Los Angeles Lakers

Executive Director, Corporate Partnerships
Los Angeles, CA

Reports to Vice President, Corporate Partnerships

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Background

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in professional sports, with 17 NBA championships and a legacy spanning more than 70 years. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 1960, the Lakers have become synonymous with excellence, innovation, and global impact, attracting some of the greatest players in basketball history and building one of the strongest brands in sports.

Rooted in the vibrant Los Angeles market, the Lakers are at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and culture. The team’s presence has shaped the city’s identity, cultivating a fan base that blends Hollywood glamour with passionate local and global support.

As a cornerstone of the community and a leader in the industry, the Lakers offer a dynamic environment that celebrates teamwork, creativity, and excellence. Joining the organization means contributing to a legacy that inspires millions of fans across Los Angeles and around the world.

 

Any interested candidates should contact ZRG directly.

Contacting the LA Lakers will only delay consideration of your Qualifications.

Position Summary

The Executive Director, Corporate Partnerships is a proactive, high-energy sales executive with a deep love for the sports industry. This is a high-pressure, high-reward role. This position will leverage a positive reputation in the sports industry with the Lakers iconic brand to generate team revenue. It is ultra-responsive, corporate-client focused, and is responsible for business development and client relationship management, while maintaining Lakers brand guidelines.

Essential Functions

Research

• Research and qualify leads (companies/personnel) and set up face-to-face appointments in pursuit of new business (usually spearheading 2-3 meetings before final proposal)
• Creatively prospect in both new and untapped categories, capitalizing on changes in the sports industry, Lakers team, fan preferences, what other NBA teams are doing, etc.

Sales

• In conjunction with the Business Solutions team, work cross-functionally with all departments to create comprehensive packages for sponsors, while ensuring a high level of internal communication relative to sales activities and internal approvals
• Deep understanding of partner brands and their competitors to develop solution-based platforms to help amplify partners' brands, enable them to break through the clutter and achieve their marketing objectives
• Provide new, innovative marketing ideas to assist in the advancement of sales efforts or upselling renewals
• Leverage Lakers games and other events to demonstrate the full range of sponsorship potential to warm leads
• Use Lakers Rate Card to creatively capture business and maintain accurate reporting regarding sales, forecasting, and account maintenance

Activation & Servicing

• Manage client relationships and drive renewals for future marketing programs (e.g. understand clients’ business priorities, timelines, and budgets to adapt past proposals and drive increased revenue)
• Represent the Lakers at games and promotional events

Management

• Partner with the Business Solutions team to prepare sponsorship proposals
• Collaborate to help coach internal stakeholders to better understand new brand strategies and changing budgets / priorities of the partner brands in portfolio to pitch the strongest proposal that aligns with both the Lakers and the brands’ goals.

Key Performance Evaluation Metrics

• Dollars generated annually – both new business and renewals/upsells
• Renewal rates
• Client satisfaction (survey at end of each season)
• Level of innovation incorporated into contracts

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (Business Administration or Marketing, preferred)
• A minimum of five (5) years work experience in sales and customer service
• A proven track record of sales success (including cold calls and environments with high rates of rejection)
• Experience making impactful presentations to senior executives
• A good reputation within the sports industry, in LA, and nationally
• Technology capabilities: Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PPT essential), LinkedIn (Sales Navigator), the List, the Sports Business Journal (Resource Guide), and other online lead generation tools.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Strong Interpersonal skills (high EQ)
• Excellent people management skills
• Excellent presentation skills (must be client-ready)
• Creative problem solver who can connect today’s trends with Lakers inventory and differentiate new sponsors from existing sponsors
• Strong networking skills within the corporate community and the ability to develop lasting relationships
• Strong client relationship management (CRM) skills and exceptional responsiveness
• Demonstrated cross-functional leadership
• Strong negotiation and sales tactics
• Proven ability to meet ambitious deadlines and quotas
• Proven ability to navigate office politics and create internal buy-in around new ideas
• Proven track record of prioritization, organization, and the ability to multi-task

Salary

Base: $150K + Commissions

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and walk significant distances in the arena on game day
• Must be willing to travel 5%-10% of the time to league meetings, client meetings, and occasional away games.

ZRG’S Commitment

At ZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  ZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.