Sports Partnerships Account Executive - University of Michigan

Detroit, MI
Full Time
Mid Level
Core Responsibility: The Sports Partnerships Account Executive is a dedicated position focused exclusively on monetizing BBGI's relationship with University of Michigan athletics and connecting brands with the passionate Michigan Wolverines fanbase. You'll work directly with corporate sponsors, local businesses, and national brands to create integrated sponsorship packages leveraging BBGI's media assets, Michigan sports content, and experiential marketing opportunities tied to one of college sports' most valuable brands.
Requirements:
  • Passionate, self-motivated sports marketing professional with deep knowledge of University of Michigan athletics and fanbase
  • Strong understanding of college sports sponsorship landscape, NCAA regulations, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities
  • Excellent relationship-building skills with ability to connect with both Fortune 500 brands and local Ann Arbor/Detroit businesses
  • Outstanding presentation skills with ability to create compelling sponsorship proposals and activation concepts
  • Strategic thinker who understands brand alignment, audience targeting, and sponsorship ROI metrics
  • Willingness to work non-traditional hours including game days, weekends, and special events
Essential Duties:
Presenting and Selling
  • Build and maintain sponsorship relationships with existing Michigan sports partners while growing investment levels
  • Identify and secure new corporate sponsors aligned with University of Michigan brand values and fanbase demographics
  • Develop relationships with brand managers, marketing directors, and agency partners interested in college sports sponsorships
  • Create integrated sponsorship packages combining: broadcast mentions, digital advertising, social media integration, hospitality experiences, and on-site activations
  • Sell multi-platform programs leveraging Michigan football, basketball, hockey, and Olympic sports content across BBGI assets
  • Structure creative partnerships around: game day broadcasts, pre/post-game shows, coaches shows, athlete appearances, tailgate activations, and fan engagement events
  • Maintain organized approach covering: brand objectives, target audience alignment, competitive sponsorship analysis, activation planning, and measurement frameworks
  • Identify category-exclusive sponsorship opportunities in sectors like banking, automotive, healthcare, quick-service restaurants, and retail
Planning
  • Prepare for sponsorship presentations by researching brand marketing objectives, competitive sponsorships, and budget cycles
  • Understand Michigan fanbase demographics including geographic reach, household income, lifestyle characteristics, and media consumption
  • Research corporate sponsor categories and identify brands seeking college sports marketing opportunities
  • Stay current on college athletics trends, conference realignment impacts, playoff expansion, and NIL developments affecting sponsorship value
Achieve Budget Goals
  • Meet or exceed annual sponsorship revenue goals tied to Michigan sports programming and content
  • Maximize BBGI's share of University of Michigan-related sponsorship spending in the market
Service Customers
  • Communicate regularly with sponsors regarding activation timelines, game schedules, and special opportunity windows
  • Serve as primary contact ensuring flawless execution of sponsorship elements from broadcast integration to event logistics
  • Develop strong relationships with sponsor brand teams, ensuring renewals and identifying upsell opportunities
  • Coordinate post-campaign recaps demonstrating sponsorship value through ratings, engagement metrics, and brand lift studies
Product Knowledge - Sports Partnership Focus
  • Master BBGI's Michigan sports assets including broadcast rights, digital platforms, social media reach, and event access
  • Understand sponsorship valuation methodologies and competitive pricing for college sports properties
  • Leverage audience research on Michigan fanbase loyalty, purchase behavior, and brand affinity
  • Stay current on sponsorship best practices including: brand integration vs. traditional spots, social media amplification, and experiential marketing
  • Understand NCAA compliance requirements affecting sponsorship content and athlete involvement
  • Monitor competitor sports properties and sponsorship offerings (MSU, Detroit pro sports, Big Ten Network)
Administrative Duties
  • Maintain detailed sponsorship records including contract terms, deliverable schedules, and fulfillment tracking
  • Track Michigan athletics calendar including football/basketball schedules, bowl games, tournaments, and special events
  • Provide organized sponsorship performance reports and renewal recommendations
  • Utilize CRM to manage multi-year sponsorship agreements and stakeholder contacts
Coordination and Communication
  • Work closely with programming and promotions teams to ensure seamless sponsorship integration
  • Collaborate with University of Michigan athletic department on partnership opportunities (within BBGI rights scope)
  • Coordinate with creative services on sponsor content production and brand activation materials
  • Provide weekly updates on sponsorship pipeline, renewals at risk, and competitive intelligence
  • Staff key Michigan sports events including home football games, March Madness watch parties, and bowl game activations
  • Participate in sponsor hospitality experiences and relationship-building events
Michigan Sports Focus Areas:
  • Football season sponsorships (September-January including bowl games/playoffs)
  • Basketball season partnerships (November-April including tournament)
  • Hockey, baseball, and Olympic sports sponsorship opportunities
  • Michigan alumni network and fan club engagement programs
  • Rivalry game premium sponsorships (Ohio State, Michigan State)
  • Signing day, coaching specials, and off-season programming
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years in sports marketing, sponsorship sales, or college athletics business operations
  • Established relationships within Michigan corporate community and/or college sports sponsorship space
  • Understanding of sports broadcasting rights and media partnerships
  • Familiarity with sponsorship measurement tools and ROI analysis
  • Season ticket holder or active member of Michigan alumni/fan community (preferred but not required)

To apply, please email your resume to [email protected]
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