverables in different campaigns takes a high order of organization. A coordinator should perform well in prioritization, from timelines to logistics.
– Marketing Knowledge
Despite being a partnership-related role, understanding both traditional and digital marketing strategies is essential. Whether it means running social media contests or drafting email campaigns, marketing expertise will help coordinators to serve their partners effectively.
– Problem-Solving
Every partnership comes with its own particular problems. Coordinators must be able to think on their feet and find fresh ideas for solving them when things don’t go as expected.
– Data Analysis
Numbers are important for measuring the success of partnerships. From interpreting data on fan engagement to pulling out analytics reports, data literacy is an essential skill.
Why the Role Is Critical to USL’s Success
– Enhancing Revenue Streams
Sponsorships and partnerships provide significant revenue for sports leagues like those in USL. Ensuring that these partnerships work implies a long-term financial future.
– Expanding Market Reach
A well executed partnership extends the league’s reach to new audiences. For example, a tech sponsor might introduce USL to innovation-driven millennials, thus increasing fan involvement.
– Strengthening Brand Image
Successful partnerships create trust and heighten the perception of the league. By bringing value to partners, coordinators build up USL’s reputation as a trustworthy partner.
– Creating Memorable Fan Experiences
Strategic partnerships benefit fans directly. Whether it is providing freebies at games or putting on community events backed by sponsors, the work of partnership selling directors is helping produce fan engagement which in turn encourages loyalty.
How to Prepare for a Career in Partnership Marketing
– Marketing Fields for Gaining Experience
Herald One of the following: social media administration, content production and event marketing where applicable hands-on marketing experience will make the difference
– Blog Your Communication Skills
Volunteer in connection-driven roles. Or perhaps presenting ideas to peers in a professional manner and networking will provide invaluable work experience for the future.
– Establish Organizational Skills
System like Trello, Google Apps for Work, and Apple’s iWork can help you keep up to date with your projects, and Asana could be the place to turn for managing them
– Understand Analytics Basics
Learn how to read and interpret data from a variety of tools have Google Analytics or the analytic offerings of social networking Web sites
– Stay Sport-Savvy
Get familiar with the latest sports marketing trends and sponsorships so that you can show those you hope to enter into partnership with that your passion really extends into this realm
Why Partnership Marketing Is Important For The Future Of Sports
Partnership marketing is increasingly critical in sports. As competition for fan eyeballs increases, strong partnerships with corporate sponsors are leverage that allows sports leagues to push envelope and provide fans unparalleled experiences. Roles like Partnership Marketing Coordinator aren’t merely operational capabilities. They’re strategic.
Want To Join USL Team?
If all the above sounds like your dream job, keep an eye on the USL careers page. The league looks for self-motivated individuals who are enthusiastic about both sports and marketing to join its expanding team. Who knows? You might make a major contribution to forming the future of partnership marketing in sports.
