Marketing Manager, Sports Media & Talent Partnerships

Marketing Manager, Sports Media & Talent Partnerships - Athletes First

Athletes First is seeking a dynamic sales executive to lead endorsement sales and strategic brand partnerships for A1's Broadcasting and New Media clients, including broadcasters, media personalities, content creators, and podcast brands.

The Sports Media & Talent Partnerships Marketing Manager will be responsible for generating revenue, marketing opportunities, and selling advertising inventory across A1's digital, podcast, and media platforms. This individual must be proactive, revenue-driven, energetic, and passionate about the intersection of sports, media, and entertainment.

This is a unique opportunity for a results-oriented sales professional who thrives in the sports media ecosystem and is passionate about connecting brands with influential voices across the digital and broadcast landscape.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead Broadcasting and New Media endorsement sales, including prospecting, outreach, pitching, closing, and account management.
• Directly generate revenue for A1's talent and media properties through national and global brand partnerships across endemic and non-endemic categories.
• Sell advertising inventory across podcasts and digital content (e.g., title sponsorships, host-read ads, branded content, and integrations).
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline using CRM tools, driving consistent outreach and relationship development with brands, agencies, and media buyers.
• Meet or exceed quarterly and annual sales targets, contributing directly to the company's revenue growth.
• Create strategic sales plans and custom pitch materials aligned with individual talent profiles and media platforms.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with agents, marketing managers, and creative teams to package and promote talent with compelling, solutions-based storytelling.
• Own and develop relationships with key brand partners, media agencies, sports agencies, and advertising decision-makers.
• Work closely with the head of A1 Sales to set and execute short- and long-term goals, sales strategy, and activation timelines.
• Operate fluidly between high-profile national campaigns and local/regional trade agreements to ensure well-rounded success for clients.
• Contribute to a team-first, entrepreneurial sales culture-sharing leads, ideas, and opportunities across the entire A1 talent portfolio.
• Represent clients at events, shoots, and appearances as needed.
• Ensure timely and professional communication with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Support sales administration functions such as contract management, invoicing, and collections.
• Maintain and update marketing materials, internal databases, and CRM records.
• Proactively identify new business opportunities and stay ahead of sports media trends and brand needs.
• Regularly contribute ideas for company growth and talent marketing innovation.

Education & Required Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 3-5+ years of experience in a sales-focused role, ideally in sports, media, advertising, or talent representation.
• Proven success in meeting or exceeding sales targets and managing client relationships.
• Passion for sports media is essential, with a strong understanding of athletes, leagues, content platforms, and fan engagement.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and presentation skills.
• Highly motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple deals simultaneously.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Collaborative mindset and a drive to contribute to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.