Purpose and Scope of the Position
The Manager – Strategic Partnerships is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing sponsorship and partnership opportunities that support events and commercial objectives. This role focuses on building strong, long-term relationships with sponsors, creating high-value partnership propositions, and achieving defined revenue targets through strategic collaborations.
The position requires a proactive, commercially driven professional with strong relationship-building, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorship Development
- Design and implement comprehensive sponsorship strategies to identify and attract potential partners across relevant industries.
- Create, maintain, and manage a robust sponsorship and partnerships database aligned with event objectives.
- Develop sponsorship plans that align with overall strategic and commercial goals.
- Identify, prospect, and establish relationships with potential sponsors and partners.
Business Development & Revenue Generation
- Proactively pursue new business opportunities to achieve sponsorship and partnership revenue targets.
- Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and sponsorship proposals to potential partners.
- Negotiate and close sponsorship agreements, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Ensure all sponsorship opportunities align with brand positioning and corporate objectives.
Partnership Management & Execution
- Act as the primary point of contact for sponsors, ensuring smooth communication and relationship management.
- Oversee end-to-end sponsorship execution, from planning through delivery and post-event reporting.
- Foster long-term relationships to encourage repeat partnerships and ongoing engagement.
Performance Analysis & Reporting
- Monitor and evaluate sponsorship performance against agreed objectives and KPIs.
- Conduct ROI analysis and provide regular performance reports to internal stakeholders and sponsors.
- Identify areas for improvement and implement strategic enhancements to sponsorship outcomes.
Market Intelligence
- Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activity, and new sponsorship opportunities.
- Stay updated on industry best practices in sponsorships, partnerships, and brand collaborations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Sales, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Master's degree is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar sponsorships, partnerships, or business development role.
Required Skills and Competencies
Technical & Professional Skills
- Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Proven ability to create innovative sponsorship proposals and successfully close deals.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Knowledge of digital marketing trends and brand partnerships.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in ROI measurement and reporting.
Communication & Language Skills
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
- Arabic language skills are an added advantage and preferred.
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Results-driven and proactive go-getter mindset.
- Team player with an outgoing and sociable personality.
- Innovative problem solver with strong commercial acumen.
- High levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
