Background: 

The Atlanta Dream, established in 2008 as a WNBA expansion team, has become a prominent franchise in women’s professional basketball. The team’s name honors Atlanta native Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Over the years, the Dream has achieved significant milestones, including three Eastern Conference championships in 2010, 2011, and 2013, and ten playoff appearances. The franchise has produced 11 WNBA All-Stars and made three WNBA Finals appearances.

The 2023-24 season was a transformative period for the Dream. The team made a historic free-agent acquisition by signing Brittney Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, signaling a strong commitment to immediate success. Additionally, the Dream secured three-time All-Star Brionna Jones, further bolstering their roster. These strategic moves, combined with the leadership of standout players like Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, have positioned the Dream as formidable contenders in the WNBA.

Under the ownership of Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and former Dream player Renee Montgomery, the franchise emphasizes community engagement and social responsibility. In partnership with The King Center, the Dream aims to become the first sports organization designated as a “Beloved Community Team,” committing to nonviolence training, civic leadership development, and community education. This dedication to positive social impact reflects the organization’s core values and its deep connection to the Atlanta community.

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting the Atlanta Dream will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

Position Summary: 

The Vice President, Partnerships Sales will conceptualize, develop, and secure key corporate sponsorships and marketing partnerships with companies wishing to maximize their relationship with the Atlanta Dream. The Atlanta Dream are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Vice President of Partnership Sales to lead the franchise’s revenue growth through innovative and impactful corporate partnerships. This executive will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Dream by securing and expanding strategic sponsorships that align with the team’s mission, values, and vision.

With a rapidly rising profile in the WNBA, a star-studded roster, and a passionate ownership group committed to both excellence on the court and community impact, this is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of a transformative era for women’s sports. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of driving high-value partnerships, strong industry relationships, and the creativity to develop best-in-class activations that engage fans and deliver measurable results for brand partners.

This is more than just a sales leadership role – it’s a chance to be a key architect of the Dream’s long-term success. As the VP of Partnership Sales, you will work alongside a collaborative front office, a visionary ownership group, and a league that is experiencing unprecedented growth. Your efforts will directly impact the franchise’s financial success, brand visibility, and ability to continue investing in top-tier talent on and off the court. If you are an ambitious, strategic, and relationship-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, this is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the sports business world.

Essential Functions

• Work with the new partnership sales team to manage key category development and platform ideation for new and existing partners

• Secure and conduct partnership development meetings with potential clients by leveraging relationships as well as cold outreach

• Aim to understand the marketing and business objectives of prospective clients and their agencies to determine how a partnership with Atlanta Dream can help them achieve their goals

• Develop relationships and work directly with Dream brand leaders to create a collaborative business development process and the opportunity for integrated partnerships

• Work with brand marketing and creative team to design high-level vision decks and interactive practice pitch meetings

• Present Atlanta Dream to potential national/international sponsorship partners and develop an integrated, solution-driven approach to creating sponsorship packages

• Create, package, and sell solution-based sponsorships while leading a team to meet and exceed all revenue goals

• Manage a pipeline of new business prospects for the entire partnership sales team

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client marketing companies and their respective advertising agencies

• Understand the marketing objectives of prospective clients and their agencies and determine how a partnership with Atlanta Dream can help them achieve their goals

• Negotiate and close sponsorship deals and work with counsel through contract execution

• Attend weekly meetings with senior-level executives and provide routine updates

• Be a team leader and contribute to the general success of Atlanta Dream across all facets, including positively representing Dream among all corporate and community partners

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Business, or another related field

• Minimum of ten (10) years of high-level partnership revenue performance preferred selling partnerships for professional, collegiate or media sports property

• Renowned solution-selling pedigree

• Solid book of business with high-level contacts at large and midsize corporations, particularly companies with sponsorship portfolios

• A proven track record in pitching, negotiating, and closing six and seven-figure sponsorship deals.

• Expertise in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, and negotiating creative solutions

• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities with excellent communication skills

• High energy and a personality that thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment

• Strong work ethic and a competitive drive to win

• Ability to communicate the value of sponsorship vs. pure media as a marketing solution

• Ability to develop creative proposals that meet and exceed potential partners’ needs

• Ability to excel in a collaborative, team-oriented environment

• Ability to quickly earn and maintain trust

• Able to work a flexible schedule that sometimes includes long hours, weekends and holidays

• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide verification of vaccination prior to start date