Associate Director, Sports & Live

ROLE SPECIFICATION 

Job Title: Associate Director, Sports  

Reporting to: Director, Sports  

Location: New York   

About WPP 

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com. 

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com. 

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: 

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. 

• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. 

• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise. 

About Wavemaker: A Leading WPP Media Brand
Wavemaker positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.

About The Role 

Are you a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for sports and entertainment partnerships, eager to drive strategic initiatives for a key client? WPP Media’s Sports & Entertainment practice is seeking an exceptional Associate Director to oversee critical brand partnership initiatives for a fast-paced brand. 

This pivotal role demands a proven leader who can inspire a team, while also serving as the primary lead for all soccer partnerships across league, teams, talent and governing bodies and other strategic sport partnerships. You will be instrumental in shaping the vision and execution of a brand’s presence in the dynamic sports and entertainment landscape, translating complex challenges into actionable strategies, maximizing brand impact, and delivering measurable results. We are looking for a hands-on strategic operator who fosters excellence and drives innovative solutions across a wide-ranging partnership portfolio. 

Key Responsibilities 

Diverse Partnership Portfolio Oversight 

• Lead the strategic planning, negotiation, and activation of an extensive portfolio of sports and entertainment partnerships for the client’s soccer portfolio and other strategic partnerships. 

• Manage all aspects of the partnership lifecycle, including opportunity identification, agreement structuring, and execution of deliverables. 

• Ensure seamless integration across media, experiential, content, and talent channels to develop holistic and impactful campaigns. 

• Continuously optimize partnership value, monitor performance, and implement strategies to maximize ROI and achieve measurable results aligned with client objectives. 

Client & Stakeholder Management 

• Build and maintain strong senior client relationships as a trusted advisor and strategic partner. 

• Collaborate seamlessly with internal teams (media, content, analytics) and external partners (leagues, teams, properties, talent agencies) to deliver integrated solutions.  

• Present proactive strategic recommendations and performance insights clearly and persuasively to drive client growth. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of sports and entertainment marketing professionals.  

• Foster a culture of proactive thinking, continuous improvement, and excellence by driving professional development, identifying growth opportunities, setting clear objectives, conducting regular reviews, and ensuring the team is equipped with up-to-date industry knowledge and strategic capabilities. 

Qualifications 

• 7+ years of progressive experience in sports and entertainment marketing, with a significant portion in an agency setting or managing a diverse brand partnership portfolio. 

• Demonstrated expertise in overseeing and executing premium Soccer partnerships and other sports for major brands, ensuring exceptional, high-touch experiences for diverse stakeholders. 

• Proven track record of leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams. 

• Deep expertise across a broad spectrum of sports and entertainment properties, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex ecosystems and contractual agreements. 

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex challenges into actionable, innovative solutions. 

• Strong understanding of the full marketing funnel and how sports and entertainment partnerships drive brand objectives, from awareness to conversion. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop, negotiate, and execute comprehensive, integrated marketing programs that deliver measurable results. 

• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing senior stakeholders and fostering strong client relationships. 

• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a relentless drive for innovation and excellence. 

Attributes 

• Visionary: Possesses a forward-thinking perspective, anticipating trends and shaping future strategies. 

• Inspirational Leader: Motivates and empowers teams to achieve their full potential and deliver exceptional work. 

• Strategic Thinker: Connects the dots between client objectives, market trends, and innovative partnership solutions. 

• Passionate: Brings a genuine thrill and excitement to the role and the world of sports and entertainment. 

• Agile: Is able to be nimble in thought and action and overcome obstacles to achieve great things. 

• Collaborative: Works well with others, and can align behind a shared purpose. 

• Entrepreneurial: Is open to new ideas, and will challenge old ones. 

• Diverse: Is proud of the difference they can bring. 

Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.  
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
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