Director, Brand Consulting at THE·TEAM in Chicago, IL

THE·TEAM is proud to provide representation and marketing services to talent, brands and properties across 28 countries and more than 70 cities worldwide. Our brands and properties group partners with iconic brands and rights holders to turn relevance into revenue through integrated strategy and consulting, creative, live experiences and commercialization. We help clients understand, connect to and inspire global audiences by bringing together brands, properties and talent/creators to build meaningful relationships that drive measurable business outcomes.

Shaped by our belief in the unifying power of sports, music and entertainment, THE·TEAM leads with intelligence, ideas and influence. For more information, please visit the.team.

JOB OVERVIEW: THE·TEAM is looking for a motivated individual to join the Brands Retainer Client team. This position is responsible for overseeing and leading partnerships, colleagues, and processes to ensure client satisfaction. This position is expected to consistently provide excellent customer service to accounts, as well as represent client needs and goals within the organization to ensure quality.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Oversee and direct team members in client service, partnership management, general relationship development, project coordination and internal agency resource coordination
• Lead teams responsible for developing 360-partnership marketing plans that start with evaluating and vetting traditional and non-traditional partnership constructs and continues with establishing and implementing a strategic direction including brief development through to program structure, including but not limited to content, digital, social, experiential and influencer
• Partner with the agency’s internal research and insights team to establish program success metrics on the front end while leading the process to determine program effectiveness on the back end
• Oversee and facilitate, in partnership with the VP, deal structures and negotiation strategy of accounts; work with client, agency and internal teams to craft the best business structures for clients entering or renewing agreements in the digital, gaming, lifestyle, sports or entertainment arena
• Facilitate negotiations between the partner and client where/when required; and once a sponsorship is established, manage the relationship to ensure the client is fully leveraging all benefits and assets
• Demonstrate a track record of developing and cultivating relationships with clients, properties, talent partners and media partners as well as agency teams and third-party vendors
• Maintain oversight of and delegate all client-related and partnership budgets for assigned client accounts while assisting the team with tracking, billing and reporting
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and partners setting the tone for regular formal and informal check ins, status meetings, troubleshooting and advancing the business
• Intercede when issues arise between partners and programs; work diligently to create solutions for clients
• Actively supervise staff, provide feedback, and ensure employee professional development through establishment of an ongoing cadence of check ins and the co-authoring of annual goals and yearly reviews in partnership with the account’s VP
• Understand the landscape for each client’s business/sector as well as the industry contexts for their investments. Build cutting edge strategic plans for clients to meet/exceed objectives with the support of insights and data from team members
• Maintain a good working relationship with key stakeholders to ensure all parties receive appropriate attention, support, and ensures Wasserman is in lockstep with the client’s plans as it relates to the growth and changes
• Build relationships with clients to encourage new and repeat business opportunities and is willing to “walk the halls” and spend the time with the client to solidify the agency’s position inside the client organization
• Use forward-thinking initiatives to identify the next best strategic opportunities and continue to deliver top results to the client
• Work closely with the project team in order to maintain a continuous knowledge of project statuses in order to identify potential issues and/or opportunities within or related to projects
• Lead and supports teams via experience, through condensed timelines, with multiple deliverables in parallel, for various stakeholders while setting a process that ensures deliverable completion and maintains the highest quality possible
• Partner with Senior Manager, Director and the rest of the team to oversee, initiate and delegate regular two-way communication between our day-to-day clients, client business units, client brand teams, internal Wasserman teams and all external partners and vendors to provide strong client service and set proper client expectations
• Quickly grasp and understand Wasserman’s capabilities and service offerings in order to identify opportunities to present new capabilities to the client
• Is comfortable expanding beyond the remit of this particular role and is willing to support and/or help lead new client pitches and play a role in responding to RFPs.
• Think daily about business development and new revenue opportunities with existing clients and potential clients.

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WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree
• 10+ years relevant experience with minimum 6 years of direct experience in account and project management
• Specific experience working in gaming in a sponsorship and/or activation capacity with direct oversight of a tournament and various talent deals
• Working knowledge of project management fundamentals
• High-level proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; advanced skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel for deck development and budget management
• Possess exceptional communication skills, both oral and written
• Superior interpersonal skills and be able to create a rapport with people of all demographics
• Proven Account Management skills required in order to create, maintain and enhance customer relationships
• Possess social perceptiveness and understand behavioral nuances in deal negotiations
• Strong leadership capabilities to motivate team to accomplish goals and develop professional skills
• Motivated, goal oriented, persistent and a skilled negotiator
• High level of initiative and works well independently and in a team environment
• Plans and carries out responsibilities with minimal direction
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills

Base salary range: $100-130K, plus bonus potential if applicable for role. Actual base salary is dependent on several factors including but not limited to; market dynamics, location and region, experience, specialized skills/training (education), level of responsibility, budgetary considerations, tenure at the company (for current employees), etc. The salary range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Compensation decisions are dependent on circumstances of each role

What We Offer:

• Professional Development: Take advantage of our learning and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement support.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy generous paid time off and holiday allowances to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Parental Leave: We provide paid parental leave to support your family during important life events.
• Retirement Plan: 401k plan including contribution matching.
• Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life and disability coverage options.
• Ancillary: Critical illness, identity protection, pet insurance, 529 plans and more
• Commuter Benefits: Access support for travel and commuting needs, where available

THE·TEAM does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.