Football Association of Ireland→
Sales & Sponsorship Account Manager at Football… · Dublin
Skills
Job Description
Job Title: Sales & Sponsorship Account Manager
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Head of Sales & Partnerships
Commencement Date: TBC
Duration: Permanent / Full Time
Work Model: Hybrid
Introduction
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.
Purpose of the Role
The Sales & Sponsorship/Partnerships Account Manager – All Levels is responsible for driving commercial sales across all levels of Irish football—from grassroots programmes to the national teams. This includes securing new partnerships, managing existing partners, and ensuring measurable returns through activations and sponsorship rights. The role requires a proactive, target-driven individual with strong commercial acumen and a passion for football.
Key Responsibilities
Sales and Business Development
- Identify, pitch, and secure new sponsorship and commercial opportunities.
- Develop tailored proposals and presentations for potential partners.
- Conduct internal audits of available properties and create customised sales packages.
- Monitor industry trends, sponsorship opportunities, and emerging brands in Ireland.
- Build a network within the Irish marketing industry to promote football as a commercial opportunity.
- Deliver best-in-class presentations and sales materials to secure investment.
- Identify upselling opportunities and additional investment from existing partners.
Account Management
- Act as primary contact for assigned partners, ensuring delivery of partnership rights and activations.
- Understand partner business requirements and align FAI offerings accordingly.
- Plan and execute marketing and promotional campaigns with partners.
- Evaluate partnership activations and provide performance insights.
- Collaborate with internal teams (Marcomms, League of Ireland, Team Operations) for seamless execution.
- Lead the partnership renewal process while seeking new commercial opportunities.
Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, and stakeholders.
- Conduct account reviews, performance tracking, and reporting for partners.
- Promote collaboration across internal teams and showcase successful partner activations.
Market Intelligence & Strategy
- Monitor sponsorship trends and identify categories or brands aligned with FAI values.
- Provide input on pricing models, partnership packages, and inventory management.
- Maintain expert knowledge of partner accounts and their broader business objectives.
Person Specification
- Target-driven and commercially minded.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage a sales pipeline independently.
- Passionate about football and understanding of FAI’s role in Irish sport.
- Flexible, adaptable, and willing to work weekends or match days as required.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
- Experience in sponsorship sales, business development, or account management—ideally in sport, entertainment, or media.
- Proven success in achieving sales targets or commission-based earnings.
- Ability to manage budgets effectively.
- Strong presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build long-term, trust-based relationships with partners.
Desirable:
- Existing network of corporate and agency contacts in Ireland and/or internationally.
- Experience in sports marketing, sponsorship activation, or working within a sporting body or rights-holder.
- Knowledge of CRM and sales pipeline management tools.
- Ability to analyse data and translate insights into sales strategy.
- Creativity in partnership ideation and activation concepts.
- Understanding of digital and social media trends in commercial partnerships.
- Presentation design and proposal development skills (PowerPoint/Keynote/Canva).
- Team player with a positive work ethic.
- Flexible working practices including weekends.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
- Commercial sales and business development
- Sponsorship activation and account management
- Market research and commercial strategy
- Proposal and presentation development
- Commercial acumen & results orientation
- Customer focus & relationship management
- Strategic thinking & planning
- Teamwork & adaptability
Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
- Two premium level tickets to each home international game
- Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
- Opportunities to work at international matches
- Company pension
- Life assurance
- Bike to work scheme
- Free onsite parking
- Employee assistance programs
- Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
- Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
Application Details
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Friday 22nd May 2026. Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).