Director, Brand Alliances

Overview

Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) are seeking an experienced, results-driven Director, Brand Alliances to lead new business development and drive strategic corporate partnerships across a diverse portfolio of premier soccer properties, including Major League Soccer, the Mexican National Team, Leagues Cup, and Campeones Cup.

 

Reporting to the Vice President, Brand Alliances, this individual will play a key role in developing and executing commercial sales strategies, cultivating senior-level relationships with leading brands and agencies, and securing integrated partnerships that drive revenue growth and long-term value for MLS/SUM.

 

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated sales professional with a proven track record of generating new business, navigating complex negotiations, and developing innovative sponsorship solutions. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong commercial instincts, and hands-on sales execution, along with the ability to mentor team members and collaborate across the organization.

 

Responsibilities

• Drive new business development efforts across MLS and SUM properties, identifying, prospecting, developing, and closing strategic corporate partnerships to achieve individual and departmental revenue goals.
• Co-develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies that align with organizational priorities, commercial objectives, and market opportunities.
• Build and maintain a robust, diversified pipeline of qualified prospects and active partnership opportunities across properties and priority categories.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with senior-level decision-makers at leading national and multinational brands, agencies, and other strategic partners.
• Identify emerging categories, marketplace trends, and new business opportunities to expand the organization's commercial pipeline and revenue potential.
• Independently manage the full sales cycle, from prospect identification and initial outreach through proposal development, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Develop compelling, customized partnership proposals that integrate sponsorship rights, media, digital and social platforms, experiential activations, intellectual property, and other commercial assets.
• Lead senior-level client presentations, commercial negotiations, and strategic discussions with prospective partners and their agencies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Marketing, Media, Digital, Events, Club Services, Legal, Finance, and other business units, to develop and execute integrated partnership opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally to identify, develop, and commercialize innovative sponsorship assets and platforms that enhance partner value and generate incremental revenue.
• Represent MLS/SUM at industry conferences, networking events, matches, and hospitality programs to strengthen relationships and advance commercial opportunities.
• Provide day-to-day oversight, guidance, and mentorship to Manager(s) and Coordinator(s), supporting their professional development, helping them achieve annual performance goals, and fostering a collaborative, results-driven sales environment.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Minimum of 8 years of professional sponsorship experience in a high-performance sales environment. Experience in the Sports, Entertainment, and/or Arena Industry is preferred.

Required Skills

• Established network of senior-level brand decision-makers at the national level, complemented by strong agency relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of sports and entertainment sponsorship, including integrated marketing, promotions, events, media, digital platforms, and contractual rights.
• Proven ability to independently manage the full sales cycle, from prospecting and lead generation through proposal development, negotiation, and closing.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex commercial transactions.
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the executive presence to confidently engage and influence senior-level decision-makers.
• Experience developing and executing innovative, integrated sponsorship platforms that deliver measurable value to partners and drive revenue growth.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including familiarity with consumer research and analytics tools such as Scarborough, YouGov, and MRI-Simmons, and the ability to translate insights into compelling commercial opportunities.
• Proficiency in leveraging AI-powered tools and platforms to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, conduct research, and support the development of sales strategies, presentations, and proposals.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functional areas, including Marketing, Events, Media, Digital, Club Services, Competition, Consumer Products, Legal, and Finance.
• Proven experience managing, mentoring, and motivating sales professionals to achieve individual and departmental performance goals.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel, with the ability to independently develop compelling presentations, proposals, and financial analyses.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, integrity, and producing high-quality work.
• Willingness to travel and work nontraditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of Soccer or sports

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $120,000 - $155,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

 

Major League Soccer believes in the value of in-person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in-office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs.

 

Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

 

Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance.

 

Join our team and help support the growth and success of Major League Soccer.