Partnership Marketing, Director

Hornets Sports & Entertainment is in an exciting new phase, with new leadership in both basketball and business, and a renewed commitment to elevating our franchise. Building on a strong foundation, we are focused on becoming a premier NBA organization—one that sets the standard both on and off the court. The Hornets are about much more than just basketball. We are about the energy of live sports and entertainment—an experience that is truly unmatched. Beyond Hornets basketball, Spectrum Center serves as a premier destination for world-class concerts, family shows and marquee sporting events, bringing unforgettable experiences to Charlotte year-round.

We are deeply committed to our community, using our platform to create meaningful impact and drive positive change. We proudly represent the city of Charlotte, embracing its diversity, culture and unwavering spirit. As an organization, we strive to elevate our city by connecting people through the power of basketball and live entertainment, building something special for our fans, employees and community.

Position Overview

The Partnership Marketing, Director will manage and strengthen relationships with key partners, ensuring that partnerships are executed seamlessly and deliver lasting value for both Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) and our partners. HSE includes the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, Spectrum Center Events and new business ventures.

This role requires a deep understanding of partner businesses, a proactive approach to finding growth opportunities and the ability to collaborate with various teams to drive revenue. You will manage a portfolio of high-level organizational accounts and oversee the entire current business partnership process, from onboarding and activation to renewals and upselling.

Core Values

HSE embodies the following core values:

• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Competitiveness
• Candor
• Accountability
• Resilience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for assigned partners, building strong, strategic, long-term relationships.
• Understand each partner’s business and goals and identify ways to align them with HSE assets and initiatives.
• Hold regular strategy meetings with partners to ensure goals are met and explore new opportunities.
• Drive renewals and upsells by presenting innovative, customized solutions that deliver measurable value for partners.
• Work closely with sales, marketing and analytics teams to uncover new revenue opportunities and improve existing offerings.
• Create clear and compelling presentations and proposals that demonstrate the value of HSE partnerships.
• Oversee the delivery of partnership assets, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.
• Develop, in conjunction with Activation, detailed activation strategies for each partner, outlining goals, deliverables and timelines.
• Collaborate with partners to integrate their brand into HSE events, media and fan engagement activities in a way that resonates with audiences.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of partnership recaps, showcasing key successes and areas for improvement.
• Act as a mentor and guide to the team where needed.
• Ensure smooth communication and alignment between partners and internal teams.
• Represent the Partnership Marketing team in company-wide initiatives and cross-departmental projects.
• Use CRM systems, analytics tools and market research to provide partners with valuable insights and recommendations.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to revenue, activation quality and partner satisfaction.
• Attend games and events to support partner activations and strengthen relationships.
• Maintain proactive communication with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment and success.
• Demonstrate professionalism and uphold HSE brand standards in all interactions and deliverables.

Required Skills, Experience, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, you should demonstrate the following competencies associated with the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in partnership marketing, revenue generation, client management, or a related field, with a proven ability to drive revenue growth.
• In-depth knowledge of marketing, partnerships and premium hospitality in sports or entertainment venues.
• Innovative and strategic thinker, passionate about the entertainment industry.
• Strong relationship-building skills with a customer-first approach, capable of engaging with executives and affluent clientele.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple accounts.
• High-energy, self-motivated partnerships professional with a passion for driving revenue.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to highlight the value of partnerships.
• Effective problem-solving abilities in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms, analytics tools and presentation software.
• Excellent negotiation, closing and consensus-building skills.
• Commitment to delivering a white-glove service experience that drives client satisfaction and retention.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with adaptability in style.
• Flexible schedule availability, including evenings, weekends and select holidays.

Additional Information

This is a full time benefit eligible position. HSE is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity.

HSE provides valuable benefits and competitive time off policies to help you and your family lead healthy, balanced lives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All requests for medical or religious accommodations to perform the stated job duties will be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.