Organization: Player 15 Group (Holding Company for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns)

Position Title: Director, Partnership & Media Sales

Reports To: Vice President, Partnership & Media Sales

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Search Contact: Prodigy Search

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BACKGROUND

Player 15 Group is a dynamic and innovative holding company that owns and operates the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns, and the Mortgage Matchup Center. We are committed to excellence, both on and off the court, and aim to drive significant growth through strategic partnerships and media sales. Our team is dedicated to creating impactful and integrated solutions that enhance our brand and deliver exceptional value to our partners.

SUMMARY

The Director, Partnership & Media Sales is a critical leadership role within the Player 15 Group’s revenue team. Reporting to the Vice President, Partnership & Media Sales, the Director is responsible for driving new business development across sponsorship and media partnerships for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns, and the Legends Entertainment District. This individual will play a key role in identifying, developing, and closing high-impact, integrated marketing partnerships that align with the Player 15 Group’s strategic goals.

The Director will be responsible for managing one direct report—a Manager of Partnership & Media Sales—and will be expected to mentor and guide their development while contributing directly to revenue growth. This position demands a strong combination of sales leadership, creative thinking, strategic planning, and relationship management, with a focus on delivering tailored, innovative partnership solutions to prospective corporate partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• New Business Development: Drive the full sales cycle including prospecting, needs analysis, ideation, proposal development, negotiation, and closing. Proactively identify and pursue new partnership opportunities that align with brand objectives and maximize revenue potential. Build customized, high-impact partnership solutions using assets across media, digital, experiential, and venue platforms. Collaborate with the Product Development team to bring unique, data-informed partnership platforms to market.
• Strategic Sales Execution: Create compelling, insight-driven proposals that articulate clear value propositions for prospective partners. Leverage market intelligence and internal data to inform targeting, positioning, and partner outreach strategies. Execute high-quality pitches and presentations that reflect the premium nature of the Player 15 Group’s properties.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Creative, Marketing, Product Development, and Legal teams to align on deliverables and ensure execution readiness. Work with the Partnership Strategy & Service team to ensure a seamless transition from sale to service.
• Team Leadership & Coaching: Manage and develop one Manager, Partnership & Media Sales, ensuring performance targets are met and professional growth is supported. Foster a team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with senior-level decision makers, agencies, and brand marketers. Represent the Player 15 Group at industry events, conferences, and key meetings.
• Performance Tracking & Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date pipeline and CRM data. Report on revenue targets, prospecting progress, and performance metrics to VP, Partnership & Media Sales.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in sponsorship sales, media sales, or integrated marketing partnerships, preferably in sports, entertainment, or media.
• Demonstrated ability to close six- and seven-figure partnership deals.
• Strong leadership qualities with experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including pitch creation and presentation delivery.
• Deep understanding of consultative selling and partnership marketing principles.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office, and proposal/presentation tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; MBA a plus.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as one of the largest boutique recruiting agencies in North America. Simply, Prodigy Search is Where the Best Brands Come for the Best Talent.